Al Peters, director of the Lakewood Police Department, confirmed Wednesday that he is on the brink of losing his job. The message was delivered in a phone call Wednesday by Mayor Meir Lichtenstein, Peters said.

“Of course there’s some disappointment. It was a great experience. At this point in time it might be the best thing, though,” said Peters, who reported that he’ll remain on the job as details of his departure are worked out. He declined to elaborate on the reason for Lichtenstein’s dissatisfaction.

“You should talk to the mayor,” said Peters, a former State Police officer who was hired as Lakewood’s police director in July 2005.

Lichtenstein said it was premature to discuss Peters’ job status. “We have not met about this as a committee,” he said.

Committeeman Raymond Coles said he’s heard rumblings that Peters was at risk of losing his job.

“I think he (Peters) is an incredible resource to the township and the Police Department. It’s a shame if this turns out to be the case,” Coles said.

There has been talk for weeks around town about Peters being at risk of losing his job. Last weekend the Vaad, a council of Orthodox Jewish civic leaders, issued a political letter that called for changes in town hall.

“This will include some significant personnel changes and restructuring, backed by a continued aggressive advocacy for the needs of each and every individual in Lakewood,” the letter stated.

Ben Heineman, a member of the Vaad, said Wednesday that there is a dissatisfaction within the Orthodox community regarding the Police Department.

“It’s not about any individual,” Heineman said.

The concerns, he said, include what’s perceived as heavy-handed ticketing for parking violations downtown, the handling of the assault of an Orthodox woman last summer and a controversial skirmish between a rabbi and police officer. Peters is the third director in four years.

APP