2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

March 18, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi announced today that, at the direction of Acting Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and pursuant to the authority vested in the County Prosecutor, he is assuming control of the daily operations of the Camden Police Department, effective immediately.

In a letter Sarubbi received today, Harvey wrote, "I direct that effective immediately, in your capacity as County Prosecutor and Monitor of the Camden Police Department, you supersede the management, administration and operation of the Camden Police Department."

Earlier today Sarubbi met with Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison and Chief Operating Officer Melvin R. "Randy" Primas regarding the supersession. Both pledged their cooperation and support. Both attended an afternoon news conference at the Prosecutor's Office together with Camden City Deputy Police Chief Edwin Figueroa.

In directing Sarubbi to supersede, Harvey cited Sarubbi's authority under a 1953 New Jersey Supreme Court decision in State v. Winne, which states the County Prosecutor has "the dominant position and primary responsibility for the enforcement of criminal laws" within a county.

Sarubbi designated Anthony Saponare, Chief of County Investigators, to join with a state offical designated by Harvey to administer the police department's daily operations. Chief Saponare retired in 1989 from the Camden Police Department as Deputy Chief after 25 years of dedicated service. He went on to serve the Camden County Sheriff's Department as an Undersheriff for 12 years before assuming his present position with the Prosecutor's Office last year.

"Chief Saponare is uniquely qualified to assume these important responsibilities," Sarubbi said. "He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Camden Police Department and of the city and its people. We're very fortunate to have a man of his background and impeccable integrity available for this service."
Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Natal set bail at $7,500, cash or bond, which the defendant subsequently posted.

In accordance with the Acting Attorney General's directive, Sarubbi will submit to Harvey by Thursday, March 20, a plan to implement supersession.

Sarubbi said he welcomes the opportunity to work with Deputy Chief Figueroa to address issues in the department and create an organizational and management structure that puts more officers on the street during high-crime periods.

"I look forward to working with the dedicated, talented men and women of the department," Sarubbi said, noting that criticisms of the department focused on faulty management practices and were not directed toward the efforts of patrol officers on the street. "Together, in the spirit of teamwork, we will improve police services and better protect the interests of the community which we are all so proud to serve."