Tag:

Community Policing

Fair Lawn Has A New Police Chief And He's A Lifelong Borough Resident Fair Lawn Has A New Police Chief And He's A Lifelong Borough Resident
Fair Lawn Has A New Police Chief And He's A Lifelong Borough Resident The Fair Lawn Police Department has officially promoted Joseph J. Dawicki to serve as its ninth police chief since the department was founded in 1930, authorities said. Dawicki, a lifelong borough resident, was sworn in this week, taking over for former chief Glen Cauwels, who retired earlier this year. Dawicki graduated from Fair Lawn High School in 1996 and from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2000. He joined the department full-time in 2001, after serving in the Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police for three years starting in 1998. In 2024, Dawicki was selected to attend the 289th Session of the …
Teen Murder Suspect Nabbed In Kentucky After Four-Month Manhunt: Howard County Police Teen Murder Suspect Nabbed In Kentucky After Four-Month Manhunt: Howard County Police
Teen Murder Suspect Nabbed In Kentucky After Four-Month Manhunt: Howard County Police A teen accused of pulling the trigger in a deadly Maryland shooting was caught hiding out in Kentucky after dodging authorities for months, Howard County Police said. Jemik Parker, 17, was arrested on May 15 in Louisville, ending a four-month manhunt launched after the Jan. 14 shooting death of 17-year-old Lance Carrington in Columbia. Parker is charged as an adult with first- and second-degree murder and is believed to be the shooter in what police said was a targeted attempted robbery. According to investigators, Carrington was found dead in a parked vehicle in the 6000 block of Helen Do…
Nearly 50 Cars Broken Into In One Night During Laurel Crime Spree, Police Say Nearly 50 Cars Broken Into In One Night During Laurel Crime Spree, Police Say
Nearly 50 Cars Broken Into In One Night During Laurel Crime Spree, Police Say A wave of chaos hit a Maryland town overnight when nearly 50 vehicles were broken into in one night, sending police in Prince George's County scrambling to find the suspects responsible for the mass theft. The early morning crime spree unfolded on Saturday, May 4, when more than 47 cars in the City of Laurel were broken into and valuables stolen, the Laurel Police Department announced to the community. Multiple suspects — some wearing headlamps — were captured on residential surveillance video smashing car windows and rifling through vehicles across town. “Our partners in surrounding juris…
From One Single Desk To Drones: Paramus Police Department Celebrates 100 Years From One Single Desk To Drones: Paramus Police Department Celebrates 100 Years
From One Single Desk To Drones: Paramus Police Department Celebrates 100 Years The Paramus Police Department is marking 100 years of protecting and serving the borough — a far cry from its humble beginnings as “a desk, a chair, and one file cabinet.” That’s how the late Chief George Jockish once described the department’s earliest days in 1922, when Paramus was still taking shape and the roads that would become Routes 4 and 17 were just lines on a map. The department was officially founded on April 11, 1925, with just one officer: Chief Barney Martin. A century later, the force has grown to 100 sworn officers under Chief Robert Guidetti, who now leads one of the most …
Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti Stepping Down, City Says Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti Stepping Down, City Says
Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti Stepping Down, City Says Hackensack Police Director Ray Gudietti is stepping down. The City of Hackensack made the announcement on Thursday, March 6. Guidetti said he will step down at the end of March. Guidetti's departure comes after "taking on a culture of corruption that had infected the Hackensack Police Department when he was appointed in 2022, and instituting major reforms with the goal of bringing the Department back to its rightful position as a premier law enforcement agency in Bergen County," the release says. Guidetti was appointed "after a storied law enforcement career to clean up a police department…
Complaints Lead To Narcotics Raid: 6 Nabbed At Poughkeepsie Apartment, Police Say Complaints Lead To Narcotics Raid: 6 Nabbed At Poughkeepsie Apartment, Police Say
Complaints Lead To Narcotics Raid: 6 Nabbed At Poughkeepsie Apartment, Police Say Authorities in Dutchess County took six people into custody and seized narcotics and firearms after raiding an apartment suspected of drug activity, police announced. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department executed a search warrant at 641 Main St., Apt. 4, following an investigation sparked by community complaints, according to the department.  During the operation—conducted by the Poughkeepsie SWAT Team, the Detective Division’s Neighborhood Recovery Unit, the Patrol Division, and the New York State Police—officers found 12 people inside the small apartment.&…
High-Capacity Mag, Taser Seized In Major Danbury Drug Bust After Neighbors Tip Off PD: Cops High-Capacity Mag, Taser Seized In Major Danbury Drug Bust After Neighbors Tip Off PD: Cops
High-Capacity Mag, Taser Seized In Major Danbury Drug Bust After Neighbors Tip Off PD: Cops Investigators in Connecticut said their latest arrest created a "notable disruption" in Fairfield County drug crime following a multi-agency investigation, and it's thanks to a group of neighbors fed up with drugs in their community.  Travis Vanterpool-Gordon, 32, of Brookfield, and Lisa Flynn, 53, of Danbury, were arrested following a multi-agency drug investigation that targeted suspected narcotics activity in the Division Street area of Danbury, police said.  Vanterpool-Gordon, 32, was taken into custody without incident after officers searched his 14 Division St. home and…
Federal Oversight Ends For Yonkers Police Department After Major Reforms Federal Oversight Ends For Yonkers Police Department After Major Reforms
Federal Oversight Ends For Yonkers Police Department After Major Reforms A police department in Westchester has implemented enough major reforms to result in the conclusion of federal oversight after years of monitoring, officials announced. In an announcement on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York revealed that oversight of the Yonkers Police Department has officially ended following significant reforms made to improve its policies, training, and community engagement. The federal oversight originally stemmed from an investigation that began in 2007 and a subsequent agreement in November 2016 aimed at address…
New Haven Officers 'Restore Faith' After 'Heartless' Theft Of Autistic Man's Shoes New Haven Officers 'Restore Faith' After 'Heartless' Theft Of Autistic Man's Shoes
New Haven Officers 'Restore Faith' After 'Heartless' Theft Of Autistic Man's Shoes Small gestures often shine the brightest, and two New Haven police officers proved it by turning a bleak situation into a moment of kindness for one man. An autistic man reported to New Haven police that a group of juveniles assaulted him and stole his sneakers and hat on Whalley Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 14. The encounter left him shaken and terrified. That’s when Officer Trevor Brown stepped in. Brown didn’t just take the report—he brought the case to district manager Sgt. Lambe, who collaborated with New Haven’s Office of Youth Services. Together, they worked to restore the man’s faith i…
New Poughkeepsie Police Chief Grew Up In City He Now Leads New Poughkeepsie Police Chief Grew Up In City He Now Leads
New Poughkeepsie Police Chief Grew Up In City He Now Leads A new chief of police in the region is no stranger to the area; he grew up there and has been part of the department for some 30 years.  Dutchess County resident Rich Wilson has been named the Chief of Police for the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department by Mayor Yvonne Flowers on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Wilson has served as Interim Police Chief since the former chief, Tom Pape, retired in May. Wilson joined the department in 1994 as a police dispatcher and worked his way through the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and served in Community Policing and the Neighborhood Recov…
Shotgun-Wielding Man Angry About Speeding Drivers Pointed Weapon At Motorist In MD: Police Shotgun-Wielding Man Angry About Speeding Drivers Pointed Weapon At Motorist In MD: Police
Shotgun-Wielding Man Angry About Speeding Drivers Pointed Weapon At Motorist In MD: Police A raging mad man brandishing a shotgun was taken into custody following an incident with a driver in Annapolis, police say. Wayne Scott Williams, 66, was arrested on Thursday morning after multiple complaints were made about a man upset about speeding in the neighborhood. According to the Annapolis Police Department, Williams was displeased about drivers in his neighborhood, and pointed a shotgun at a passing motorist in response, causing concern for some neighbors. Annapolis Police Capt. Justin Klinedinst said that the department has received multiple complaints in the past few years…
Hudson Valley Police Chief Resigns For New Job Hudson Valley Police Chief Resigns For New Job
Hudson Valley Police Chief Resigns For New Job Employees from a Hudson Valley town bid farewell to their police chief, who resigned to take a new position. For the past 11 years, Police Chief Keith Dworkin has called Dutchess County and the Fishkill Police Department home, but on Friday, July 19, he said goodbye to take another position as chief in the village of Millbrook. In a Facebook post, the department said Dworkin had worked tirelessly during his four years as chief to promote community outreach, encourage public relations, and increase resident confidence in the police department. "Under his leadership, the community policing u…
Edison Police Lieutenant Dies Edison Police Lieutenant Dies
Edison Police Lieutenant Dies The Edison Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its lieutenants. The department announced the death of Lt. Donald Ship on Wednesday, July 10. A cause of death was not provided. Ship launched his career in law enforcement as an officer at Kean University before transferring to EPD in January 2011. He was assigned to the patrol bureau "where he was an officer his squad mates could rely on, and he was a field training officer to new hires," his department said. Ship was promoted to sergeant in 2020, and was tasked with relaunching the Community Policing Unit.  "He …
Tipsters Lead Officers To Four Teens Caught Breaking Into Vehicles At Maryland Mall: Sheriff Tipsters Lead Officers To Four Teens Caught Breaking Into Vehicles At Maryland Mall: Sheriff
Tipsters Lead Officers To Four Teens Caught Breaking Into Vehicles At Maryland Mall: Sheriff A member of the Charles County community saw something, and said something, leading to the apprehension of four teens who were caught breaking into vehicles at St. Charles Towne Center, officials say. On Monday afternoon, officers were called to the parking lot after being tipped off about a group of minors who were spotted using tools to break into cars. According to the Charles County Sheriff's Office, when officers arrived to investigate, the four suspects scattered on foot, but were quickly apprehended. Investigators say that it was later determined that at least three vehicles were br…
'We Are Pushed To Our Limit': Police Increasing Teen Curfew Enforcement In Jersey Shore City 'We Are Pushed To Our Limit': Police Increasing Teen Curfew Enforcement In Jersey Shore City
'We Are Pushed To Our Limit': Police Increasing Teen Curfew Enforcement In Jersey Shore City One city in Atlantic County is cracking down on unsupervised teens late at night after several issues in other parts of the Jersey Shore, authorities said. The Margate City Police Department posted on Facebook on Wednesday, June 12 that officers will take "a more proactive approach" to enforcing the city's curfew for children. An ordinance said it's illegal for anyone 17 years old or younger to "loiter, idle, wander, [or] stroll" without adult supervision between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Margate police said it'll try to prevent problems from large groups of teens and young adults. "In the p…
GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40 GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40
GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 40-year-old career burglar wanted for an ongoing series of break-ins and attempts was captured by Teaneck police with help from a concerned citizen, authorities announced. Aley Beretay ordinarily was on a bicycle when he gave law enforcers the slip a number of times the past week or so. Then, around 9 p.m. Monday, June 10, a township resident walked into headquarters and said she'd just seen a man fitting his description riding a bike along Teaneck Road near Elizabeth Avenue, Police Chief Andrew McGurr said. Detectives who already were working undercover in the area were alerted,…
'Best Spot In America For Small-Town Carnival:' Night Of Family Fun Returns To Paramus 'Best Spot In America For Small-Town Carnival:' Night Of Family Fun Returns To Paramus
'Best Spot In America For Small-Town Carnival:' Night Of Family Fun Returns To Paramus You've likely seen the colorful ferris wheel looming over the crossroads of Route 4 and Route 17, right outside of the one of the highest performing malls in the United States. Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) founder Nick DeMauro knew what he was doing when he put the carnival there.  "It's the best location in the nation for a small-town carnival," he said. And it's back. The annual L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival is running every Wednesday to Sunday through June 9, at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. Admission is $5, while tickets for rides and games, and food purchas…
GOTCHA! Bicycle-Riding Burglar From Passaic, 30, Captured By Hasbrouck Heights Officers: PD GOTCHA! Bicycle-Riding Burglar From Passaic, 30, Captured By Hasbrouck Heights Officers: PD
Gotcha! Bicycle-Riding Burglar From Passaic, 30, Captured By Hasbrouck Heights Officers: PD A 30-year-old repeat offender from Passaic known for getting around on a bicycle tried to run but was caught by Hasbrouck Heights police who authorities said chased him down before dawn Saturday. A concerned citizen's call about a car burglar brought officers to the area of Hamilton Avenue and the Boulevard around 2 a.m., May 25, Lt. John Behr said. Hector J. Torres-Duran tried to flee Officers Joseph Armeli and Kevin Condal but crashed the bike and took off on foot in the parking lots behind Boulevard businesses, the lieutenant said. "He was eventually cornered and found hiding behind a D…
New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored' New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored'
New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored' A police department in Northern Westchester has sworn in its new chief.  The Ossining Police Department provisionally appointed Aaron Zimmerman as its new chief in a swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday evening, March 13, village officials announced.  Zimmerman replaces Interim Chief Brendan Donohue, who took the role following Chief Kevin Sylvester's retirement in December and will now serve as a captain.  Earlier Report - Ossining Police Department Names Interim Leader After Chief's Retirement A 20-year veteran of the department, Zimmerman previously serv…
Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP
Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP A suspect is in police custody after troopers said he exposed himself to a group of young children in Lehigh County on Monday, March 11.  The suspect, who authorities have not named, is being held on unrelated charges in Schuylkill County, said state police in a release.  Investigators said the incident happened on the 7000 block of Lincoln Court in Lynn Township. A 9-year-old victim and three other children were walking their dog when the suspect pulled up in his truck, according to troopers.  Police said he opened the truck door and was not wearing pants.  Authoritie…
Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (VIDEO) Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (VIDEO)
Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (Video) Three police officers from Virginia are showing off their teamwork — and their sweet basketball skills. The Charlottsville officers are going viral in a clip, liked more than 3.9 million times as of Monday, Sept. 18, showing them shooting some hoops with locals. The officers nailed a rebound, then a no-look pass, and the icing on the cake? A three-point shot: Swish.  Not only did Team Blue score a point, but also some kudos with the community. "This is how you build relationships with the neighborhood you're protecting and serving," one person commented. "MUCH RESPECT TO THE OFF…
Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover
Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover Facts don't lie. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin promised a reduction in crime in Paterson following the second-ever state takeover of a local police department in New Jersey's history. So far, he's delivering. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- a time when America's cities ordinarily suffer the most violence -- shootings in the Silk City plummeted by 41.2% compared with the same period last year, state officials reported. In that time, Paterson has also had the fewest summer shooting victims in five years, they said. Reported robberies decreased by nearly 38%. Aggravated assault…
Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many' Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many'
Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many' The family of an Essex County man so beloved he was nicknamed the "Mayor of Peabody" is receiving an outpouring of support after his unexpected death.  Henry Breckenridge, a Peabody police officer, died from complications that arose during a non-emergency surgery at Salem Hospital, the Peabody Police Department announced on Thursday, July 20.  Hospital staff worked "heroically" to try and save him, but to no avail.  Breckenridge believed in community policing and was an "outstanding" officer, said Police Chief Tom Griffin. He was particularly loved by young people, who shared support and…
Wanted Man Caught By Central Jersey Police Wanted Man Caught By Central Jersey Police
Wanted Man Caught By Central Jersey Police A man wanted in several Central Jersey communities was caught on Thursday, March 23, authorities said.  Adam Zakaria, 25, of South Brunswick was arrested at about 4 p.m. thanks to tips from the public, police said. Police had circulated Zakaria's photo on Wednesday. He was arrested along Route 27 near Finnegans Lane, police said. He was wanted by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, Woodbridge Police, and South Brunswick Police for different crimes, police said. Detectives followed up on a tip and observed Zakaria traveling on Route 27 just prior to his arrest.  Police Chi…
Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police
Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police A man is in police custody after authorities say he crashed into another driver on a Montgomery County street before robbing her at gunpoint.  It happened just before 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 in Upper Moreland Township, the police department said in a statement. The suspect was driving a silver Honda Accord erratically on York Road near Davisville Road when he suddenly turned in front of another car, police wrote.  After a "minor crash," investigators said the man hopped out of Honda, aimed a handgun at the other driver, and demanded her cell phone. He fled north up Davisville Road,…
Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked' Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked'
Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked' A beloved retired police lieutenant from Northern Westchester who started numerous community programs during his career has died.  Conrad Eschenberg, who served with the Peekskill Police Department for 25 years, died on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the age of 69, according to his obituary page.   A graduate of Mahopac High School in 1972, Eschenberg started his career with Peekskill PD in May 1978 and rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to Sergeant in April 1988 and becoming a Lieutenant in December 1998. He then retired in 2003. During his time with the depart…
Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective
Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective As the time for final goodbyes nears, many of those who knew and loved retired Washington Township Police Officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Heather Castronova are trying to do what they can for her two children. Toward that end, Laura Padilla has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Castronova, 44, died unexpectedly at her home in Allendale on Feb. 8, apparently as the result of a medical condition, those who knew her said. The Hackensack-born-and-bred Heather Cumming served in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, as well as at Twenty Nine Palms, CA and Quantico, VA. She began a public service car…
Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova
Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova UPDATE: Arrangements Finalized For Heather Castronova The Washington Township (Bergen County) police department is mourning the loss of retired detective and former US Marine Heather Castronova. A mom of two, Castronova died sometime overnight due to unknown medical circumstances, the department said on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Castronova was hired as a dispatcher for the Bergen County Police Department before becoming an officer in Washington Township. While serving in the patrol and detective bureaus, Castronova was passionate about community policing, specifically working with children.…
Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car
Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car Authorities in Monmouth County seek the public's help in a shooting that took place in the fall. A 26-year-old Neptune Township man was fatally shot in his car. On Oct. 6, at approximately 10:48 p.m., Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 1700 block of Heck Avenue for a report of shots fired. Police found the victim, Devin Agolio-Stout, who was located in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Stout was rushed to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. “The holiday season is upon us and we have a family …
Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly
Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly Community members gathered to hold a candlelight vigil for a Northern Westchester police officer who died suddenly on Thanksgiving night.  Earlier Report - Thousands Raised For Family Of Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly The vigil was held in Peekskill on Tuesday, Nov. 29, to honor the life of Gregory Jones, an officer with the Peekskill Police Department originally from Middletown, who died on Thursday night, Nov. 24, at the age of 48, according to his obituary.  At the vigil, which was released in a video shared by the police department, several attendees spoke in…
Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing
Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing A Westchester police department has been given a new E-Bike to help them in their patrols.  The E-Bike was given to the Yonkers Police Department on Wednesday, Oct. 19 by the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District, which wanted to give back to the city's police, according to a Facebook post from the group.  The bike will "help officers conduct more efficient and effective patrols as well as connect more directly with the community in Yonkers downtown," the group said.  The group also said that having officers patrol on E-Bikes would allow residents to have more personal …