Passaic County Sheriff's Office plans to lay off 29 correctional officers

Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik on Thursday afternoon announced that his department intends to lay off more than two dozen corrections officers.

In a memo released Thursday to all employees, Berdnik announced the layoffs, saying he had to reduce the size of the department. The layoffs, the memo said, will involve only correctional officers, not their supervisors or the civilian staff.

"I am well aware that there is much confusion and stress during this very difficult time in our agency," Berdnik's memo reads. "I have done everything in my power to find employment for all affected employees but unfortunately, we must move forward to lay off 29 correctional police officers at this time."

In recent years the Passaic County Jail held about 700 inmates. Officials in December 2021 confirmed a plan to regionalize operations at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack. This plan came after bail reform in 2017 reduced the jail's population from more than 1,000 at times to less than capacity by prohibiting courts from granting or denying bail based on economics.

More: Passaic County gives go-ahead to demolish jail in Paterson, fund redevelopment project

Berdnik's memo says the total number of layoffs may ultimately be reduced, depending on whether other agencies have openings or more employees retire. The memo also says the state Civil Service Commission keeps a list of positions available for its members for reemployment.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic County Sheriff's Office to lay off 29 officers