Community Policing

Community Policing Unit

The Community Policing Unit was established in 1989. Although not named "community policing" at the time, the Unit was already taking steps toward bringing the residents and police together. The Unit began as a one-officer operation. That officer performed as the Juvenile Officer and doubled as the community liaison and handled a variety of jobs from school lectures to neighborhood watch coordinator.

The community policing effort currently involves the following programs. If you have friends, neighbors or family that may benefit from any of these services, please contact the Community Policing Unit at 973-257-4300.

Vial of Life

Vial of Life is a national program designed to aid emergency personnel in obtaining medical history when a patient is unable to provide that information. The vial is a specially marked plastic medicine container that holds important medical information including medications, allergies, physicians' names and phone numbers and other important background information.

The participant completes a form and places it in the Vial-of-Life and then the vial is taped inside the resident's refrigerator. A sticker on the refrigerator as well as on the house's front door alerts the responding emergency personnel to the patient's participation in this program and the availability and location of the vital information.

This program is provided at no cost to Montville Township residents who are age 60 and older, as well as those who qualify as a result of their special medical history. If you are interested in this program, please contact us so we may schedule a time to assist you in registration.

Explorer Post

The Explorer program is geared toward youths between 14 and 21 years of age who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Explorers are certified in C.P.R., basic first aid and radio communications. This allows them to ride along with our police officers on patrol. Explorers participate in community service activities, fund-raising, trips and many aspects of special police type-training and community services.

Lectures

Safety, home security tips, drug trends and other topics of interest are presented to organizations and schools in lectures or informal gatherings upon request.

Home Security Surveys

Home surveys are available to all Township residents at no charge. Surveys are completely confidential and offer tips on making your home or apartment less of a target to burglars and thieves. This service includes an inspection of all doors and windows, and tips on exterior lighting and foliage and engraving or photographing of valuables for future identification.

Vacant House Checks

We provide, at no cost, vacant house checks to all Township residents. You may stop at Police Headquarters to fill out or return a Vacant House Check Form (PDF). We will periodically check the perimeter of your property, including doors and windows. This service is provided year-round.