In an effort to continue to foster community engagement between law enforcement and our community, Chief Ryan J. Greco announced the creation of a Community Policing Unit within the Cranford Police Department. The philosophy of Community Policing involves a shared responsibility between residents and our police officers to improve the quality of life in the Township of Cranford. “Through identifying problem-solving initiatives that work to reduce crime and empower residents, our community works to study and solve problems together,” said Chief Greco.
The two-officer unit ensures that a Community Policing Officer will be available seven days a week. Some initiatives involve performing public outreach with local community groups, security surveys, targeted patrols, quality of life matters, and hearing concerns from the public in a non-emergent means. One initiative specifically incorporates Cranford’s downtown businesses and its patrons. The “Coffee with a Cop” program will allow for residents to meet with the Community Policing Officers and other members of the department to discuss any community concerns, ask questions, and get to know members of our department.
By offering these impromptu opportunities to hear from residents in a less formal environment, matters that sometimes went unanswered and unreported can now be brought to the attention of Township departments. “While not every matter may be related to a police-response, our officers will offer direction to residents to achieve resolutions to their community concerns,” added Chief Greco.
This community oriented Problem-Solving model is an extension of the Cranford Police Department’s existing community engagement. In the past, successful programming including Current Drug Trend Presentations, National Night Out, Community Discussion Panels, and the joint School-Resource Officer programs with the Cranford Public Schools have proven effective in proactive policing. The creation of a unit within the Investigative Division of the Cranford Police Department expands upon this goal of community engagement and involvement.
Currently, Patrolmen Robert Jordan and John Rattigan are assigned to the Cranford Police Department Community Policing Unit. “Both Patrolmen Jordan and Rattigan are experienced, well-rounded officers who have a thumb on the pulse of law enforcement trends and our community needs,” said Chief Greco. Members of the community are encouraged to visit the department’s website at cranfordnj.org/police-department and click on “Community Policing Unit” to get tips, details of upcoming events, or find contact information.
Residents, Business Owners, and Community Groups are encouraged to contact Ptl. Rattigan and Ptl. Jordan at 908-272-8989 or j-rattigan@cranfordnj.org and r-jordan@cranfordnj.org .
(above): Cranford Police Department Community Policing Unit Patrolman John Rattigan speaking to residents, at National Night Out, about the Department’s Conductive Energy Devices (CED).
Photo courtesy of the Cranford Police Department Facebook Page.
