Crosswalk Crackdown Coming In July, Bloomfield Police Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Undercover police officers will pose as pedestrians at crosswalks throughout Bloomfield in July to carry out a “crosswalk crackdown,” authorities announced Friday.

The local enforcement action is being launched to crack down on drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians using the crosswalks, according to the Bloomfield Police Department.

Here’s how it will work, authorities said:

“The Cops in Crosswalks operation, which will be taking place at dozens of locations throughout the township, will have undercover police officers posing as pedestrians at crosswalks. The undercover officers who observe a driver failing to stop at a crosswalk will instruct their partners in nearby police cars to pull the driver over. From there, the officers will follow standard protocol, but will also be sure to give the driver pamphlets on the importance of stopping at crosswalks.”

The Bloomfield Police Department has conducted Cops in Crosswalks operations annually for 14 years.

“The goal of this initiative is to promote vehicle safety within the township,” Police Chief George Ricci said.

“We are especially concerned with pedestrian safety and want all of our residents to feel safe crossing our streets,” Ricci continued. “As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, we recognize that there will be more children crossing the streets and we want drivers to be aware of this.”

“This operation helps to reduce accidents by helping to educate drivers and helps keep them alert on the road,” the chief added.

Mayor Michael Venezia said the local campaign has been successful over its 14-year run.

“In Bloomfield, we strive to ensure that our residents feel safe crossing our streets with their families,” Venezia said. “The Bloomfield Police Department is doing amazing work to keep this town a safe place.”

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