General Information

Community Operational Policing

Over the years, maintaining public order has shifted from being the primary responsibility of families, communities and individuals, with the assistance of the police, to being primarily the responsibility of the police department. Enforcing laws and exacting penalties have become the principal response to maintaining order and providing for public safety through the police.

Realizing that enforcement of laws and incarceration alone would not eliminate the root causes of crime, the North Brunswick Police Department initiated a department wide Community Operational Policing strategy in 1994. Community Operational Policing (C.O.P.) is a partnership among all township police officers and our citizens, to work together to identify, prioritize and solve community problems and improve the quality of life in the community. Through this strategy our efforts are directed to reducing crime and the fear of crime, increasing citizen satisfaction with our services and working with other township and public agencies to solve problems that impact our residents and businesses. Community Operational Policing is a commitment to teamwork that benefits both police and our residents. It is a problem solving effort that will work with the support of our community.

Community Operational Policing attempts to build an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect with the residents and community leaders. This is accomplished by officers speaking formally and informally with members of the community and working together, not only to recognize problems but solve the problems together. Pointing out crime prevention methods and establishing Neighborhood Crime Watch groups enhances the trust between officers and residents. Residents who are vacationing may notify the department and request their home be entered on a vacation checklist. This will provide our officers with emergency contact numbers or the name of a key holder, in the event of an emergency. Officers will also make periodic checks of the home.

Because of the nature of police work we may encounter problem areas that are outside the police function. Community Operational Policing has an extensive referral service which can be utilized in dealing with senior citizens in need of assistance, municipal code violations, zoning concerns, drug and alcohol abuse counseling and other areas can be referred to the appropriate municipal, county, or state agency to assist in solving the problem.

Community Operational Policing does not replace traditional policing but enhances what is in place. It is preventing crime through a partnership with you, your neighbors and your police department.

Detective Bureau

The North Brunswick Police Detective Bureau provides investigatory services to the residents of the community through a variety of means. Investigations are conducted in all areas of criminal conduct from harassment to homicide.

Detectives and plainclothes officers are the Department's link between crime victims and the criminal justice system. Officers assigned to the Bureau are responsible for keeping crime victims informed of the status of cases being investigated from their inception to conclusion. Officers are also responsible for analyzing data to detect patterns of crime and alerting C.O.P. district officers of the occurrences taking place in their areas of responsibility. Detectives and plainclothes officers are expected to investigate cases effectively, thoroughly, and efficiently. Priority is given to bringing cases to successful conclusion by conducting investigations that will result in arrest and conviction of those responsible for criminal activity.

In addition to performing criminal investigations, Bureau personnel are responsible for performing a variety of administrative tasks inclusive of the following:

Narcotics/Anti-Crime Unit

"Together we can make a difference"

How to Report Drug Activity to the Police

1. Name of Person Dealing Drugs- Example: John Doe or nickname Malik

2. Description of Person- Example: white male, 6' tall, thin build, mustache

3. Description of Clothing- Example: Gray waist length jacket, blue jeans, sneakers

4. Location of Drug Sales- Example: Corner of 123 Main St, near the blue house

5. Time of Day Activity Occurs- Example: Starts at 7pm and ends at 11pm

6. What Type of Drug is Being Sold- Example: Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin

7. Who is Purchasing the Drugs- Example: Adults, Juveniles

8. Vehicles Used in Drug Sales & Purchases- Example: Green Ford, Plate number

9. How Does Drug Dealer Operate- Example: People drive up and blow the horn, then dealer goes to car and exchanges drugs for money or; People knock on door and enter house for a short stay then leave.

It is important to be as specific as possible when giving information. Please confine information to facts. Do not assume that someone is in possession of drugs when you call just because you saw them in the past. If we do not find drugs on a person, they will know that they are under investigation and take measures to make future arrests more difficult. If you are making an assumption, please state that when you call.

The North Brunswick Narcotics/Anti-Crime Unit will make every effort to investigate each and every complaint and/or information that we receive. All information will be kept strictly confidential and will be followed up.

Please contact any Detective at (732) 247-0922, X-420 (Leave Message) or Mail information to:

North Brunswick Police Department
710 Hermann Road
North Brunswick, N.J. 08902