Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | October 25, 2024
I’m pleased to say that Scotch Plains is experiencing a significant reduction in car thefts and overall crime, thanks to strong planning and strategic investments that township officials have undertaken in recent years.
According to the latest FBI statistics, car thefts have dropped by 30%, while overall crime in the area has also seen a notable decline. These encouraging numbers reflect the success of ongoing collaborative efforts to make Scotch Plains an even safer place to live.
At the heart of this success is the Township Council’s commitment to having a fully staffed police force; retiring officers are quickly replaced whenever possible. With the Scotch Plains Police Department now operating at full capacity, with the full support of my colleagues, our officers are better equipped to respond swiftly to incidents and engage proactively with the community.
This increased visibility and presence has acted as a major deterrent, creating a stronger sense of safety among residents.
In addition to personnel, technological upgrades have played a key role in driving down crime. For example, the Township Council has invested in state-of-the-art security cameras and license plate readers, strategically placed in town.
These tools have given law enforcement critical support in identifying stolen vehicles, most of which come from other towns and are nabbed on Route 22 because of the technology that we have installed and continue to expand.
Another initiative that is already showing great promise is the reintroduction of the voluntary Neighborhood Watch program, which had not been active in recent years.
By encouraging residents to take an active role in looking out for each other, the rejuvenated program in a neighborhood near Route 22 has fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the community’s well-being.
Neighbors are now more vigilant, reporting unusual activity and collaborating with local police to prevent incidents before they happen. We look forward to this program expanding into neighborhoods throughout Scotch Plains.
While my colleagues and I are pleased to see this reduction in crime, this is only the beginning. We continue to identify ways in which we can work with the police to best serve the public.
For example, last year we launched the “Blue Envelope” program so that motorists with developmental disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, can ensure positive interactions with patrol officers if they happen to get pulled over.
The blue envelope includes a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance details, and an emergency contact card. Additionally, the envelope provides clear instructions to drivers on how to navigate a traffic stop and interact with law enforcement officers in a manner that promotes clarity and safety.
Last year, we also launched the “Safe Place Initiative” throughout Scotch Plains, in which government and business entities can be “safe places” for victims of potential hate crime. Owners and managers receive specialized training from the Scotch Plains Police Department. They have two key responsibilities: to immediately dial 911 and to allow a victim to remain on premises until police arrive. The program continues to grow, as more and more places receive the designation.
Working with Police Chief Jeff Briel and all of our emergency responders, we are firmly committed to continuing these initiatives and exploring many new ways to further drive down crime and ensure the township is as safe as possible.
In the meantime, residents can take comfort in knowing that progress is being made, and the commitment to making Scotch Plains crime-free is unwavering.
