Warner "Doc" Bundens Last Constable and First Police Chief of East Greenwich N.J. Photograph from East Greenwich Township Centennial Booklet 1881-1981

Beginning in 1695, when Old Gloucester County was divided into "Constablewicks," a constable was the person who maintained local law enforcement, working in conjunction with the county sheriff.

The position of constable was usually a part-time one, so in addition local citizens often formed organizations to protect their residents from harm, and to pursue those suspected of stealing horses, mules, livestock, wagons and other personal property. On February 7, 1914, an association known as "The Mickleton Mutual Pursuing and Detective Association," was formed with Herbert Brown as first president with 196 citizens joining this group.

The first East Greenwich Township constable was Hugh Mulvey. The last two constables of East Greenwich were Christian Miller and Warner "Doc" Bundens. Warner Bundens became our first police chief in the 1920's, when he was officially appointed by East Greenwich Township. At that time, deputies were temporary appointments, as needed.

Following Warner Bundens, other Chiefs of Police included Robert Gould, Sr., Tex Novak, Carl Clement, Bob Madison, Chris Constantino, Alfred Malinowski, and Raymond R. Miller, Scott Goess, and William E. Giordano (who retired in 2009) As our township grew, so did our police force.

Chief Barry Jenkins (2009-current) is the department's Chief Executive, having command over the police department and having responsibility for day-to-day operations, accountable directly to the Township Committee.

The East Greenwich Township Police Department currently has a total of sixteen officers, including 6 in the Community Policing Unit that are responsible for services including DARE, TRIAD, Neighborhood Watch, and House Checks. A Detective Unit, consisting of two officers, follows up on crimes or cases of a complex nature. Traffic Services, consisting of 3 officers, handles issues resulting from our township's increased population and growth.

The East Greenwich Police Department mission statement includes: "Recognizing our responsibility to maintain order, while affording dignity and respect to every individual, our objective is to improve the quality of life through a community partnership which promotes safe, secure neighborhoods."

Promotion of Scott Goess to Deputy Chief of Police - January 25, 2005

Also read:
History of the Early Court System in Gloucester County (dead link March 2006)
Current Gloucester County - Office of the Sheriff