Camden Council votes against hiring of new police director

It seems Camden Mayor Dana Redd and City Council members can’t agree on whether council should approve of the hiring of Police Director Lanuel Ferguson.

A day after Redd announced his appointment, City Council voted against the decision, with the Associated Press reporting some members said Ferguson was brought on withour their consent.

During Monday’s press announcement, Redd told reporters Council’s approval for the position isn’t needed. WHYY reporter Lizz Fiedler pulled the tape from the press conference, where a reporter asked Redd if Council had granted its approval. Redd said that wasn’t necessary at this point.

“The position is already established,” Redd said. “It has been vacant since 2009.  So we’re filling a position that already existed.”

When asked to clarify that she in fact didn’t need Council approval, Redd confirmed: “Not at this time.”

Ferguson began work Monday following 30 years of service with the New Jersey State Police and brief retirement. Redd hired him to handle policy and administrative duties to allow officers more time on the streets.

Redd has 90 days to get Council’s approval, but it’s not clear what will happen if she doesn’t.