Police Department
For Emergency dial 911
Station Phone: (856) 461-8820
Non Emergency Dispatch: (856) 461-3434
Fax: (856) 461-6253
Our mission is to maintain the quality of life we enjoy, and to ensure Riverside is a safe place to live, work and play. Recognized by the New Jersey General Assembly, the Riverside Police Department has instituted an award-winning community policing program. It also has received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), ASIS International and the Burlington County 200 Club.
The Riverside Police Department employs 16 full-time officers, as well as part-time and special police officers to assist with community patrols and activities. The Department also has a Parking Enforcement Bureau and works with the Code Enforcement Officer.
The Department boasts an “open door” policy to listen to and address citizens’ concerns. Our vision includes a willingness to continually examine and modify policies and procedures. We value mutual trust, open and honest communication.
Police Force
Chief Paul Tursi
Lt. William Eliason
Lt. H. David Jaensch
Lt. Louis Fisher, Jr.
Cpl. M. Rossi
Sgt. P. Vacanti
Ptl. R. Settimio
Ptl. A. Urtasun
Ptl. D. Cama
Ptl. P. Barnes
Ptl. A. Cicali
Ptl. R. Brock
Ptl. A. Congemi
Ptl. S. Nolan
Ptl. T. Marano
Ptl. D. Gunning
Ptl. Christopher Knight
P.E.O. Brandon Conard
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Services
The Riverside Police Department offers the following services:
(click for full description)
*Foot patrols
*Bike patrols
*Ride Safe Program
*Citizen Police Academy
*Bicycle Registration
*Adopt-A-Cop
*Public Speaking
*Officer Phil Program
*D.A.R.E
*Youth Police Academy
*Explorers Program
*School Resource Officer Program
*Child Safety Seat Check Point
*Community Caretaking Cards
*Cops in Shops
*Handicap Parking
*DVRT
*Parking Enforcement
*Nuisance Complaints
*Firearms
*Alcohol Awareness Presentations
*Beer Keg Registration
*Click-it or Ticket
*Buckle-Up South Jersey
*You Drink, You Drive, You Lose
*Home Security Program
Foot Patrols
Officers conduct foot patrols and business checks in the downtown area, as well as neighborhoods with reported problems. To request foot patrols in a particular location, please contact (856) 461-3434.
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Bike Patrols
Officers use police-equipped bicycles to patrol the township, which allows them to travel to places a vehicle cannot. These patrols are more difficult for criminals to detect and have resulted in numerous arrests. These officers also serve as role models to children by always wearing a helmet and demonstrating proper bicycle safety. Eleven of the department’s officers have attended a three-day training course on bicycle patrols.
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Ride Safe Program
During the summer, bicycle patrol officers reward children who comply with the helmet law by giving them coupons for a free ice cream cone. The Riverside Police Association and the Castle Harbor Drive-In fund this unique program. The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department also has provided more than 75 free bicycle helmets to kids.
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Citizen Police Academy
Riverside Police teach this free program, providing participants with an inside look at police work. Topics include:
1. Powers of Arrest
2. Use of Force
3. Drug and Alcohol Abuse
4. Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement
5. Motor Vehicle Accident Investigation
6. Domestic Violence
7. Detective Services
8. Court Process
9. Patrol Tactics
10. Criminal and Motor Vehicle Law
Participants also get to try a F.A.T.S. machine (firearms training simulator), which departments use to train police officers. This machine produces computer-generated, interactive scenarios, placing the student in shoot/don’t shoot situations that officers may encounter while on duty. Students then watch a live-fire demonstration involving various weapons. Students tour Burlington County Central Communications for an inside look at how the 911 system operates. Upon graduation, participants will experience a ride-along with an officer during his/her shift.
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Bicycle Registration
Residents may register their bicycles with the police department free of charge every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment. The registration numbers help police locate stolen bicycles and return them to their rightful owners.
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Adopt-A-Cop
Officers volunteer their time to make monthly visits to third grade students to promote safety and build lasting relationships. The police and students interact on a variety of levels, including educational, personal and recreational. Officers alternate one month with a safety message and one with a personal message.
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Public Speaking
Officers are available to speak to groups or organizations about numerous topics, free of charge. Topics include: Bullying, Home Security, Identity Theft, Scams on the Elderly, Internet Safety, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, and Bicycle Safety.
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Officer Phil Program
This program is directed toward children in kindergarten through fifth grade, and illustrates the importance of obeying the rules set by parents and society. It presents various problems and solutions in a manner children easily understand and readily accept.
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D.A.R.E
This education program provides fifth graders with the knowledge to make the right choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol. It also teaches problem solving techniques for everyday situations. Steps include defining the problem, assessing the choices, responding by making a choice and evaluating if the choice was the right decision.
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Youth Police Academy
This cooperative effort between the Riverside Police Department and the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department teaches children ages 7-12 what the police do in their community and also provides many safety tips. This class is held on three consecutive Saturdays, usually starting after the beginning of the school year.
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Explorers Program
Mission Statement: The Riverside
Police Cadet Explorer's Program strives to meet and fulfill the
Riverside Police Department's Mission Statement through community
service and teamwork. "Our mission is to promote the quality of life
in Riverside by providing police services with integrity and a
spirit of excellence, in partnership with our Community." The Riverside Police Explorers Post is an organization
affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. The Explorers learn
and experience different aspects of law enforcement under the
supervision and guidance of members of the Riverside Police
Department. Although they have no law enforcement authority,
they often augment the Police Department by assisting with community
related functions. The Explorers Program is open to youths between
the ages of 15 and 21, many of whom have a desire to pursue a career
in law enforcement. Interested parties should click the qualifications link below to see if he/she qualifies for the program. The activities of the Explorers include, but are
not limited to, training, ride along, and community service,
details of which can be found by clicking the activities link below.
For further information about the Riverside Police Explorers
Program, please contact Officer Anthony Congemi and Officer Paul
Barnes at 856-461-8820.
QUALIFICATIONS
ACTIVITIES
APPLICATION
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School Resource Officer Program
This School Resource Officer (SRO) Program has been
established to provide Police Officers for the Township's Public
Schools. The Officer will provide a variety of educational
resources to the School Community, law enforcement information and
advice to students and parents, and a positive law enforcement
presence in the schools. The SRO is not intended to merely
serve as security personnel in the schools, yet the presence of the
SRO will serve as a security function.
The SRO will not enforce the school disciplinary
policies. The school environment is a community unto itself.
It remains, however, an integral part of the larger community of society
in general. Although the members of the School Community are
younger, the code of conduct remains the same. The SRO will
enforce the law in the same unbiased and impartial manner as he enforces
it in the larger Community.
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Child Safety Seat Check Point
This cooperative effort between the Riverside Police Department and the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department offers free car seat inspections. Trained technicians check for proper installation and replace defective seats free of charge.
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Community Caretaking Cards
When officers respond to a home, or business and the owner is not available, they leave behind these bright yellow, highly visible cards. The cards help bring attention to a problem such as a broken window, or unlocked door.
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Cops in Shops
This grant provides funding for officers to conduct undercover work at liquor retail establishments in an effort to reduce underage drinking. Police pose as patrons and employees, arresting those who purchase and/or sell alcohol to minors.
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Handicap Parking
Police are available to assist residents with the acquisition of temporary and permanent handicapped parking placards and signs.
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DVRT
The Domestic Violence Response Team is a free service to victims of domestic violence. Area volunteers respond to instances of domestic violence and provide the victim assistance with housing, counseling and child care issues.
Click here for
information on the 2008 DVRT 40
hr Certification Course
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Parking Enforcement
The Parking Enforcement Officer is a part-time position during business hours. This officer patrols the downtown business district, monitoring parking problems, which make it difficult for customers to access local businesses.
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Nuisance Complaints
Non-Emergency complaints, such as parking, residential overcrowding, abandoned vehicles, etc., should be reported to (856) 461-3434. The Police Department will look into the situation and take action, or refer it to the proper authority like Animal Control or Code Enforcement.
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Firearms
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department provides gun locks, which are available at the Police Station free of charge. Permits and applications for Riverside residents are processed through the Riverside Police Department. For your convenience, please make an appointment so we can ensure there is someone available to assist you.
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Alcohol Awareness Presentations
This program provides alcohol awareness to high school seniors during the week of their prom. Police and Emergency Services place a crash car on the school’s lawn, then conduct a staged drinking and driving accident using the vehicle and student volunteers. Students also attend a presentation by M.A.D.D.
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Beer Keg Registration
In an effort to reduce underage drinking, liquor stores must register beer keg sales. This registration aids police in determining if the buyer provided alcohol to minors. We believe Riverside is the first township in New Jersey with this ordinance. The Police Department currently is working to make this a state law.
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Click-it or Ticket
This grant-funded program has been awarded to the Riverside Police Department two times. The grant provides funding for officers to enforce seatbelt laws and promote traffic safety.
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Buckle-Up South Jersey
This grant provides funding for officers to enforce seatbelt laws and promote traffic safety.
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You Drink, You Drive, You Lose
This grant provides funding for officers to conduct sobriety checkpoints and Drunk Driving Enforcement Patrols.
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Home Security Program
This program aims to provide members of the Community
with the necessary tools and information to ensure that their
property is safe and secure. Arrangements can be made with the Police Department to have an officer come to their home or business to conduct a safety survey. Upon completion of the survey, the results will be explained and suggestions for improvements will be made.
Please see the Home Security Survey and the Home and Apartment
Security Checklist under the forms below for further information.
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