Metuchen Officials Highlight New Community Policing, Pedestrian Safety Efforts

METUCHEN, NJ — Metuchen officials are highlighting a new division of community policing and pedestrian safety within the police department, aimed at strengthening connections between officers and residents in the downtown area.

"One of the best and most critically important things we do in this community is connect with one another," Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said. "That's why it was so important, critically important, that we established with our police department a division of community policing and pedestrian safety."

Busch said the initiative goes beyond officers patrolling on foot. "Community policing isn't just about officers walking around," he said. "While they're walking around, they're connecting with residents. They're learning from businesses. They're understanding the neighborhoods, so that when they need us, we're here."

Police Chief Arthur Flaherty said the department has used community input to shape a new traffic and community policing unit focused on the downtown area.

"With the help of the 33 options that we now have, along with the community and relating their concerns to us, we've been able to implement a traffic and community policing unit that I think has done some really good stuff in this downtown area," Flaherty said.

Sgt. Kenneth Bauer, who works within the unit, said he values the direct contact with residents.

"I love working with the community," Bauer said. "The town's very supportive of the police department, and I enjoy getting out of the car and driving around, talking to people every day in the town."

Community Liaison Police (CLP) Officer Casey Klein said the program is intended to reassure both visitors and residents.

"This is going to be a good way to help not only show the safety of our visitors, but also our residents that live here, and make sure that everybody's not only enjoying it but having a good time," Klein said.

Flaherty said the department has used feedback from the community to shape programs focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety downtown. "What we've been able to do with this downtown area is listen to concerns and implement some programs that are able to work with the community, make it a safer place to walk or bike," he said.

Bauer said the department hopes to expand its presence at community events to identify problem areas. "We want to get more involved with the community at community events, and hopefully people come up to us, talk to us, so we can find out where some problem areas are that maybe we're not focusing on," he said.

Klein said the initiative reflects a broader departmental priority. "I believe that's a core part of not only our police department's [mission], but the community as well," Klein said. "So I'm very excited to be [part of] something like that."

Flaherty credited support from borough leadership for making the programs possible. "The police department can't do this alone," he said. "We've been able to have the support of the mayor and council on the traffic and transportation committee. Along with that, and what you, the residents, tell us or your concerns, we've been able to implement these programs that are making Metuchen a safer, more bike, more walkable place."

Busch encouraged residents to report concerns to the police department or the borough directly, and to check the borough's website for updates.

"So together we can make [Metuchen] safe for everyone, all of our residents who enjoy this beautiful downtown as much as I do," Busch said.

Residents with concerns can contact the Metuchen Police Department or the borough, or visit www.metuchennj.org for updates.

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