Middle Township Class II Officer Resigns

COURT HOUSE – Christmas Day was not a joyous time for former Middle Township Class II police officer Brian Revoir. Just prior to the holiday, Revoir had joined other officers in Middle Township Police Department delivering hundreds of gifts to area residents as part of the department’s annual toy drive. When the holiday actually arrived, however, Revoir, 21 and a member of the department since October 2013, was arrested by New Jersey State Police.
Revoir was charged with criminal mischief and harassment during a domestic violence incident. A temporary restraining order was issued against him.
Middle Township Police Department and the County Prosecutor’s Office were notified by State Police. Middle Township Police Capt. John Edwards said, “Revoir was ‘removed from the schedule at that point.’” As a Class II officer, that meant Revoir was no longer working until the incident was resolved.
Just days later, on Jan. 4, Revoir was again arrested and charged with contempt for violation of the restraining order. At that point, following the second arrest, Revoir resigned his position with the department.
Edwards said, “prior to these incidents, Revoir performed well as an officer.” Revoir was subsequently charged with violation of the order again following his resignation.
The department’s annual report showed that Revoir had served in the Special Services Unit. As a Class II officer, Revoir had the same duties and responsibilities as full-time officers, but was used based upon department need. As a Class II officer, Revoir was also required to leave his weapon in the department when off duty.
The use of Class II officers has been a strategy employed in the state’s shore communities for many years. It gives communities a way to deal with the summer months when the population soars and more police presence is required. Tight budgets and a sluggish economy have led to the spread of the Class II program in the last five years.
At the Jan. 21 meeting of the Middle Township Committee, Police Chief Christopher Leusner said it was a “big day” for the department as two new full time officers were sworn in. The department has been struggling to rebuild its force level following the reductions caused by the economic downturn after 2008. At that meeting, he thanked Mayor Timothy Donohue and the other committee members for helping the department reach 48 full time officers, just below the high water mark of 52 enjoyed prior to the economic crisis. The expanded use of Class II officers has been an important factor in how many of the county police departments have dealt with reduced budgets.
Class II officers do not typically work full time except in the summer season, and they are not part of the police union.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.