The BTPD hits issues head on, Chief Painter says
Burlington Township Police Chief Bruce Painter has law enforcement in his blood. His father was a police officer, his uncle and brothers were police officers, and Painter has been in law enforcement for more than 20 years.
“What I love about law enforcement is that every day is something new. There are quality, positive things out there,” Painter said, adding he values that camaraderie with his fellow officers and the feeling of being able to help people.
Painter, who was born and raised in Burlington Township, joined the Burlington Township Police Department in 1995 as an officer. In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, then to lieutenant in 2006, making him the youngest person in department history to achieve the rank. In February 2015, Painter was promoted to director of public safety.
Painter attended Rowan University and graduated with a degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership Program as well as the Certified Public Manager’s Course. He has earned credits toward his master’s degree through the advanced level courses he took while training with the FBI National Academy. This 10-week training course is known for its superior investigative, management and fitness training.
Painter says he feels very fortunate to have been promoted three times within the department, and that was one of the things that has kept him around for so long. While Painter does miss the hands-on police work he used to do, he knows the administrative role he’s taking on now can be just as important.
“I’m making sure [the department has] the tools, the equipment, the training,” Painter said. “My personal satisfaction is seeing the department succeed; it’s seeing my guys succeed.”
Painter says the department has a lot of young officers, making for a youthful feel. While he says training young officers can be a challenge, they’re also great for keeping morale high.
“The enthusiasm is there because we’re a young department and the senior guys have that sense of pride that they’re a guiding hand for the young officers. They’re looked at as role models within the agency,” Painter said.
Painter always encourages his officers to follow the golden rule and treat people how they want to be treated and to always handle unfortunate circumstances professionally.
When Painter isn’t at work, he likes to hit the gym and spend time with his wife and daughters and his hound dog, Vinnie. He follows Philadelphia sports and loves vacationing, especially in the Caribbean.
Painter calls the police department a family and says there’s never a sense of hatred or dread with coming to work.
“The dynamic is very, very strong,” Painter said. “There’s an energy here that makes officers want to come to work.”
With an increase of police brutality in the news in recent years, Painter says the department is working to make sure residents knows they can trust the Burlington Township Police Department, saying its №1 goal is to serve the community.
“We’re all still people. We’re all still humans,” Painter said. “We’re here to protect the community and we’re here to serve them. Wherever we can help, we will.”
