Ordinance Seeks To Add Additional Police Personnel To Metuchen PD

METUCHEN, NJ — The Borough council on Monday introduced an ordinance that seeks to increase the number of officers to the Metuchen Police Department.

Mayor Jonathan M Busch said the ordinance was written after much discussion among council members and the police department.

Over the past few years, residents have told officials that they prefer to have police present around the borough when possible, especially to enforce traffic regulations.

“Over the last few years, many residents have requested that our officers increase their traffic enforcement to assist in making our roads safer. Additionally, the establishment of our new comprehensive community policing program that places our officers at all types of Borough events, in our schools, and walking and biking throughout the Borough, requires that our Department have as much support as possible,” Busch said in statement on Facebook.

“We consistently receive feedback about how much it means for our residents to interact with our officers and for the police to maintain a visible presence whenever possible. This is an example our commitment to adjusting our governance to match the changing needs of our community.”

Metuchen police chief Arthur Flaherty told the council that with extra personnel on hand, detectives will have more opportunities to go out and investigate instead of being stuck on the desk taking care of OPRA requests and other paperwork.

He said additional personnel would allow the department to do more community events and go on patrol. "I appreciate that you see what’s coming, The schools are getting bigger, the town’s getting busier. I appreciate you helping out,” Flaherty told the council.

A public hearing on the ordinance is set for Jan. 30. To read the ordinance, click here.

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