Woolwich Police

Mission

The mission of the Woolwich Township Police Department is to function as guardians for the communities in which we serve by enforcing the law, maintaining order, and protecting the lives, property, and rights of all people, as guided by the Constitution. We shall carry out our duties with a reverence for human life in partnership with members of the community through professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence in policing.

History

On April 2, 1968 the Woolwich Township Police Department (WTPD) was established. Chief Thomas Feldman reported for duty and responded to the first recorded incident, a fatal motor vehicle accident at routes 538 and 322.

Equipped with a radio and a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, Chief Feldman worked alone for the next five days until David Stecher joined the force as a part time officer. Soon to follow would be Ugo Canzanese, Albert Stecher, Jr. and Sam Zappala. These five men patrolled Woolwich Township in a 1963 Ford.

When asked how they rotated shifts Dave Stecher laughs, "Chief Feldman worked eighty percent of the time and I worked the other twenty. There were a lot of drunk and disorderly calls and assaults. I also remember responding to a homicide." Dave recalls the department receiving two bullet proof vests around 1978. "Before that we wore street clothes. We were on duty basically twenty-four hours a day and we shared equipment."

Before becoming the second Chief of Police in Woolwich Township, Russ Marino also worked as an officer between 1977 and 1985 then returning from 1986 to 87. He recalls the department switching to 12-hour shifts during this time. "The officers carried Smith Wesson .357’s and patrolled the Township in Chevrolet Impalas."

"I remember a lot of motor vehicle accidents," recalls Marino, "some burglaries and domestic violence cases. Mantua Police Department dispatched all of our calls. You had to dial a seven digit phone number."

Each officer carries a portable two-way radio and is equipped with the necessary safety equipment needed to perform their job. In 1998 the department received an anonymous donation of a Medical Defibrillator, a device used in certain medical emergencies. Currently, all Officers are certified in its use.

In January 2000, Gloucester County began dispatching the department and residents can now dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. Previously, a seven-digit phone number had to be used to reach police dispatch.

During the last forty years the WTPD has evolved to meet the demands of a growing Township. The Deparment is now made up of 29 full-time sworn officers who work 12 hour shifts 24/7. These Officers continuously strive to meet the demands of an ever changing profession within an ever changing community. As always, the well-being of the Township Residents is a priority to these officers and keeping up with the growth is a responsibility they take seriously.

As of October 1st, 2019, the Woolwich Township Police Department provides police services to over 20,000 residents between Woolwich Township, Swedesboro and South Harrison Township.

Since the inception of the Woolwich Township Police Department in 1968, there has only been four chiefs of police, Chief Thomas Feldman, Chief Russell Marino, Chief Richard Jaramillo, and currently, Chief of Police, Joseph A. Morgan III.

Contact Us

For Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1

24/7 Non-Emergency Dispatch: (856) 589-0911

Records Clerk: Nicole Duignan

Phone: (856) 467-1667 ext:7501

Fax: (856) 467-5188

Email: nduignan@woolwichtwp.org

Location: 120 Village Green Drive, Woolwich, NJ 08085

Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday

Personnel

Administration

Joseph A. Morgan III
Chief of Police

Chief Morgan possesses over 23 years of extensive experience in law enforcement, enhancing his role as leader of the Woolwich Police Department. After graduating from the Gloucester County Police Academy in 2000, he began his career with the Greenwich Township Police Department. He joined the Woolwich force in 2002 and has steadily advanced through the ranks - serving as an Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and now Chief as of 2022.

Throughout his career, Chief Morgan has pursued extensive professional training to sharpen his policing skills. He holds certifications as a Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Firearms Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and Humane Law Enforcement Officer. In 2018, he graduated from the prestigious NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police Command & Leadership Academy.

In addition to his role in law enforcement, Chief Morgan actively contributes as a member of the Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board. Utilizing his experience from policing, he provides insightful guidance to the board. His background, along with a strong commitment to serving the public, marks him as a significant contributor to the Woolwich community.

Thomas E. Daniels Jr.
Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Daniels is a highly decorated law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience with the Woolwich Township Police Department. He graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy in 2000 and has been an integral part of the department ever since.

Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Daniels has held various roles of increasing responsibility, including Detective in 2009, Detective Sergeant in 2013, Lieutenant in 2020, Captain in 2022, and most recently, Deputy Chief in 2023.

Deputy Chief Daniels is also a highly trained law enforcement specialist, having served on both the Gloucester County Emergency Response Team from 2008 to 2010 and the Gloucester County SWAT Team from 2010 to 2022. He is a recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding service, including the prestigious Medal of Honor and Life Saving with Valor awards from the Gloucester County Police Chiefs Association.

With his extensive experience, exemplary service, and dedication to his profession, Deputy Chief Daniels is an invaluable member of the Woolwich Township Police Department and a true asset to the community.

Anthony Verrilli
Captain

Captain Verrilli is a highly accomplished law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in public service. He graduated from the Camden County Police Academy in 2000 and has been a vital member of the Woolwich Township Police Department since 2003.

Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Verrilli has held several positions of increasing responsibility, including Corporal in 2012, Sergeant in 2013, Lieutenant in 2022, and Captain in 2023. As Captain, he currently oversees the Patrol Division and Community Outreach, playing an instrumental role in building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Captain Verrilli is passionate about making a positive impact in the community and is particularly invested in the Youth Academy program, which he successfully launched in 2018. He is also a highly trained law enforcement specialist, holding numerous certifications, including Field Training Officer, Humane Law Enforcement Officer, and Radar Instructor. Additionally, Captain Verrilli has served as the OEM Coordinator, demonstrating his commitment to public safety and preparedness.

With his exceptional leadership skills, extensive experience, and passion for community outreach, Captain Verrilli is an asset to the Woolwich Township Police Department and the community it serves.

Chris Beckett
Lieutenant

Lieutenant Chris Beckett, a seasoned law enforcement officer with nearly two decades of service, is a graduate of the Gloucester County Police Academy, class of 2006. His distinguished career commenced with the Swedesboro Police Department, later merging with the Woolwich Township Police Department in 2009.

Throughout his tenure, Lieutenant Beckett has ascended through various roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment. His career advancements include being appointed as an Investigator in 2014, progressing to Detective in 2015, Detective Sergeant in 2020, and currently serving as Lieutenant. In this role, he adeptly oversees the Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, working in tandem with Captain Verrilli.

His dedication and excellence in service have been recognized through awards such as Meritorious Service and Life Saving with Valor. Beyond his departmental responsibilities, Lieutenant Beckett actively contributes to the broader community. He serves as a physical fitness and classroom instructor at the Gloucester County Police Academy, notably leading Class #62 as the Lead Instructor. His diverse roles also encompass Megan’s Law Coordinator, Internal Affairs Investigator, Permit to Carry Investigator, Evidence Custodian, and Diversity Recruitment Officer.

In his capacity as a liaison to the South Harrison Township Mayor and Committee, Lieutenant Beckett plays a pivotal role in fostering positive relations and effective communication between law enforcement and local government.

Outside of his professional sphere, Lieutenant Beckett is an avid proponent of physical fitness and wellness, actively engaging as a fitness instructor. His personal interests include spending quality time with his family and enjoying the works of Chevy Chase.

Lieutenant Beckett's comprehensive experience, unwavering commitment to service, and exemplary leadership qualities render him an invaluable asset to the Gloucester County law enforcement community.

Detective Division

Curtis Rucker
Detective

Andre Ouellette
Investigator

Patrol Division

Joseph Rieger
Sergeant

Christian Gregory
Sergeant

Matthew O'Loughlin
Sergeant

Kevin Agresta
Sergeant

Stephen Spithaler
Corporal

Matthew Boyko
Corporal

Sean Sturgis
Corporal

Eric Petroski
Corporal

Shane Stranahan
Patrolman

Michael Kemp
Patrolman

Lindsay Deputy
Patrolman

Bay Kasten
Patrolman

Brandon Hamer
Patrolman

Brandon Lopez
Patrolman

Scott Thomas
Patrolman

Jerry Parker
Patrolman

Edward Donahue
Patrolman

Matthew Grubb
Patrolman

Daniel Featherer
Patrolman

Brett Dolgos
Patrolman

Giovanni Marino
Patrolman

Matthew Motto
Patrolman

Michael Scambia
Patrolman

School Resource Division

Rodney Sawyer
SLEO II

Jeff Thompson
SLEO II

William Franklin
SLEO III

Michael LaRosa
SLEO III

Peter Massing
SLEO III

Records Division

Nicole Duignan
Records Clerk

Yohana Valasquez
Records Clerk

Resources

Employment Opportunities

Programs

Events

Neighbors by Ring

School Resource Officer

L.E.A.D.

Police Explorers

Youth Academy

Prescription Take Back

Body Worn Camera Program

Tip Line

You can submit a tip, by utilizing the email link below, to provide information regarding known details of a crime, suspected criminal activity, suspicious persons, and/or any nuisance or quality of life issues.

If the tip involves a crime in progress, please call 9-1-1.

Otherwise, provide as much detail as possible in your email. Please include information such as the dates and times of the alleged criminal activity or suspicious behavior, physical descriptions and distinguishing characteristics of any persons involved, and the make, model and license plate information for any suspicious vehicles. Never jeopardize your own personal safety to obtain this information. Photos and/or videos may also be attached to the email.

You may remain anonymous or if you provide an e-mail address and phone number police can contact you for additional details if necessary.

Submit a Tip

Commend an Officer

As a way of saying thanks for exemplary service or to let an Officer know you appreciate their efforts in handling a problem, you may commend an officer by using the below email link. Our Police Administrators will forward your message of thanks to the officer and include it in their personnel file. Please include the officer's name, date, time, the location of incident, and the circumstances surrounding the event.

The Woolwich Township Police Department has a long-standing tradition of prompt and professional service. We look forward to hearing from those we serve about the conduct of our officers in performing their duties. If you feel the circumstances warrant, please reach out and let us know how we did.

Submit Commendation

Internal Affairs

The members of the Woolwich Township Police Department are committed to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective, and impartially applied. It is in the best interests of everyone that a complaint about the performance of an individual law enforcement officer is resolved fairly and promptly.

The Woolwich Township Police Department has formal procedures for investigating complaints of police misconduct. These procedures ensure fairness and protect the rights of both citizens and law enforcement officers.

The Woolwich Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit operates in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Guidelines on Internal Affairs Policies and Procedures.

The Woolwich Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit accepts and documents all citizen complaints in any form, including anonymous complaints, against law enforcement personnel employed in the Woolwich Township Police Department. Internal Affairs Citizen Information Sheet

To File a Complaint: IA Citizen Complaint Forms can be found here. (You do not have to utilize this form to file a complaint - For your convenience only.)

Complaints can be made in person, or by mail, phone, or email.

Mail:

Woolwich Township Police Department
Lieutenant Chris Beckett #2313
120 Village Green Drive
Woolwich Township, New Jersey 08085

Phone:

Police Headquarters: (856) 467-1667

Non-Emergency Dispatch: (856) 589-0911

Email:

IA Officer, Lt. Chris Beckett: cbeckett@woolwichtwp.org

When making a complain, please include as much of the following information as you can remember:

Date, time and location of incident
Name(s) and badge numbers(s) of the officer(s) involved
Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any potential witnesses
Circumstances of the incident

The 4 A's of Internal Affiars

ANYONE– Any individual must be permitted to file an Internal Affairs complaint. It can be a victim, a friend of the victim, a parent, a juvenile (with or without parents), an illegal alien (we are not permitted to ask about immigration status) or it can be anonymous. ANYONE means ANYONE.
ANY WAY– An Internal Affairs complaint can be filed in ANY WAY. It could be filed by phone, by letter, written on a napkin, in person… Whatever is best for the person filing. We cannot make someone show up in person or swear the statement to initiate the complaint process.
ANY TIME– A complaint must be taken regardless of the hour or day of the week. At no time should a complaint be told to return later, even if the IA officer is unavailable. ANY law enforcement officer or civilian employee must take a complaint.
ANYTHING– As long as a complaint has sufficient factual information, the complaint must be investigated. It is predicated upon the victim’s view of the situation.

* * * LAW ENFORCEMENT MUST AVOID ANY LANGUAGE THAT IS DESIGNED TO DISSUADE SOMEBODY FROM FILING A COMPLAINT***

Early Warning System

In accordance with NJ Attorney General’s Directive 2018-3, the Woolwich Township Police Department has updated its Early Warning System Policy. To read the full directive, click the following link: EWS

Internal Affairs Reporting

In compliance with Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures Section 9.11.2, the Woolwich Township Police Department publishes all major discipline that was assessed against any agency member. Major discipline is defined as the outcome of an internal affairs complaint resulting in an officer's termination, demotion, or suspension of more than five days.

See Reports

Woolwich Township Police Department