Orange Police Reorganization Puts More Officers on the Street.
Mayor says continuing crackdown on drugs and gang violence is getting results.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“At today’s swearing in of five police officers who had been laid off, I pointed out that bringing back the five officers will result in a larger police presence on the streets than what we had before the layoffs. The reason for that is that in response to the layoffs, we reorganized the Police Department to demote superior officers and put them on street patrol to make up for those who lost their jobs. I said at the time of the layoffs, that there would be no decrease in the number of officers on patrol.

This week Police Director John Rappaport offered more proof that his reorganization is working as intended: Our continuing crackdown on drugs and gang violence is getting results. According to police reports, in the past two weeks there have been three significant narcotics arrests and two arrests involving armed robberies.

Also, at the last City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17th, we recognized and honored thirty police officers who have taken guns off our streets. Two of the officers, Detective John Paul Barbosa and Detective Ryan Greenfield, between them were responsible for confiscating twelve handguns.”

Statement by Police Director John Rappaport
“I want to give special thanks to the dedicated officers of the Orange Police Department who rose to the occasion and redoubled their efforts despite the layoffs we were forced to make.”

Arrests for Drugs and Armed Robbery in the past two weeks:

May 9th: Shakeem Rogers, 21, of Orange arrested with 38 bags of cocaine. 432 Burnside Street

May 10th: Earl Ralph, 40, of East Orange arrested for narcotics violations and outstanding warrant from County Sheriff.  Suspect in attempted robbery of Delta Gas Station on North Day St. next to City Hall.

May 13th: Ahmed Anthony, 22, of Newark arrested at 182 Taylor Street with 28 bags of cocaine and an outstanding Newark warrant.

May 18th: Jahquill Turner, 22, of New3ark and Jessica Harris, 19, of East Orange arrested for armed robbery of Toast of the town Tavern and Liquors, 283 Scotland Road.

May 22nd: Kier Tyree Hurd, 26, of Orange arrested with 45 vials of cocaine at Oakwood Ave. and Parrow St.

List of Police Officers honored for taking guns off the street is attached.