A steady recorded drop in criminal activities around Newark's borders is being credited to 24-hour border patrol interaction with neighboring municipalities.
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, the border patrol units, established in September between Newark and its neighboring cities of Belleville and Bloomfield, have proven beneficial in addressing crime along the borders with only seven reported crimes.
Director Ambrose said the 2nd Precinct’s border patrols operate from the Stephen Crane Housing Complex at North 6th Street to the Belleville city line.
It also operates from 2nd to Roseville avenues and from Bloomfield Avenue to the Bloomfield city line. Since inception, border patrol officers have issued more than 50 traffic summonses along these borders and made 17 arrests; including one for robbery, one for assault, and one for weapon possession at Stephen Crane according to Director Ambrose.
The joint patrols are useful crime-fighting tools, particularly along our Bloomfield and Belleville borders.
"Criminals who live near borders routinely commit crimes in neighboring municipalities. This is particularly true with property crimes, such are burglaries. These patrols enable officers to more effectively address and investigate criminal activities in both cities, thereby eliminating the border. Because the units are comprised of two officers, one from each municipality, it also frees up resources to concentrate on other crime reduction initiates and activities" Director Ambrose said.
“I commend the 2nd Precinct **Commander, Capt. Jose Gonzalez**, and his border patrol officers for their commitment to reducing crime along the Belleville and Bloomfield borders,” Chief of Police Darnell Henry said. “I’m also grateful to the Belleville and Bloomfield Police Departments for their invaluable partnerships, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our residents and neighbors.”
Bloomfield Public Safety Director Samuel DeMaio praised the willingness of both Newark and Belleville police leadership to partner in this most important effort. “We all know that crime knows no borders and the partnership will not only curb crime but provide invaluable intelligence to all three police departments.”
In an RLS Media phone conversation with Irvington Township Police Director Tracy Bower, the director stated that criminal activity along Newark's West Ward that borders his township has seen steep declines due to a cooperative partnership that includes increased police visibility with Newark Police.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about criminal activity along the Belleville, Bloomfield, or Irvington borders to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.