He’s scorned by criminals and loved by victims.
But for Detective Sgt. Timothy Torell, the most invaluable part of investigating crimes is the connection, loving or otherwise, made with those victims — real human beings with real problems who need police officers to help them move on with their lives.
His philosophy — he’s happy to help.
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Record file photo
Rabbi Geoffrey Haber embraces detective Sgt. Timothy Torell in 1998 after the Englewood investigator solved the case of Temple Emanu-El’s stolen Torah scrolls.
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"You can’t treat a victim like a case number. You have to treat them like you would want your mother, brother, sister, or spouse to be treated if they were the victim of a crime somewhere," he said.
"It’s just the right thing to do."
A decorated patrolman turned dedicated investigator, Torell’s commitment, and that of many of his fellow Englewood detectives, to fighting for victims of some of the city’s most brutal crimes has garnered trust, respect and gratitude.
That gratitude has come in many different forms, from a simple "Hey, I remember you…you helped my mom," to a box of candy left at the Police Department days before Christmas.
For an unsuspecting Torell, his "thank-you" came last week.
He received a nationwide nomination for the best first responder and a phone call from a long lost friend.
It was another day in the life of an officer who, after more than 20 years on the job, has gained trust from victims and praise from peers.
Take the story of Jasmine Miller.
When she was 10 years old, Miller was stabbed 16 times in her sleep by her stepfather. The case to convict her attacker, Parrish King, was led by Torell in 2000.
Today, King is in South Woods State Prison, serving a minimum sentence of 17 years behind bars.
The vibrant, young student survived and she and her mother never did forget how the police helped put an end to their traumatic ordeal.
Last week Jasmine’s mother, Darlene, called Torell in Englewood to tell him she remembered, nominating him for a competition she had seen on TV: "America’s Most Wanted All Stars."
Torell said the recognition was a "proud" moment, and it was nice to hear from Darlene again.
Rabbi Geoffrey Haber, after hearing the news of Torell’s nomination, wasn’t surprised. He said it was long overdue.
"The expression in Yiddish is ‘fayner mentsch’ or an outstanding human being," Haber said.
Haber didn’t have to be reminded of who Torell was or where he came from although the rabbi spoke from the office of his new synagogue, hundreds of miles away in Massachusetts.
Haber’s former temple, Temple Emanu-El, was burglarized 10 years ago when it was rooted in Englewood, it’s sacred Torah scrolls stolen from inside. Torell led the fight through New York City’s black market of stolen religious goods to recover the artifacts.
The burglar was caught and charged. The scrolls were returned.
"He understood what that burglary meant to the congregation and didn’t pre-judge. He understands the cultural nuances of ethnic minorities and respects them," Haber said.
"He showed immense caring and humanity. It’s kind of like it’s his religious calling."
Haber said several months after the scrolls were recovered, he saw Torell again and they hugged, like old friends would. He said he had tears in his eyes as he recalled the moment.
The victims of Torell’s many cases, be it a whole congregation or a 10-year-old girl, have very different stories to tell but in the end, come to the same conclusion.
One officer proved that police can be trusted to be there for them in their time of need.
But it’s not only victims who rely on Torell’s vigilant police work.
"If my kid got snatched off my front lawn there are three people I would call and he’s one of them," said detective Lt. Tim Condon of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Condon has worked with Torell on various armed robbery and street crime cases over the past 10 years. He said there was always something special about it.
"He’s got a tremendous nose for the street and has the touch with everybody, from the millionaire on the East End to the homeless guy on the street," he said.
"He is arguably the best cop in Bergen County."
Police Chief David Bowman said some cops have a natural ability, and Torell is one of them.
"He will continue working on a case until it gets solved. For the past 10 years, criminals have known that Englewood patrolmen and detectives work to stay on top of you and they’ll get you," he said.
