VILLAS – The Lower Township Police Department command structure will change, including the creation of a deputy chief of police position, after an ordinance introduced June 5 becomes effective.
Ordinance 2023-13 will not add a new officer but will convert one of two captain positions into a deputy police chief.
The township code allows the department to have a police chief and “up to two captains.” Currently, Capt. Donald Vanaman is the executive officer, or second in command.
Charles Ryan holds the titles of provisional captain and administrative commander. According to the ordinance, Police Chief Kevin Lewis recommended the restructuring of the current chain of command “in order to provide an additional level of supervision and authority within the department.”
Vanaman said Ryan is technically an acting captain. He said when a vacancy comes up and a test is available, qualified officers could test for the position. He said test scores are good for three years. Vanaman said there would likely be a captain’s exam in the fall.
Vanaman said the position of deputy police chief is not just a position of higher responsibility, but there is an increased level of authority that comes with it.
“When the chief is out, the deputy chief can work with the authority of the chief, especially in a crisis situation – he can make decisions, spend money, and save lives,” Vanaman said.
He said several other departments in Cape May County have opted to have deputy chiefs. Vanaman said it is similar to having a chief of staff who works more closely with the chief and who can attend meetings on behalf of the chief, such as with the mayor or other police departments.
