Prosecutor Installs Police Monitor

CAPE MAY – The rift between the city of Cape May and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office continues to widen. Angered by what he has called “outrageous” behavior by the city and its attorney Anthony Monzo regarding what Prosecutor Robert Taylor says is, “the release of confidential information related to an Internal Affairs Investigations” and actions contrary “to Attorney General Guidelines,” Taylor has installed a monitor in the Cape May Police Department.
The role of this monitor is to act as a “buffer” between city officials and the recently demoted Robert Sheehan whom Taylor refers to as “Chief/Captain” Sheehan.
The monitor, Detective Mark Weeks from the Prosecutor’s Office, is a retired Major with the New Jersey State Police. Taylor made clear that the day to day operations of the police department remains with Sheehan and the regular chain of command. Taylor also indicated that his move was in part a response to a request from Sheehan.
Although Sheehan was removed from his position as chief, he reverted to his previous position as captain and remains the senior officer in the department.
The heated council meeting, which also saw the resignation of Council Member Jerry Inderwies, has been followed by the public disclosure of events dating back to the summer of 2014.
Taylor directed that “all future communications of any kind” with the police department by city officials “go through Detective Weeks.” Taylor also directed the mayor and Council to go through Weeks to contact him if they had “any questions or concerns” about his decision.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
For related coverage, go to:
– Prosecutor Calls City’s Release of Confidential Information ‘Outrageous’: http://goo.gl/43LX1F.
– Council Member Resigns Following Rescinding of Police Chief’s Contract: http://goo.gl/Tm9dTx.