By: Richard L. Smith
The Honorable Mayor Tony Vauss, Public Safety Director Tracy Bowers, and the Irvington Township Municipal Council have unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and visitors throughout the summer season.
(Click HERE for Operations Plan/Data)
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during this time, the Irvington Department of Public Safety has developed a comprehensive plan to address crime and enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
According to the information found in the Township's 18-page document and obtained by RLS Media, The Summer Operations Plan, effective from June 30, 2023, to September 5, 2023, has set clear objectives for the department.
"Residents are to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement efforts". -Mayor Tony Vauss
These objectives include increasing police visibility during the summer months, strategically deploying resources to areas more susceptible to violent crime, and utilizing the 2023 Threat Assessment Report to identify and address individuals and locations prone to violence within the Township.
The department has implemented several key strategies outlined in the Special Order to achieve these objectives.
(Click HERE for Operations Plan/Data)
One such strategy involves the establishment of a dedicated Summer Operations Command (SOC) to address the issue of violent crime during the summer specifically. This temporary change in the organizational structure will ensure a focused and coordinated response to maintain public safety.
According to Mayor Vauss, the department has created additional special Patrol Grids in various areas of the Township.
These grids incorporate a range of measures, including Walk & Ride (WAR) patrol posts, vehicle slowdown and license plate reader (LPR) operations, and real-time crime analysis provided by the Office of Quality Control and the Threat Analysis Criminal Intelligence Team (TACIT).
These initiatives aim to enhance the department's ability to respond to and analyze crime incidents swiftly.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS
In a collaborative effort, the Irvington Department of Public Safety has also formed alliances with key law enforcement agencies. Partnerships with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Newark Police Department (Vailsburg Border Patrol), and the New Jersey State Police (Real-Time Crime Center) will allow for the pooling of resources and expertise to combat crime effectively.
(Click HERE for Operations Plan/Data)
The implementation of these initiatives underscores the commitment of Irvington Township officials and law enforcement agencies to maintain a safe environment for residents and visitors.
By strategically deploying resources, leveraging technological advancements, and fostering collaborative partnerships, the community can look forward to a summer season focused on public safety.
The joint commitment of town officials, law enforcement agencies, and community members will ensure that Irvington Township remains a safe and thriving place to live, work, and enjoy the summer season.