Police and public safety officials told the committee they have stepped up traffic enforcement, are planning a DWI checkpoint and are constrained in fireworks enforcement by state law.

Chief and Captain Keane (police) described resident complaints about speeding on High School Drive and Mill Road and said traffic enforcement activity is up compared with the same period last year. The captain said a countywide enforcement initiative recently produced dozens of stops and summonses on Route 30 and neighboring corridors and that another enforcement wave will include parts of the township.

The department announced a DWI checkpoint scheduled for July 18 on the Black Horse Pike near the former Pathmark site; staff said public notice of checkpoints is legally required. Police also described enforcement limits for fireworks: the discharge of aerial fireworks is not permitted for the public and, according to the department, an unlawful fireworks discharge is a “petty disorderly persons offense,” which is difficult to prosecute unless an officer actually observes the discharge or a resident files a complaint with video evidence. Captain Keane said officers will prioritize calls and saturate areas where pre-complaints were received.

The township received a loan of a 360-degree camera and light tower from the City of Hamilton for use during graduation and other events; the department will receive a 30-day trial from the vendor for National Night Out and plans to provide remote logins to committee members so they can observe the system’s capabilities. The department also named Officer Matt Perkins as a local officer leading traffic enforcement efforts.

Why it matters: The enforcement activity, checkpoint and new camera capability are intended to reduce dangerous driving and improve public safety during large events; the department noted limits to fireworks enforcement that residents should understand.

What residents were told: Police asked residents to document illegal fireworks discharges when possible and to report ongoing problem locations so officers can prioritize deployment during holiday periods.