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Community Policing

New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored' New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored'
New Chief Sworn In By Ossining Police Department: 'I Am Honored' A police department in Northern Westchester has sworn in its new chief.  The Ossining Police Department provisionally appointed Aaron Zimmerman as its new chief in a swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday evening, March 13, village officials announced.  Zimmerman replaces Interim Chief Brendan Donohue, who took the role following Chief Kevin Sylvester's retirement in December and will now serve as a captain.  Earlier Report - Ossining Police Department Names Interim Leader After Chief's Retirement A 20-year veteran of the department, Zimmerman previously serv…
Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP
Suspect In Custody For Exposing Self To Children In Lehigh County: PSP A suspect is in police custody after troopers said he exposed himself to a group of young children in Lehigh County on Monday, March 11.  The suspect, who authorities have not named, is being held on unrelated charges in Schuylkill County, said state police in a release.  Investigators said the incident happened on the 7000 block of Lincoln Court in Lynn Township. A 9-year-old victim and three other children were walking their dog when the suspect pulled up in his truck, according to troopers.  Police said he opened the truck door and was not wearing pants.  Authoritie…
Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (VIDEO) Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (VIDEO)
Virginia Police Celebrated For Ballin' Out With Community (Video) Three police officers from Virginia are showing off their teamwork — and their sweet basketball skills. The Charlottsville officers are going viral in a clip, liked more than 3.9 million times as of Monday, Sept. 18, showing them shooting some hoops with locals. The officers nailed a rebound, then a no-look pass, and the icing on the cake? A three-point shot: Swish.  Not only did Team Blue score a point, but also some kudos with the community. "This is how you build relationships with the neighborhood you're protecting and serving," one person commented. "MUCH RESPECT TO THE OFF…
Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover
Summer Shootings In Paterson Plummet Amid NJ Police Takeover Facts don't lie. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin promised a reduction in crime in Paterson following the second-ever state takeover of a local police department in New Jersey's history. So far, he's delivering. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- a time when America's cities ordinarily suffer the most violence -- shootings in the Silk City plummeted by 41.2% compared with the same period last year, state officials reported. In that time, Paterson has also had the fewest summer shooting victims in five years, they said. Reported robberies decreased by nearly 38%. Aggravated assault…
Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many' Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many'
Peabody Police Officer Dies Tragically, Community Rallies To Help Family Of Man 'Loved By Many' The family of an Essex County man so beloved he was nicknamed the "Mayor of Peabody" is receiving an outpouring of support after his unexpected death.  Henry Breckenridge, a Peabody police officer, died from complications that arose during a non-emergency surgery at Salem Hospital, the Peabody Police Department announced on Thursday, July 20.  Hospital staff worked "heroically" to try and save him, but to no avail.  Breckenridge believed in community policing and was an "outstanding" officer, said Police Chief Tom Griffin. He was particularly loved by young people, who shared support and…
Wanted Man Caught By South Brunswick Police Wanted Man Caught By South Brunswick Police
Wanted Man Caught By South Brunswick Police A man wanted in several Central Jersey communities was caught on Thursday, March 23, authorities said.  Adam Zakaria, 25, of South Brunswick was arrested at about 4 p.m. thanks to tips from the public, police said. Police had circulated Zakaria's photo on Wednesday. He was arrested along Route 27 near Finnegans Lane, police said. He was wanted by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, Woodbridge Police, and South Brunswick Police for different crimes, police said. Detectives followed up on a tip and observed Zakaria traveling on Route 27 just prior to his arrest.  Police Chi…
Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police
Suspect Robs Montco Driver At Gunpoint After Crashing Into Her Car: Police A man is in police custody after authorities say he crashed into another driver on a Montgomery County street before robbing her at gunpoint.  It happened just before 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 in Upper Moreland Township, the police department said in a statement. The suspect was driving a silver Honda Accord erratically on York Road near Davisville Road when he suddenly turned in front of another car, police wrote.  After a "minor crash," investigators said the man hopped out of Honda, aimed a handgun at the other driver, and demanded her cell phone. He fled north up Davisville Road,…
Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked' Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked'
Retired Police Lieutenant From Peekskill Dies: Was 'Well Liked' A beloved retired police lieutenant from Northern Westchester who started numerous community programs during his career has died.  Conrad Eschenberg, who served with the Peekskill Police Department for 25 years, died on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the age of 69, according to his obituary page.   A graduate of Mahopac High School in 1972, Eschenberg started his career with Peekskill PD in May 1978 and rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to Sergeant in April 1988 and becoming a Lieutenant in December 1998. He then retired in 2003. During his time with the depart…
Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective
Fund Launched For Children Of Deceased Retired Washington Township Detective As the time for final goodbyes nears, many of those who knew and loved retired Washington Township Police Officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Heather Castronova are trying to do what they can for her two children. Toward that end, Laura Padilla has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Castronova, 44, died unexpectedly at her home in Allendale on Feb. 8, apparently as the result of a medical condition, those who knew her said. The Hackensack-born-and-bred Heather Cumming served in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, as well as at Twenty Nine Palms, CA and Quantico, VA. She began a public service car…
Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova
Shock, Sadness Spread Following Death Of Retired Wash. Twp. Detective Heather Castronova UPDATE: Arrangements Finalized For Heather Castronova The Washington Township (Bergen County) police department is mourning the loss of retired detective and former US Marine Heather Castronova. A mom of two, Castronova died sometime overnight due to unknown medical circumstances, the department said on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Castronova was hired as a dispatcher for the Bergen County Police Department before becoming an officer in Washington Township. While serving in the patrol and detective bureaus, Castronova was passionate about community policing, specifically working with children.…
Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car
Authorities Seek Public's Help In Shooting That Left Jersey Shore Man Dead In His Car Authorities in Monmouth County seek the public's help in a shooting that took place in the fall. A 26-year-old Neptune Township man was fatally shot in his car. On Oct. 6, at approximately 10:48 p.m., Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 1700 block of Heck Avenue for a report of shots fired. Police found the victim, Devin Agolio-Stout, who was located in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Stout was rushed to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. “The holiday season is upon us and we have a family …
Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly
Video: Candlelight Vigil Held For Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly Community members gathered to hold a candlelight vigil for a Northern Westchester police officer who died suddenly on Thanksgiving night.  Earlier Report - Thousands Raised For Family Of Peekskill Police Officer Who Died Suddenly The vigil was held in Peekskill on Tuesday, Nov. 29, to honor the life of Gregory Jones, an officer with the Peekskill Police Department originally from Middletown, who died on Thursday night, Nov. 24, at the age of 48, according to his obituary.  At the vigil, which was released in a video shared by the police department, several attendees spoke in…
Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing
Yonkers Police Department Given New E-Bike To Aid Community Policing A Westchester police department has been given a new E-Bike to help them in their patrols.  The E-Bike was given to the Yonkers Police Department on Wednesday, Oct. 19 by the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District, which wanted to give back to the city's police, according to a Facebook post from the group.  The bike will "help officers conduct more efficient and effective patrols as well as connect more directly with the community in Yonkers downtown," the group said.  The group also said that having officers patrol on E-Bikes would allow residents to have more personal …
Convicted Felon, Teen, Busted With Meth, Crack Cocaine, Gun During Frederick Speeding Stop Convicted Felon, Teen, Busted With Meth, Crack Cocaine, Gun During Frederick Speeding Stop
Convicted Felon, Teen, Busted With Meth, Crack Cocaine, Gun During Frederick Speeding Stop A sheriff's deputy in Frederick County got an assist from a police K9 to make a massive drug and weapons bust of a convicted felon and Virginia teen during a speeding stop in Maryland, authorities said. Michael White, 55, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, and Rebecca Lorey, 19, of Stephens City, Virginia, are both facing multiple charges after being stopped at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 for speeding near I-70 and Route 180. Rebecca Lorey and Michael WhiteFrederick County Sheriff's Office During the stop, a spokesperson for the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said that…
Leonia Police: How Are We Doing? Leonia Police: How Are We Doing?
Leonia Police: How Are We Doing? Leonia residents and merchants are invited to assess the borough's police department as part of a process known as accreditation. Members of the department and borough employees also are encouraged to call during the scheduled phone-in period from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19. THE NUMBER: (201) 592-5759 Telephone comments will be fielded by an assessment team from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, whose members will examine “all aspects of the Leonia Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services,” Police Chief Scott Tamagny s…
This Maryland Police Department Is Rolling Out True Crime Podcast This Maryland Police Department Is Rolling Out True Crime Podcast
This Maryland Police Department Is Rolling Out True Crime Podcast A podcast launched by a Maryland police agency is giving locals a look at true crime in the area. "The Crime Journal," by the Anne Arundel County Police Department, is made by county police officers themselves.  "We want our community to remain informed and engaged with the goal of providing justice for victims," the department said. "Your tip could bring closure to a grieving family." The podcast will examine active and cold cases with an occasional glimpse behind the badge.  Listen on iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify.
Yonkers Appoints Deputy Chief As New Police Commissioner Yonkers Appoints Deputy Chief As New Police Commissioner
Yonkers Appoints Deputy Chief As New Police Commissioner A veteran public servant in Westchester has been tabbed to take over as the police commissioner in “New York’s third-largest city,” as the mayor likes to say. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced that Yonkers Police Deputy Chief Chris Sapienza has been chosen as the city’s new police commissioner, replacing outgoing Commissioner John Mueller, who retired earlier in the week of Monday, May 2. Sapienza will serve as acting commissioner until the Yonkers City Council can confirm his appointment. Acting Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris SapienzaTwitter/@YonkersPD Spano touted Sapienza’s tem…
Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By New Jersey Police Officer Going Viral Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By New Jersey Police Officer Going Viral
Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By New Jersey Police Officer Going Viral Women across North Jersey are apparently willing to get themselves into trouble if it means scoring a date with a local police officer. A photo of Domenic Pizzanelli holding a lost dog on the River Edge PBA Local 201's Facebook page has caught the attention of thousands of women, many threatening to run red lights and rob banks just to chat with the officer. The good news? The dog, MoMo, was returned home within hours. The bad news, at least for Bergen County hopefuls, Pizzanelli is off the market. In fact, Pizzanelli's girlfriend of two years, Riana McShea, has been nothing but supportiv…
Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By Bergen County Officer Going Viral Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By Bergen County Officer Going Viral
Women Looking For Any Excuse To Be Pulled Over By Bergen County Officer Going Viral Women across North Jersey are apparently willing to get themselves into trouble if it means scoring a date with one of River Edge's newest officers. A photo of Domenic Pizzanelli holding a lost dog on the River Edge PBA Local 201's Facebook page has caught the attention of thousands of women, many threatening to run red lights and rob banks just to chat with the officer. The good news? The dog, MoMo, was returned home within hours. The bad news, at least for Bergen County hopefuls, Pizzanelli is off the market. In fact, Pizzanelli's girlfriend of two years, Riana McShea, has been nothing …
Suffolk County Police K9 Dies From Sudden Illness Suffolk County Police K9 Dies From Sudden Illness
Suffolk County Police K9 Dies From Sudden Illness A K9 who served in the Suffolk County Police Department for more than five years has died from a sudden illness. SCPD reported that Dallas V, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, died on Wednesday, Sept. 1.  Police said Dallas V joined the police department in 2016 and trained with handler Kenneth Michaels. The German Shepherd was trained to detect narcotics and track suspects. Dallas V also visited schools and attended community events. Police said Dallas V was named to honor the five police officers who were shot and killed on July 7, 2016 in the Dallas area.  “Dallas was …
Longtime Police Officer In Connecticut Dies Suddenly At Age 54 Longtime Police Officer In Connecticut Dies Suddenly At Age 54
Longtime Police Officer In Connecticut Dies Suddenly At Age 54 A longtime police officer in Connecticut died suddenly at the age of 54, leaving his police department in mourning.  The Glastonbury Police Department announced the sudden death of Officer Francis Perrone who died Sunday, Aug. 29 at home, said Captain Mark Catania.  Perrone served with the Glastonbury Police Department since September 2013, and at the time of his passing was assigned to the Patrol Division, Catania said. He came to the Glastonbury Police Department with a plethora of experience, after serving with the City of Hartford Police Department for ove…
Passaic Teen’s Accused Murderer ID’d Passaic Teen’s Accused Murderer ID’d
Passaic Teen’s Accused Murderer ID’d UPDATE: Civilians helped Passaic police capture a 21-year-old city man accused of gunning down a local teen beneath a Route 21 overpass, authorities said. The city Police Intelligence Unit and Detective Bureau, in tandem with the Patrol Division and Special Investigations Division united, "fielded leads directly from the community" that led directly to Philip Sparrow, Passaic Mayor Hector Carlos Lora said. City police arrested Sparrow – and recovered the suspected murder weapon – during an 8 p.m. traffic stop Tuesday on Paulison Avenue, authorities said. They stopped the vehicle on Pauliso…
Name Of Man Who Died In 9/11 Attacks Lives On Through New Secaucus Police K9 Name Of Man Who Died In 9/11 Attacks Lives On Through New Secaucus Police K9
Name Of Man Who Died In 9/11 Attacks Lives On Through New Secaucus Police K9 The name of a Secaucus resident who died in the 9/11 attacks will lives on through a newly-acquired Secaucus Police K-9 officer. The ten-month old German Shepherd, “Strobe," is named after Steven Strobert, a 33-year-old Cantor Fitzgerald broker who died in September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. Strobe was purchased from Connecticut Canine Services. He and his handler, Secaucus Officer Vince DeFazio, have undergone 29 weeks of rigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Canine Academy, which culminated on May 10. “I truly hope Strobe may bring the Strobert family some …
Cops Buy Homeless Man Socks Instead Of Arresting Him For Shoplifting In Westchester Cops Buy Homeless Man Socks Instead Of Arresting Him For Shoplifting In Westchester
Cops Buy Homeless Man Socks Instead Of Arresting Him For Shoplifting In Westchester A pair of police officers went out of their way to help a member of the community who is down on his luck and needed a helping hand in Westchester County. Two members of the Mount Vernon Police Department were called to Dollar Tree on Saturday, May 1, where there was a report of a would-be shoplifter in possession of socks and was being temporarily detained After arriving at the store, body camera footage of the incident released by the Mount Vernon Police Department showed Officers Christopher Cartwright and Jason Velez show the man an act of kindness after he was busted attempting to pock…
New Canaan PD Names New Community Impact Officer New Canaan PD Names New Community Impact Officer
New Canaan PD Names New Community Impact Officer A Fairfield County police department is restarting its community impact team in an effort to reach out to citizens and deter crime in the downtown area. The New Canaan Police Department announced on Tuesday, Jan. 5, they were restarting the Community Impact Officer initiative, said Chief Leon Krolikowski. Beginning this month, Officer Kelly M. Coughlin is assigned as the department’s newest Community Impact Officer and she is assigned exclusively to the downtown area, Krolikowski said. Coughlin has been with the department for more than five years and has served in the patrol div…
WATCH: Hero Paramus Officer Breaks Doll Stroller Rescuing Girl -- Then Buys Her Brand New One WATCH: Hero Paramus Officer Breaks Doll Stroller Rescuing Girl -- Then Buys Her Brand New One
Watch: Hero Paramus Officer Breaks Doll Stroller Rescuing Girl -- Then Buys Her Brand New One All that a pair of Paramus police officers had to do on one particular call Tuesday afternoon was free a toddler who had somehow gotten her doll's stroller stuck around her waist. But that wasn't enough for one of the officers, who not only talked 4-year-old Yasmeen "Nina" Saleh through the whole rescue, but returned less than an hour later with a brand new stroller since he broke the other one during the rescue. "I felt like it was the right thing to do," Officer Robert Sobocinski said "This is a human job. When you're dealing with people, everything is different." "Our emergency service…
Saugerties Police Department Hires First Black Police Officer Since Formation In 1929 Saugerties Police Department Hires First Black Police Officer Since Formation In 1929
Saugerties Police Department Hires First Black Police Officer Since Formation In 1929 The Saugerties Police Department has its first-ever full-time black police officer.  Department Chief Joe Sinagra said that when now-Officer Dion Johnson interviewed for the position in January, he was the “shining star” amongst 30 candidates. “Two weeks ago I pulled a guy over, I gave him a ticket and he was not mad at all,” said Johnson of his experience thus far. “He said ‘I’ve lived in Saugerties for over 20 years, you’re the first black cop I’ve ever seen — I’m proud to see an African American in the police force here in Saugerties. "A lot of it is ‘Saugerties on the rise, they …
POSTPONED: Ocean Prosecutor's Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing Is Next Wednesday POSTPONED: Ocean Prosecutor's Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing Is Next Wednesday
Postponed: Ocean Prosecutor's Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing Is Next Wednesday Good news. If you forgot about Wednesday night's Virtual Town Hall hosted by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, there is a new chance to view it live, next week. The live-streamed broadcast was postponed until 6 p.m. next Wednesday, July 29. Billhimer.is expected to be joined by area police chiefs, pastors and state and county law enforcement officials, Billhimer said, noting that the original July 22 session was postponed  "due to circumstances beyond our control." Advance questions for the public officials listed below can still be submitted to www.ocponj.go…
Moving Forward: Ocean Prosecutor Hosts Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing Moving Forward: Ocean Prosecutor Hosts Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing
Moving Forward: Ocean Prosecutor Hosts Virtual Town Hall On Community Policing A Jersey Shore prosecutor plans a "virtual town hall" online meeting to discuss tensions between police and the community and the concept of "community policing." The quarterly public meetings were encouraged by state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Titled “Moving Forward -- A Conversation on Law Enforcement and Community Policing,” the first meeting in Ocean County will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. on July 22, county Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a statement.  Grewal has asked all 21 County Prosecutors of New Jersey to organize quarterly public events to di…
Local Police Departments Throughout NY Must Implement These Reforms, Cuomo Executive Order Says Local Police Departments Throughout NY Must Implement These Reforms, Cuomo Executive Order Says
Local Police Departments Throughout NY Must Implement These Reforms, Cuomo Executive Order Says Law enforcement agencies throughout New York State are being required by Executive Order to “reform and reinvent” the way they police while collaborating with their communities amid civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order on Friday, June 12 that will require the state's more than 500 local and county police agencies to develop a plan “that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs in their community based on community input.” If communities don’t comply, Cuomo said that those police departments will…
13 Local Law Enforcement Agencies In NJ Get $15.8M In COPS Grants To Hire More Officers 13 Local Law Enforcement Agencies In NJ Get $15.8M In COPS Grants To Hire More Officers
13 Local Law Enforcement Agencies In NJ Get $15.8M In Cops Grants To Hire More Officers A total of 13 police departments and other local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey will get $15.8 million in federal funding to hire 114 additional officers, U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced Tuesday. The Federal Community Oriented Policing (COPS) grants had been suspended since 2018 because of a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year. On Tuesday, Barr announced that the Justice Department was awarding nearly $400 million to 596 law enforcement agencies nationwide to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. They were chosen from nearly…