From the Mayor's desk
I am pleased to share a significant update regarding the progress of our ongoing police reform efforts and initiatives that are not only strengthening accountability and transparency within our Police Department, but also building greater trust between law enforcement and the community we serve.
Over the past several months, our administration, in close partnership with public safety leaders, community advocates, and independent oversight bodies, has implemented a comprehensive set of reforms designed to improve public safety while ensuring fairness and justice for our residents. These reforms will help in producing real results.
The Department is nearly 90% complete in achieving accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), a prestigious milestone that reflects our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. With this accreditation, the Department now qualifies for funding opportunities and benefits from lower insurance rates. This achievement marks a major step forward and is one that police departments across the state aspire to reach.
We are proud to welcome, for the first time, a Black police officer to the Palisades Park Police Department. This important milestone builds on our department’s already diverse team, which includes officers of Asian, Hispanic, white, female, and other backgrounds. It marks a meaningful step forward in our continued commitment to diversity and inclusion within our community.
Key highlights of our reform efforts include:
- Safe Street Initiative and Safety Enhancements in Residential Areas: Implemented new regulations limiting the hours of alcohol sales and consumption. This policy led to a noticeable reduction in alcohol-related police calls, easing the strain on emergency services and improving ambulance availability. We enhanced traffic safety efforts by analyzing high-risk intersections and implementing targeted improvements. Solar-powered LED stop signs and pedestrian yield signs will be installed in high traffic residential areas. The Police Department is also developing a comprehensive traffic safety plan focused on reducing accidents and enhancing overall road safety.
- Community-Based Policing: Implemented advanced public safety technology, including patrol vehicles equipped with laptops to enhance policing and investigations. Increased use of reflectively lettered vehicles has also improved police visibility throughout the Borough. We’ve partnered with a fleet management company that ensures our officers always have access to reliable, up-to-date vehicles. This arrangement allows us to quickly replace aging units, reduce maintenance costs, and avoid shortages, making sure that our officers can respond effectively when they’re needed most.
- School Threat Assessment and Crime Prevention Unit: The Police Department established a School Threat Assessment and Crime Prevention Unit, now led by a dedicated officer to ensure a more proactive response and enhance school safety. In addition, the department updated the long-outdated school emergency plan. The department is proud to have implemented these improvements and continues to work collaboratively and effectively with the borough’s schools.
The new management has also implemented a more professional and transparent hiring and promotion process. As a result, morale among officers has significantly improved. With these improved internal practices, we anticipate fewer legal issues in the future. Additionally, officer training and leadership development have been enhanced, raising overall standards of professionalism and readiness. Six top officers were recently promoted, further boosting morale and making the Department a more desirable and competitive workplace.
The Department has been fully reorganized, creating a safer, cleaner, and more efficient work environment. Officers redesigned the patrol room into a new professional-looking space with more workstations, placing everything officers need for patrol within easy reach. This has significantly improved overall efficiency and productivity. In partnership with Borough Administrator Roberta Stern, DPW Superintendent Ken Bruno, and Facility Manager Paul Lee, the old borough hall basement was transformed into usable space at minimal cost. The DPW also upgraded lighting, eliminating unsafe, poorly lit areas.
The Department has established collaborations with other police departments to strengthen the sharing of best practices in leadership, community policing, and officer wellness. This effort will promote greater consistency in training, enhance mutual support networks, and ultimately improve public trust and safety throughout the borough.
This progress reflects our shared values and a united vision of what public safety should look like: professional, compassionate, and rooted in respect for all. While we acknowledge that there is still work to be done, we remain committed to continuous improvement and inclusive collaboration.
I want to thank the residents for your engagement, your feedback, and your belief that together we can create a more just and secure future.
Mayor Chong Paul Kim
Pride. Culture. Progress.
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