TOMS RIVER – A long-time officer’s unexpected departure from the Toms River Police Department has raised concerns about the intersection of law enforcement, local politics, and traffic safety initiatives.
Todd Garris, who served as a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO I) for nearly nine years, was not reappointed to his position. While no formal explanation was given, the circumstances surrounding his removal have led to speculation that his involvement in a traffic safety program may have played a role.
The “Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25” campaign, which aims to reduce speeding in residential neighborhoods, was introduced in Toms River in 2023 through funding from the Toms River Police Foundation. The initiative strategically placed signs in high-complaint areas to remind drivers to adhere to speed limits. However, tensions reportedly arose when some of these signs appeared near the home of Mayor Dan Rodrick.
Garris, who was involved in the program’s implementation, encountered resistance in early April 2024 when the placement of the signs became a point of contention. Days after he was questioned about their presence, several signs vanished from key locations, only to be discovered later in a township vehicle. A subsequent internal investigation confirmed that a municipal employee had removed them, adding fuel to speculation that the issue had become politically charged.
As the situation unfolded, discussions regarding changes in the police department surfaced at a township council meeting later that month. The mayor addressed concerns about special law enforcement officers but avoided direct comments on personnel matters, reinforcing the idea that the decision was administrative rather than disciplinary.
By September 2024, Garris became aware that his position was at risk, despite a strong track record with the department. While there were initial reassurances that his reappointment would proceed as expected, the final decision in early January 2025 reversed that outcome, leaving him as the only officer in his classification who was not reinstated.
The decision has since drawn public support for Garris from both community members and officials, some of whom have emphasized his contributions to traffic safety, community engagement, and law enforcement training. Additionally, concerns have been raised over the financial implications of replacing an experienced officer with a new recruit requiring full academy training.
At a township council meeting on January 29, 2025, Garris’s departure was addressed again, with his supporters urging reconsideration. His wife highlighted his dedication to public safety, citing his extensive role in patrol duties, event security, and community relations.
For many in Toms River, the situation has underscored broader questions about the balance between public safety initiatives and political considerations. While local leadership maintains that the decision was procedural, the impact of Garris’s absence on both enforcement efforts and community trust remains a topic of discussion.
AP
