Report Shares Barnegat Police Highlights In 2023

BARNEGAT, NJ — In 2023, the Barnegat Police Department responded to a total of 19,910 calls for service, including a double homicide, a retail theft ring and capturing an emu on the loose in a neighborhood.

This and more is shown in the department's 2023 Annual Report, which shares the highlights from the past year.

The department also celebrated 50 years in 2023, as it opened on July 3, 1973, back when Barnegat was called Union Township.

"Our little town has seen a lot of change throughout the past 50 years, including growing into a not-so little town," the report notes. "What started as three police officers is now 53 police officers, and the town's population of less than 2,000 in 1973 is now nearing 26,000."

The report details highlights from the patrol division, Crime Reduction Unit and detective bureau, plus statistics for the past year.

It also shares how the department was involved in the community, such as their community policing and neighborhood policing initiatives, plus fun events like the "Paddles and Police" pickleball tournament.

Specific members of the department get highlights, too. The report shares details about the promotions and retirements the department experienced in 2023.

The report ends with a farewell note from Chief Keith Germain, who is retiring on March 13.

"Thank you for giving this Barnegat kid the opportunity of a lifetime," he wrote.

You can see the full report here.