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Princeton police correct crash totals, report two pedestrian fatalities in 2025 and relaunch 'PD Provide Your DD'
Summary
Princeton Police told the mayor and council on Jan. 27 that town records show two fatal vehicle collisions involving pedestrians in 2025; the department also announced the relaunch of the PD Provide Your DD program funded by community donations and a reorganization adding staff to traffic safety and community relations.
The Princeton Police chief told the mayor and council on Jan. 27 that December statistics in the department report had miscategorized one incident and that "in actuality" Princeton had two fatal motor‑vehicle collisions in 2025, both involving pedestrians.
"While looking into that item raised by Mr. Cohen, I also noted that this is in actuality, we actually had 2 fatal motor vehicle collisions in 2025, both involving pedestrians," the chief said, noting one record required reclassification under reporting guidelines.
The chief also announced the relaunch of the department's "PD Provide Your DD" program after several community donations enabled the service to resume in time for New Year's Eve. The department said it will seek sustainable funding opportunities for the program going forward.
Separately, the department implemented a reorganization in December that allocated additional staffing to both the Traffic Safety Bureau and the Community Relations Bureau. The chief said the staffing changes will allow the department to take a more proactive approach to traffic safety and community engagement; Sergeant Don Matthews was named the supervisor of the Traffic Safety Bureau in his new role.
Council members praised the renewed focus on traffic‑related enforcement and neighborhood policing; Councilman Cohen said traffic safety work is vital because Princeton has more deaths from traffic collisions than other causes.
Next steps: The police department said it will correct the report's crash categorization, continue outreach on traffic safety, and pursue sustainable funding for the PD Provide Your DD program.
