ABOUT US

The police department is comprised of sworn officers and civilian employees dedicated to achieving the mission and vision of the department while displaying the core values of the department. It is comprised of a command staff and three divisions with bureaus serving the specialized needs of the community.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lawrence Township Police Department is to improve the community by practicing problem solving strategies against crime and quality of life issues. We are committed to conducting pro-active policing strategies to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our town. We believe in, and are committed to, developing partnerships within the community to improve the quality of life within Lawrence Township.

Core Values: Honor-Integrity-Knowledge

Honor: We will honor our police powers. We understand that our police powers are derived from the community in which we serve.

Integrity: We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, which are the cornerstones of our profession. We are dedicated to upholding the highest moral and ethical standards.

Knowledge: We will continually strive to maintain a high level of professional development through continuous learning and specialized and in-service training.

Officer Accountability Bureau

The goal of the Lawrence Township Police Department is to provide the most professional police services possible to the citizens of Lawrence Township and the State of New Jersey. Honesty and integrity are paramount to that goal. The mission of the Officer Accountability Bureau is to fully and impartially investigate all complaints about police officer conduct. Complaints about police officer conduct are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from all persons. During normal business hours, contact the Officer Accountability Bureau at 609-896-1111. After hours you can call 609-896-1111 and ask to speak with the Shift Commander. Printable complaint form can be downloaded from here.

For more details on complaint policy and procedure click here.

Officer Commendation

Citizens are able to commend a Department employee as a way of saying thanks for exemplary service or to let the employee know you appreciate their efforts in handling a problem. You may telephone the Chief’s Office at 609-896-1111, send an e-mail or complete the commendation form which can be downloaded here {form}. The message or form will be forwarded to the employee and included in their personnel file. Please include the employee’s name, date, time and the location of the incident as well as the circumstances surrounding the event. Printable commendation form can be downloaded from here.

Patrol Division (609-896-1111)

The Patrol Division of the department is responsible for the investigation of offenses, crimes, traffic accidents, disturbances, and all other incidents that require police service. In addition, all police officers have the responsibility to protect life and property, preserve the peace, prevent crimes, detect and arrest violators of the law and to enforce state and local laws and ordinances coming within the jurisdiction of the Township.

Traffic Safety Bureau (609-896-1111)

The Traffic Bureau is staffed by a Traffic Safety Officer. This officer is a designated patrol sergeant who in addition to his normal function performs the following functions:

• Supervision of all patrol traffic functions including special enforcement areas.
• Supervision and training of all adult school crossing guards.
• Conducting traffic surveys for speed, volume and other areas such as parking including handicap zones, etc.
• Coordinating school, church, and other large scale traffic events.

Persons with traffic concerns or questions may contact the traffic safety officer for attention.

Communications Bureau (609-896-1111)

The communications bureau is staffed 24/7 with full time public safety telecommunicators and certified police officers who answer 9-1-1 calls. These calls are then transferred to medical or fire dispatch as needed.

Quaker Bridge Mall Bureau (609-896-1111)

The Quaker Bridge Mall Bureau is staffed by a Lawrence Township Police Sergeant which is funded through the mall. This sergeant maintains the sub-station located at the exit way of the QBM food court area. This sergeant maintains a pro-active presence in the mall to deter crime, educate merchants in crime prevention, work with mall management on security planning, and command police personnel at the mall.

Investigation Division (609- 844-7129)

The Lawrence Township Police Department Investigation Division is comprised of the following Bureaus and Units: Records Bureau, Detective Bureau, Juvenile Bureau, Evidence and Property Management Bureau, School Resource Officer Unit and the Canine Unit.

Records Bureau (609- 896-0225)

The Records Bureau is responsible for maintenance, routing, filing and distribution of all reports for the department. Hours of operation for the Records Bureau are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Reports may be obtained in person or by mail. Information on applicable fees for reports and other documents is listed below.

Fee Schedule for copies of police documents and services:

Motor Vehicle Accident Reports, Investigation Reports, Operation Reports, Call for Serve Records and Other Documentation:

1. First page to tenth page: $0.50 per page
2. Eleventh page to twentieth page: $0.25 per page
3. All pages over twenty: $0.10 per page
4. Accident reports mailed: $5.00
   

Fingerprints:

1. $5.00 per person. Applicant fingerprints for residents and persons employed in Lawrence Township are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Firearms:

1. Identification Card: $ 5.00
2. Handgun Permits: $ 2.00
3. Fingerprint background checks for firearms applications: $54.00 if the applicant never had a Firearms identification card, $18.00 if the applicant already has a firearms identification card. This fee must be submitted in a certified check or money order made out to the “Division of State Police S.B.I.”

Detective Bureau (609- 844-7129)

The Detective Bureau is responsible for the continuing investigation of crimes within the jurisdiction of Lawrence Township. Confidential crime tips should be made by calling 609-844-7129, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. If the information being provided requires an immediate police response, please call 609-896-1111.

Juvenile Bureau (609- 844-7129)

The Juvenile Bureau is responsible for all crimes and investigations committed by and against juveniles that occur within Lawrence Township. The Juvenile Bureau also coordinates many youth oriented programs and activities such as safety town, bicycle rodeo, D.A.R.E., G.R.E.A.T. and more.

Evidence and Property Management Bureau (609- 844-7148)

The Evidence and Property Management Bureau is responsible for the maintenance and legal disposal of all property and evidence received by the department. The Evidence and Property Officer is also responsible for evidence processing at major crime scenes as well as evidence brought to headquarters.

Property Recovery

Any citizen who has property that was recovered or is being held by the Lawrence Township Police Department is asked to contact the Evidence and Property Officer at 609-844-7148.

Recovered / Towed Vehicles (609-896-1111)

Any person who has had a vehicle towed by the Lawrence Township Police Department for reasons other then motor vehicle accidents can contact Police Communications for information and procedures of recovery of the vehicle. Failure to recover towed vehicle will result in the vehicle being sold at public auction.

School Resource Officer Unit (609-844-7130)

The School Resource Officers provide a three pronged approach to policing encompassing teaching, informal counseling on social issues for students and providing a continued safe environment for the schools. School Resource Officers are assigned to the Lawrence High School, Lawrence Middle School and Lawrence Intermediate School. The school resource unit also coordinates the summer youth academy and works with the juvenile bureau with the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs.

Canine Unit (609-844-7128)

The Lawrence Township Police Department Canine Unit is comprised of a police officer handler and a canine. The canine is trained to detect explosives, track missing persons, and locate fleeing suspects and search buildings for suspects. The canine unit also conducts numerous demonstrations for community groups.

Crime Prevention

Retail & Commercial Crime Prevention

To develop and maintain a close association with merchants, business persons and commercial establishments within the Township, and offer advice, recommendations and training programs in crime prevention methods. Please contact Detective Bureau at 609- 844-7130 for a referral on this program.

Combat Auto Theft

Window decals are used to identify program participants. The decal identifies a vehicle in which the owner has authorized New Jersey law enforcement officers to stop his/her vehicle between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to determine who is driving and whether the vehicle is stolen. Program participants must sign an agreement to register for the program. There is no fee for registration of the decal. Information may be obtained through the Records Bureau.

Rights of Crime Victims & Witnesses

All residents and business persons who have been the victim or witness to a serious crime are entitled to certain rights. Please contact Police Communications for a referral.

Criminal Complaints & Motor Vehicle Complaints

Any citizen wanting to sign a criminal or motor vehicle complaint against an individual where the act occurred in Lawrence Township is asked to contact either the Lawrence Township Municipal Court or Police Communications.

Community Programs

Neighborhood Crime Watch

Citizens groups seeking to organize a Neighborhood Crime Watch program should contact Police Communications for information.

Operation Identification

To encourage and assist residents to record and inscribe personal property to deter theft and to assure positive identification in the event of loss or theft. Please contact Police Communications for referral.

Business & Commercial Protective Measures

To provide for the random brief, visitation of business and commercial establishments by patrol officers during their tours of duty. It is intended to prevent thefts, robberies and other criminal acts, and to reduce the public fear of crime. Please contact Police Communications for referral.

Residential & Commercial Security Surveys

To provide residents, business and commercial establishments with information, advice and instructions on physical security measures and crime prevention techniques to avoid, prevent or reduce criminal opportunity. Please contact Police Communications for referral.

Vacant House Inspection:

Provides for the inspection of residences while residents are away and the home is unoccupied for extended periods of times. It is intended to deter burglary, theft and vandalism by the random inspection of police patrols. Please contact Police Communications for referral.

Youth Safety Programs

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

The D.A.R.E. program is instructed by trained police officers to 5th grade students at the Lawrence Intermediate School and the St. Ann School. This early prevention program teaches students to resist drugs, alcohol and violence. For additional information contact the Juvenile Bureau at 609-844-7130.

Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.)

The G.R.E.A.T. program is instructed by trained police officers to the 7th grade students at Lawrence Middle School. Students are instructed on ways to avoid violence, delinquency and gang membership. For additional information contact the Juvenile Bureau at 609-844-7130.

Officer McGruff - Take a Bite Out of Crime Program

To provide high visibility of Officer McGruff, Law Enforcement Crime Prevention spokes-dog in public, thereby increasing the awareness and knowledge by the public of crime prevention methods, procedures and efforts of law enforcement. Please contact Juvenile Bureau at 609-844-7130 for referral.

School Safety / Safety Town / Helping House

To provide for the safety and well-being of neighborhood children and for a haven for children who are endangered or need help when not close to home. Please contact Juvenile Bureau at 609-844-7130 for referral.

Child Identification / Personal Identification

Fingerprinting of children for family records in the event positive identification may be necessary at some future time. This service is also available to adults, subject to restrictions. Please contact Police Communications for referral.

Employment Opportunities

School Crossing Guards

Anyone interested in the position of School Crossing Guard is asked to contact the office of the Chief of Police at 609-844-7102.

Police Candidates

Any person interested in the position of police officer is asked to contact the New Jersey Department of Personnel. All information regarding eligibility and testing dates are available through the Department of Personnel.

Civilian Employees

Any person interested in the position of clerk or communications operator is asked to contact the office of the Chief of Police at 609-844-7102.

Other Programs

Temporary Handicap Parking Placard

A temporary handicap parking placard is issued through the Records Bureau. It is used by persons with a temporary physical handicap who require parking privileges within areas so designated. Please contact the Records Bureau at 609-896-0225 for information on requirements and the application.

Off Duty Employment of Officers

Police Officers may work off-duty assignment within the guidelines of department policy and township ordinance. These usually include situations that are required by Township permit, or where a police presence is desirable at gatherings. Please contact the department at 609-896-0225 and ask to speak with a supervisor in reference to off duty employment.