Police
Citizens Come Out in Force to Support Middlesex Borough Police Department’s 11th Annual National Night Out
On Wednesday, September 1, more than one thousand community members came out in support of the Middlesex Police Department’s eleventh annual National Night Out Against Crime in Mountain View Park.
“Success of events such as these depend on the strong support and participation of our citizens. As expected, they did not disappoint,” stated Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist. “We enjoyed seeing both new and familiar faces as we continue to bolster police-community partnerships,” Chief Geist added.
Those in attendance were treated to free cotton candy, beverages and ice cream. Eventgoers also enjoyed many games, bounce houses and train rides. DJs from Flashover Entertainment of Middlesex made sure that the fun didn’t stop. Members of the Middlesex Fire Department, the Middlesex Rescue Squad and the Middlesex OEM proudly displayed their vehicles and equipment. The Middlesex Public Library, Office of Aging, Department of Public Works and Board of Education, as well as many other civic groups, organizations and businesses also participated. “Replenish” (formerly known as MCFOODS) collected canned goods to assist those who are less fortunate. In addition, Middlesex County provided free COVID-19 vaccinations.
“We greatly appreciate everyone who assisted us to ensure that last night was a success,” said Chief Geist. “We look forward to next year’s event, which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2022.”
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Acting Sergeant Sean Flanagan at (732) 356-1900 extension 313.
High Intensity Activated Crosswalk
A new pedestrian hybrid high intensity activated traffic crosswalk signal (HAWK) has been installed at the crosswalk on Union Avenue at Lorraine Avenue. HAWK signals are traffic signals that allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. HAWK signals operate in a YELLOW–RED–FLASHING RED sequence to alert motorists that pedestrians need to cross the road.
Unlike traffic signals, the HAWK only operates when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button. Vehicles are free to move when no one is crossing the street.
Motorists should respond to yellow and solid red lights in the same manner as any other traffic signal. After stopping for the red light, motorists may proceed through the crossing area during the flashing red light interval only when safe to do so without risk to pedestrians.
Body Worn Cameras
The Middlesex Police Department would like to let our community, stakeholders, and our community partners know our department will begin using Body Worn Cameras (BWCs). Our department has been awarded a grant through the State of New Jersey for the purchase, training, and implementation of a BWC program. Through this grant award, our department was able to purchase BWCs for every sworn member of the department to utilize during contacts and interactions involving our officers and those we serve. We are hoping it will provide another layer of transparency to the excellent service we strive to provide each and every day for our community. We are finalizing our policies to guide our officers and staff in the use of these devices, as well as the storage and handling of the data captured by the BWCs.
Nixle Community Notifications and Alerts
Residents are urged to sign up to receive Nixle Alerts and Messages. Nixle allows the Police Department to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology. Messages will be delivered by email, SMS/text message (cell phone), and over the World Wide Web. Notifications may include crime related alerts, traffic advisories and other relevant safety and community event information. Nixle also enables citizens to submit anonymous tips to the police department to aid in crime fighting efforts.
Information can be received online and via e-mail. Residents receive messages by cell phone as part of their text-messaging plan (otherwise standard text message rates apply).
The system is simple to use and provides an easy sign-up process.
Register now to receive text messages:
Text “MIDDLESEXPD” to 888777 to begin receiving SMS/text onlyRegister now to receive email alerts: https://local.nixle.com/register/
To learn more logon to www.nixle.com
Nixle’s Community Information Service is built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. Its authenticated service connects agencies to citizens in real-time, delivering information to residents.
October Food Drive to Benefit MCFOODS
October 1st-November 4th
The Middlesex Borough Police Department and members of PBA Local 181 will once again team up with youth volunteers under the leadership of Lisa Chippendale, participating businesses and civic organizations for a Food Drive in support of the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS). Collection sites will be established at local businesses, churches and public schools. As well, for the convenience of the community, youth volunteers will go door-to-door distributing bags to fill with donations. Last year, the Middlesex Borough team collected 8950 pounds of food and other essential household and personal care items for donation.
Wear Pink for a Cause
Officers will proudly don pink in the month of October in support of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Officers who participate will make a personal donation to this cause and wear a pink ribbon pin as a sign of support for this initiative. Those who wish to donate may do so at police headquarters or online at The American Cancer Society’s Website-Making Strides of Central New Jersey, TEAM: Middlesex Borough Police Department (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=strides_donate_now&FR_ID=100721)
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be October 23, 2021. National Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. Middlesex Police Headquarters, 1101 Mountain Avenue, 10am-2pm.
October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month
October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month and as the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches and the nights get longer, the risk for pedestrians increase. From September to February, over 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 pm and 8:59 pm. Here are some tips for drivers and pedestrians:
Stop For Pedestrians in Marked Crosswalks
Vehicles must stop for a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk but must only yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Nineteen states put the burden on vehicles to stop and yield if a pedestrian is located anywhere in the roadway. Failure to stop carries a $200 (court costs additional) fine, a 2-point license penalty, 15 days community service, and insurance surcharges.
5 Walking Safety Tips
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If one isn’t available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians, and look for cars in all directions, including those turning. If neither are available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and watch for traffic as you cross.
Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
This October, and throughout the year, let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads.
Learn more about road safety at NHTSA.gov/Pedestrians.
Stop For School Buses
You may need to add more time to your commute, because when buses stop to pick up students, other drivers need to stop, too.
Yellow flashing lights mean slow down — don’t speed up — because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children.
Red flashing lights mean stop — and wait at least 20 feet behind the bus — because children are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.
Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day
On Sunday, October 10, 2021, the Middlesex Borough Police Department will participate in “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” joining law enforcement agencies statewide in the annual one-day safety campaign to raise awareness of the more than 35,000 lives lost each year in motor vehicle-related crashes nationwide. Last year, New Jersey achieved its goal of recording no fatal crashes on “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.”
This year, the focus of “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” in New Jersey will be on promoting pedestrian safety to reduce the number of pedestrian-involved crashes and save lives. Accordingly, our officers will be extra attentive to crosswalks and intersections in an effort to reduce the risk of pedestrian-involved crashes.
Buckle Up
Under state law, drivers and passengers must all wear seat belts, and failure to do so for those in the front seat is a primary offense, meaning police can pull a car over if someone up front isn’t wearing one. ... The fine for not wearing a seat belt in is $46.
Leash and Curb Your Dog
Local Ordinance 129-5, 129-10
Report Streetlight Outages
To report a problem with a Streetlight, please call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
Or, login to My Account www.pseg.com/myaccount
Click on Streetlight Outages
Then click on Report Streetlight Outage.
The following information will assist us in expediting repairs:
Is the light off at night or on during the day?
Is the fixture or pole damaged or missing?
Street and nearest cross street
Nearest house number
Pole number
Your name and phone number
Report a Traffic Safety Concern
We ask that you support our Safe Roads Initiative by obeying all traffic laws at all times. Please report any non-emergency traffic concerns to:
Middlesex Police Department – (732) 356-1900 ext. 235, or trafficsafety@middlesexpd.com
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