POLICE

Stephen Rizco, Chief Fax

732-572-3800 732-572-0258

Reporting Emergencies and Suspicious Activities
"9-1-1" is only to be used for reporting emergencies. An emergency is any situation involving a crime in progress, an imminent threat to life, any serious bodily injury or medical emergency, or any situation involving a weapon. All other calls should be made to 732-572-3800. This is important because there are many alternate lines connected to 732-572-3800, but there is only one "9-1-1" line. Using the "9-1-1" line for non-emergencies or prank calls could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need of help.

When reporting an incident:

• Remain calm, speak slowly and clearly.


• You will be asked your name, address and telephone number. This information is requested in case additional information is needed.


• Explain briefly and clearly what you are reporting.


• Give information on injuries or weapons involved.


• Give a clear description of all suspects involved: number of suspects, male/female, race, any distinguishing physical description, direction of travel if they left.


• Give a clear description of the vehicle involved, a license plate number is most useful, the make, model and color and any other descriptive information that would stand out. For example, tinted windows, damage or stickers/writing, the direction of travel.


• Remain on the line until all information is clear and understood or the Police Department ends the call.

There are many names and locations that can sound similar over the telephone. For example, Cedar Lane and Cedar Avenue, or Graham and Grant. That is why it is important to give your name and telephone number and stay on the line.

You can remain anonymous if you must, but if you are disconnected, valuable time can be lost.

Highland Park has many more residents than police officers. With your help we can raise the quality of life in Highland Park, while making it an even safer place to live.

Programs Sponsored By the Highland Park Police Department

• Home & Business Security Survey is conducted of the building by a trained police officer who will offer suggestions for making the building safer and more secure.


• Special Needs Registry Sheet gives information about a person who may become lost or disoriented when out of their home. This registry gives the name, address, medical information and emergency contacts, along with a digital picture of the registered person. Copies are kept on file at Highland Park Police Headquarters and can be used to identify a person if they are away from home and unable to supply emergency personnel with information. This program benefits residents of all ages and health conditions.


• Refrigerator Card Program supplies bright yellow cards that should be filled out and placed on the refrigerator. The card should have medical information needed by the First Aid Squad and Paramedics when they arrive on the scene. This program benefits everyone in the borough. Get a card from the Highland Park Police Department.


• Volunteer Interpretation Program assists personnel in emergency situations. Interpretations of all languages will be conducted via telephone or in a safe environment. Volunteers are needed.


• Educational Video Library Residents can sign out videos on subjects ranging from Crime Prevention to Alzheimer¹s to Dealing with Diversity to Missing and Exploited Children.


• Children's Car Seat Checks Be sure your child¹s safety seat is properly installed. Checks are done at police headquarters by appointment only.


• Junior Cadet Academy is a ten week academy offered to borough residents between the ages of 8 to 12. The academy shows children what it is like to be a Police Officer and the type of training they receive.

For more information on these and other programs, or to make donations to these programs, contact the Highland Park Police Department at 732-572-3800.