News Release
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Lieutenant John Wade, Executive Officer
Orange Police Department at 973-266-4111 Ext: 5026    
 
Orange Police Department Remobilizes Special Police and Rejoins Essex/Union Auto Theft Task Force as Cost Savings Measures
 
Special Police:
New Jersey mandates that all municipal courts have adequate security staffing and protocols in place for protection of the officers of the court. In Orange, that is the responsibility of the Police Department. The Orange Special Police were disbanded in the early 1990s. The remobilization of the Special Police will mean a cost savings of over $ 43,000, and, through the state Court Security Enhancement Program (A-2760/ S-1785), the City hopes to eventually receive full reimbursement for these court security expenditures.  

The Special Police will be part of Orange’s day to day police operations. but will currently only be used for specific purposes in the Urban Enterprise Zone and the courts. The special police will be an addition to the regular force not a substitute.

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced the first two Special Police Officers. Michael Crowley, Age -49, a retired Lieutenant of Orange Police Department and Richard Forrester, Age- 46, a former Special Police Officer from West Orange.  The Special Police Officers assigned to this operation will be directly supervised by the Court Squad supervisor, Sergeant Joseph Tortorella.       

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.:
“During preparation of the 2008-2009 department budget, we determined that the overtime costs for the court security detail were in excess of $ 88, 000. With the overall goal of department-wide cost savings, we developed a strategy to cut this cost. The remobilization of the Orange Police Department Special Police is our solution.”

Statement by Police Director John E. Rappaport:
“It’s a pleasure to welcome the Special Police back to the Orange Police Department. Their assistance in our law enforcement goals will help move this agency forward. “

Essex/Union Auto Theft Task Force
Orange has rejoined the Essex/Union Auto Theft Task Force. In the past, OPD officers were permanently assigned to this two county task force. In recent years, a manpower shortage prevented OPD from assigning personnel to this initiative. Officers from the Orange Police Department will in the future be working on a rotating basis, paired with permanent task force members from other law enforcement agencies to address the issue of stolen vehicles within Orange. Stolen cars are often used to facilitate other crimes.

There are no additional costs to Orange associated with this initiative. In fact, by gaining access to task force members from outside of Orange, the OPD will in effect have a more effective way to deter car thefts and apprehend car thieves without spending more money. Sergeant Isaac Eason will be the Orange PD supervisor assigned to work with the task force.

Since January 2009, the Orange Police Department has received 103 reports of vehicle theft.  Such thefts affect the livelihood of victims and their families, insurance rates and sometimes innocent bystanders, who have been injured or killed by reckless drivers operating these stolen vehicles.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.:
“Reduction in crime has been one of my administrations’ first priorities. In an economically tough environment, we must find ways to more effectively police our city without an increase in costs. In partnering with the elite Essex/Union Auto Theft Task Force, additional resources will be brought to bear to combat auto theft in our town without additional cost to taxpayers. “   

Statement by Police Director John E. Rappaport:
“Being a partner in such an elite law enforcement initiative is an honor and I’m sure that our members will represent us well.” 

Photos Attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured are Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., Special Police Officer Richard Forrester, Special Police Officer Michael Crowley and Police Director John E. Rappaport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured are Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., ATTF Commander Tony Del Duca, Sergeant Isaac Eason and Police Director John Rappaport.