By DON STINE
Neptune saw a 29 percent decrease in violent crimes and a 6.6 percent decrease in nonviolent crimes in 2018, with the police department receiving 37,773 calls for service, up from 37,248 in 2017.
Police officials gave the 2018 annual police report at this week’s Township Committee workshop.
“This is good and everything looks great. You are doing a good job and continue what you are doing,” Committeeman Michael Brantley said.
“The changes again are very noticeable,” Committeeman Nick Williams said.
Police officials said that the department is improving its community outreach programs, improving technology, and increasing surveillance capabilities that are also very helpful to the police department.
“We continue to grow and follow the highest law enforcement practices, “Chief James M. Hunt Jr. said.
The Neptune police department was awarded accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in 2016. Accreditation is valid for three years at which time the agency must be reaccredited. The department was evaluated for re-accreditation in January 2019.
Mayor Carol Rizzo said she is concerned about the growth of domestic violence in the country and asked what the Neptune police department is doing about it here.
Hunt said that officers are being better educated and trained on the issue and that the department is encouraging people dealing with domestic violence to come forward and speak up.
Capt. Michael McGhee said more people are now coming forward and that they now have a greater confidence and comfort level in reporting the crime.
“We take these reports seriously and people should take it seriously as well,” he said.
Handgun permits rose from 195 in 2017 to 224 in 2018
Capt. Anthony Gualario said he believes the increase in permits is due to concern about possible restrictions on current gun laws.
For more information on the police report or to report a crime online go to www.NeptunePolice.org.
