BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The question of the “reality” part of reality television has come up regarding a retired New Jersey police officer who was featured in a high action series, “Bear Swamp Recovery,” in 2011.

The problem is, about three years ago former Hamilton Township officer Joseph Derrico applied for permanent disability due to a leg injury suffered during an arrest.

Bear Swamp Recovery is about a New Jersey company that repossesses vehicles and other items. According to NBC New York, Derrico is seen involved in a physical altercation in one episode, and running across a field.

The episode aired one year after Derrico received his first monthly New Jersey disability pension check of $5,808, according to New Jersey Watchdog. Police and Firemen’s Retirement System trustee John Siercho said, “When you have a guy claiming a leg injury, and you can see him running and doing those things, to me, he’s not totally and permanently disabled. We’re contributing 10 percent of our salaries so this gentleman can be on reality TV?”

P.J. Vinch, a cast member of the show told NBC New York that the action was all staged. “Nobody was exerting any physical activity,” he said.

Derrico can collect $69,696 a year, tax-free, for the rest of his life. He resigned from the police force in August 2010. New Jersey’s pension system is looking at a $47 billion shortfall, according to NBC New York.

The pension isn’t Derrico’s only legal issue. When he wasn’t on duty, Derrico managed Hiram's Gold and Coin Exchange of Ewing. According to ru1bailbonds.com, in 2010 three youths brought jewelry to Derrico’s shop that they had allegedly stolen, and were paid about $1,000. Derrico denied buying the jewelry to investigators, but changed his story after learning his store had been under surveillance.

Ru1bailbonds.com reported that Derrico was indefinitely suspended from his police officer position and faced administrative charges including misconduct and untruthfulness. He was later indicted on a charge of theft by receiving stolen property.

New Jersey Watchdog reports that Derrico was able to keep his pension because Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini dropped the case when Derrico retired.