New Providence, NJ Police Department

New Providence Police Department 2010

It is with extreme pleasure that I represent the New Providence Police Department as Chief of Police.

In March 2006, the New Providence Police Department became recognized as an accredited agency, by the New Jersey State Police Chief?s Association. The accreditation process requires a re-evaluation every three years by the State Chief's Association. In 2008, we worked hard to assure compliance with the 112 standards set forth by the State Chiefs. I am pleased to announce that we completed our On-site Assessment in January 2009, and on April 8, 2009 our agency received our re-accreditation from the State Chief's Accreditation Commission.

I am very proud of the efforts set forth by my personnel during 2009. Throughout the year, our department handled over 24,000 calls for service. Through the efforts of our officers, we were able to maintain one of the lowest crime rates in the county. I know first hand the hard work our officers do on a daily basis has paid enormous dividends in regard to the quality of life here in New Providence.

Our agency takes great pride in our community policing efforts. The officers of our department participated in many community-oriented programs, such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), Senior Citizen Liaison Program, Neighborhood Watch, and many other school based programs such as PATT Police and Teens Together, which is taught to High School Seniors. It's great to see our officer's enthusiasm, involvement and encouragement of other programs such as the Oakwood Park Fishing Derby, the P.B.A. Blood Drive, P.B.A. Winter Coat Drive, Toys for Tots and the Food Drive which this year partnered with the schools and Coach4Food and raised over 17,000 pounds of food, which was donated to the NJ Food Bank.

In 2009, all of our officers worked together to control operating expenses and safeguard our budgets. Our well-organized Police Department strives with one of the lowest operating and overtime police budgets in Union County. This was accomplished by teamwork, creative policing strategies and most importantly, the dedication exhibited by the sworn and civilian men and women of the New Providence Police Department.

In 2008, our newly formed Police Honor Guard, an elite group of officers, marched for the first time in the Memorial Day Parade. Since their inception, they have represented our department with honor at many ceremonial events. I thank our Auxiliary Police Officers and our member of the Northern Union County Civilian Domestic Violence Response Team who generously give their time to help our cause.

I would also like to thank the New Providence Emergency Services, specifically the Rescue Squad, Fire Department, and Public Works Department. It is a pleasure to serve with such well trained, and dedicated men and women. I also thank our school crossing guards for keeping our children safe throughout the school year.

Chief Anthony D. Buccelli, Jr.