General Information of the Police Department

During 2000 the Patrol Division drove a total of 558,739 miles. They issued 11,126 summonses for moving violations and 14,224 summonses for parking violations. The Department investigated 1,407 motor vehicle accidents, issued 508 summonses at accident scenes, and 58 DWI arrests were made.

The Police Department responded to 51,711 calls for service during which 13,861 reports were taken by police officers. These calls for service included: 36 animal bite calls, 77 fire calls and 2,364 first aid calls. The Department made 1,575 adult arrests; 176 for persons wanted by other departments and 272 for violations of Township ordinances. Officers located 131 unsecure premises and impounded 572 vehicles. The Service Bureau collected $14,505 in alarm registration fees as well as $6,090 in false alarm fines.

Each neighborhood in Teaneck is served by its own Community Policing Officer. These officers work as liaisons between these neighborhoods and the Police Department and may be contacted by any Teaneck resident. The Community Policing Officers also serve as facilitators assisting residents in their efforts to improve their neighborhoods. Citizen and business groups within the Township may request a speaker from this Bureau to give a talk on any law enforcement topic. Members are also available to facilitate the organization of block watches and to conduct home security surveys.

The Community Policing Bureau hosted a Police Open House in October of 2000 to allow residents to meet with their respective Community Policing Officer and to learn more about creating block associations. There is a growing number of these newly formed organizations in Teaneck which assist the Department in preventing crimes.

The Detective Bureau is comprised of three squads - General Investigations, Narcotics and Burglary. The Bureau conducts intensive investigations into incidents of criminal and non-criminal activity within the Township. In 2000, the Detective Bureau conducted over 1,470 investigations. In addition to solving crimes, this Bureau also attempts to reduce the citizen's fear of crime by making them more aware of their role in the criminal justice arena. Members of this Bureau regularly speak at the Citizens Police Academy hosted by the Department as well as providing speakers for other educational institutions and community organizations in Teaneck.

The Juvenile Bureau investigates all crimes committed by those under the age of 18. They work with parents, schools and other organizations to effectively reduce juvenile crime. In addition the Bureau participates in many proactive programs striving to enhance child welfare, safety and education. In 2000, 713 juvenile cases were investigated by the Bureau with the arrest of 249 juveniles.

The mission of the Traffic Bureau is to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists on the roadways of the Township. This is accomplished by such programs as the Pedestrian Safety Program, the Aggressive Driver Program and the "Stone Cold" DWI Reenactment Program, which were implemented in 2000. Other areas of interest which were focused on by the Bureau included bicycle helmet awareness, DMV road inspections, for trucks as well as automobiles, and DWI checkpoints. Strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the passing of school buses and frozen dessert trucks was emphasized.

General Information of the Police Department

Community Policing Bureau: Each neighborhood in Teaneck has a specific community policing officer assigned to it. These officers work as liaisons between the community and the Police Department and are available to citizens as a community resource. Your community policing officer can serve as a facilitator to accessing a variety of municipal services. A speakers bureau makes presentations on law enforcement and safety topics. Members are available to facilitate the organization of block watches, conduct home security surveys and address neighborhood problems. A "Citizen's Police Academy" is offered to adult residents twice a year for ten weeks. This program offers the residents an inside view of police work. A "Junior Police Academy" is offered to children ages 11 to 16 during the summer. This five day program is similar to the adult program, but is tailored to the age group of the audience. Any residents interested in finding out who their Community Policing Officer is or with questions should call 837-8759.

Juvenile Bureau: Members of the Juvenile Bureau lecture on assorted topics, in an effort to educate both juveniles and parents. The Juvenile Bureau can be contacted at 837-0495.

Traffic Bureau: Citizens can request that the radar trailer be placed on their street which will show the speed limit at that location and alert oncoming vehicles of the speed at which they are traveling. Officers certified in the operation of radar remove the trailer after a few days and follow up with enforcement. The Traffic Bureau can be contacted at 837-2600 extension 282.

Service Bureau: Residents may call the Service Bureau for bicycle registration, alarm registration, liquor license identification cards and firearms purchase applications. Officers will engrave a distinct number on the resident's bicycle. The Service Bureau may be contacted at 837-2573.

Crime Stoppers: Rewards are paid to individuals for information which leads to a criminal arrest. The caller may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers may be contacted at 833-4222.

Emergency: The Teaneck Police Department is a Public Safety Answering and Dispatch Point for the 9-1-1 system. A call in the event of an emergency will get you a quick response from public safety providers, whether the need is for Police, Fire or Ambulance.

Back to Teaneck Municipal Services 2001