June 3, 2024, East Orange, NJ: Mayor Ted R. Green and the East Orange City Council, under the leadership of the Department of Public Safety, have announced its “Safe Summer” Initiative 2024, an all-hands-on-deck approach to keeping crime low as temperatures rise.
The Safe Summer Initiative, which will run between June 21, 2024-September 2, 2024, consists of joint efforts between EOPD, EOFD, OEM, the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs, as well as other city departments as needed. There will be an increased police presence, community engagements, and proactive quality-of-life enforcement, some of which will include walking posts, mobile patrols, business inspections, road safety checkpoints, and crime prevention operations.
“Through our safe summer initiative, we are deploying our resources strategically to mitigate any typical increase that more outdoor activity and longer summer days might bring,” said Mayor Green. “Summer is a great time for our residents and families to bond and create lasting memories, and we’ve got plenty of activities planned to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.”
EOPD will also be aggressively enforcing the city’s juvenile curfew, which states that no unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 may remain in a public place in the City of East Orange between the hours of 11pm to 5:30am.
“This curfew will help us to promote public safety, prevent minors from engaging in unlawful behavior and protect them from harm,” said Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. “We recognize that a juvenile curfew is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we will be sensitive and compassionate to circumstances that require an adaptable approach.”
Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd said that police will be targeting hotspot locations to address emerging crime trends and patrol officers will be cracking down on speeding, jaywalking, parking offenses, and curfew violations throughout the summer.
The community relations units of EOPD and EOFD will collaborate to host events and programs throughout the city such as:
- Pop-Up Block Parties
- Adopt-a-Park Events
- Basketball Games
- Fitness Classes dubbed “Cardio with Cops”
- Boys and Girls Mentoring Programs
- Police Explorers Program
- Safe Haven P.A.L. Program
The public will also receive vital information on how to protect themselves from property and domestic crimes, while EOFD will distribute free smoke detectors and hearing-impaired sound alarms to those who need them.
In order to keep crime down during summer months, Chief Bindi stressed the importance of forging positive relationships between police and residents.
“We listen and respond to our community to ensure our efforts and priorities align with their expectations so that we can continue to provide the kind of services that our community wants, expect, and deserves,” said Bindi.
“If you see something, say something,” encouraged Director Boyd. “It is imperative that we promote community vigilance and neighbors are asked to report all suspicious activities to help us keep the residents, families and visitors in our city safe.”
Chief Bindi emphasized that everyone in the community is expected to play a role in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
“EOPD has zero tolerance for any behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of our residents,” she said. “Our citizens can be assured that our officers stand ready to take swift and effective action to address any issues that may arise.”
Community engagement is a key public safety strategy, and Recreation & Cultural Affairs Director J. Jamal Pearson said he and his team have been working hard to ensure that Summer 2024 is chock full of activities to keep our children and families active and engaged in our parks, pools and playgrounds.
In addition to a variety of summer camps and sports clinics, Pearson said there will be special events happening every week July through August, including main annual events such as the weekly “Soul in the City” music series, the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Jazz at the Plaza, the Mayor’s Annual Cookout, East Orange MACFest, National Night Out and the Summer Jam House Music Festival.
To report suspicious activity, please call the EOPD TIPSLine at 973.266.5041. In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
