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Maplewood police report lower overall incidents; grant funds stepped-up traffic enforcement and new hires planned
Summary
Chief Sally reported a 29% overall reduction in incidents in Q1 (23 fewer incidents), two juvenile-involved robberies near the high school, and decreases in overtime costs; the department plans to bring three officers to full staffing and will use a state grant to expand traffic enforcement starting May 21.
The Maplewood Police Department reported an overall 29% reduction in incidents for the first quarter of 2025 — 23 fewer incidents than the prior period — officials said during the Public Safety Committee meeting. The chief said the department recorded two robberies so far this year involving juveniles near the high school area; investigators have identified at least one suspect and expect identification of the second.
The chief noted decreases in several overtime categories, including a roughly 62% drop in 911 dispatch overtime and an overall overtime cost decline of about 32%, which department leaders attributed to a new shift schedule and fuller staffing that reduces the need for overtime coverage.
Officials also reported progress on staffing: interviews were held for new officer candidates and the township plans to send recruits to the academy; once transfers and academy graduates are in place, department leadership expects to reach full patrol staffing. "We have a ranking and a list and if we get any other retirements then we can fill them in," the chief said.
Separately, the department will begin a state-funded traffic enforcement campaign after receiving a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway and Traffic Safety. The campaign targets motorists committing moving violations that endanger others; it will allow extra officers to be assigned to traffic details beginning May 21, with accompanying public information and a press release.
Members and public commenters pressed for additional enforcement at school drop-off areas. The chief said the traffic bureau has been rotating enforcement among schools and will prioritize the high school and Columbia next, and said officers will issue summonses or warnings where pedestrian or driver behavior endangers safety.
Why it matters: reduced reported incidents and lower overtime can reflect operational changes and scheduling; the grant-funded enforcement will concentrate resources on traffic behaviors that threaten pedestrians and drivers. Staffing increases aim to sustain patrol coverage while limiting overtime.
What’s next: the department will start the traffic enforcement campaign (May 21) and return with updates on staffing and enforcement outcomes.
