By: Richard L. Smith
The Summit Police Department is rolling out a novel initiative designed to help property owners beef up their defense against burglaries through its Home Security Assessment Program.
This initiative invites residents to take a proactive approach toward enhancing the safety of their homes by offering free security evaluations conducted by certified police officers.
Participants in the program will benefit from an in-depth security survey at their residence, carried out by officers trained in identifying risks and vulnerabilities.
During these visits, officers will review current security measures, pinpoint areas of potential risk, and provide tailored recommendations to strengthen the home's defense against potential intruders.
Police Chief Steven Zagorski expressed enthusiasm about the launch of the program, stating, "We are very pleased to be able to offer this program and hope that many residents take advantage of it. By participating in the program, you will have taken a proactive step in creating a more secure environment in and around your home."
He added that the initiative has seen success in neighboring jurisdictions and is optimistic about its benefits for Summit residents.
To sign up for a free assessment, residents are encouraged to contact the Community Policing Unit by email at cpu@spdnj.org, providing their name, address, phone number, and their preferred timing for the assessment.
A team member will then get in touch to schedule the visit. For those preferring to conduct their own preliminary evaluation, a self-assessment checklist is available for download from the city's official website.
Upon completion of the in-person assessment, homeowners will receive a personalized report outlining suggested security enhancements.
This service aims not only to increase individual home safety but also to foster a broader sense of security within the community.
For more details about the Home Security Assessment Program or to view an informational video, residents can visit the city's website at cityfosummit.org/homesecurity or the City of Summit YouTube channel.
Any questions about the program can be directed to the Summit Police Community Policing Unit at the provided email address.