POLICE:

In September of 1996, the Community Policing Bureau in cooperation with Teaneck High School, introduced it's "Bridging the Gap" program. Officers meet with students throughout the school year to discuss topics that are chosen by the students. One of the main topics discussed in 1996 was why police sometimes confront youths standing on the street or in the parks. Role playing, where the students played the role of the police and the officers that of the student, was an enlightening experience for all involved.

The Summer of 1996 also saw the first year of the "Midnight Basketball" program in Votee Park. The basketball, tennis and volleyball courts were kept open until 1:00 a.m. each Wednesday night. Several police officers were assigned to the park while it remained open.

The mission of the Detective Bureau is to conduct proactive Ic tent investigations to ferret out crime in furtherance of the Police Department's goal to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Teaneck.

The Detective Bureau conducts proactive and latent investigations into incidents of criminal and non-criminal activity within the township. In addition to clearing investigations and crime reduction, the bureau seeks to reduce citizen fear of crime, through participation with the Community Policing Bureau in student and citizen information forums.

The Detective Bureau is made up of four squads General Investigations, Narcotics, Burglary, and Crime Prevention/Service. Members of the various squads conducted 1800 criminal investigations for the year. In 1996 the Detective Bureau completed a two year investigation with federal authorities. 'Me investigation resulted in the apprehension of several members of a burglary ring, who used high-tech equipment and vehicles to enter homes and to thwart police apprehension. Over two million dollars in stolen property was recovered.

The Teaneck Police Department Burglary Squad is made up of a Sergeant and four investigators. It is responsible for the investigation of residential, commercial and auto burglaries in the Township. The squad initiated a burglary training seminar for the Department which was geared toward the patrol officer. During this seminar patrol officers were taught how to initially respond to a burglary, how to conduct the burglary investigation, and were provided with intelligence information reizardin2 active burglary suspects.

The Juvenile Bureau continues to create new and innovative methods of dealing with the growing concerns of youth crime. Newlv created programs like the Internship in the Juvenile Bureau and D.A.R.E. celebration events, compliment the established programs already in place. Their dedication to peer mediation, conflict resolution and community service remains high as a safe alternative in which Teaneck's youth may settle their disputes without violence. A Juvenile Detective received an Outstanding Services Recognition Award from the Bergen County Youth Services Commission as their "Officer of the Year." In 1996 the Juvenile Bureau handled over 800 juvenile related cases.

The Patrol Division drove a total of 538,329 miles during 1996. They issued 275 summons at the scene of 1,487 motor vehicle accidents. During 1996 a total of 4,607 summons were issued for moving violations and 6,240 summons were issued for parking violations. Officers made 68 arrests for driving while intoxicated, took 31 animal bite reports, made 150 arrests for other jurisdictions and responded to 127 fires. They reported 36 street light bulbs out, 224 traffic lights malfunctioning, and went on 2,048 first aid calls. The Division investigated 175 unsecured buildings, reported 220 vacant houses, and impounded 408 motor vehicles. The total amount of stolen property recovered in 1996 was $1,068,687.00. There were 174 juvenile arrests and 643 adult arrests. The Service Bureau collected $6,781.00 in alarm registration fees, $2,970.00 in alarm fees, and $21,585.73 in miscellaneous fees.

The Traffic Bureau has added two motorcycles to assist with parking and traffic problems in all township business districts, as well as township parks. The Bureau provides a School Bus Task Force which follows up on complaints concerning cars passing school buses. They also have conducted school bus safety equipment checks,

Driving while intoxicated "roaming patrols" are conducted at various times of the year when the number of drunk drivers on the road is expected to be high - for example on New Years Eve and on St. Patrick's Day. The department has recently purchased equipment and a trailer to conduct roadside sobriety check points. Money for this program is funded through the Drunk Driver Enforcement Fund Program.