Police chief heads leaner, proactive dept. Mitchell aims for strong community relationships, efficiency BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer KEYPORT - Thomas Mitchell is almost two months into his job as police chief and is sticking by the goals he set when he first took over as head of the Keyport Police Department. The Keyport Borough Council appointed a permanent police chief during the governing body's annual reorganization meeting back on Jan. 1. "I want to ensure the department has the tools they need to be the most professional and proactive police department," Mitchell said. "In 2007, with the retirement of the chief and other officers, the department ran most of the year with 16 men, down from 19. By utilizing grants and other proactive enforcement measures, we were able to increase the productivity of the department." The council unanimously voted to promote Mitchell from captain to the top position in the police department. Mayor Robert J. Bergen swore Mitchell in to office. Mitchell had served as interim head of the Keyport Police Department since the retirement of former Police Chief Ted Gajewski last year. Mitchell has been a member of the department since 1984. Since joining the department, he has gradually moved up through the ranks. He started as a patrolman in 1984 and became a detective in 1988, where he worked on investigations, and also was assigned to work with the Bayshore Narcotics Task Force. From March 1997 through June 1998 he was commander of the Bayshore Narcotics Task Force, a position he held again from 2000-2001. In 2001 he was appointed to the rank of lieutenant, and in 2006 he was promoted to captain. Mitchell said that he is impressed with the increased productivity of the borough's police force over the past two years, even with the department employing fewer officers. "I am equally proud that in 2007, working with less manpower than we had in previous years, the department was able to accomplish an increase in productivity and efficiency," Mitchell said. According to Mitchell, 4,365 summonses were issued in 2007 compared with 2,804 the previous year. Arrests were up from 510 to 787 during the same time period, and DWI arrests in 2007 reached 61 as opposed to 26 the year before. Mitchell said that he was also impressed with the way the department handled the difficult situation during a period when relations between the department and former mayor John Merla were strained. Merla is currently serving a 22- month sentence in federal prison for accepting bribes. "I am proud of the men and women of the police department on how they responded to the controversy in 2006 regarding the ex-mayor," Mitchell said. "They remained loyal and professional." Mitchell said that as chief, he wants to continue the department's successful work with the elected officials and residents in Keyport. "The police department is looking forward to working with the governing body, the businesses and residents of Keyport in keeping the level of service at a premium," Mitchell said. "In these times, we have to be more lean, productive and efficient without taking away the effectiveness of policing." He said that he was proud to even be considered for the position. "I am honored that the governing body and the people of Keyport have put their trust and support in selecting me to run the Keyport Police Department," Mitchell said.