One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a community is ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who calls Moorestown home.
In this month’s letter, I want to talk about how public safety comes in many forms. It’s not only about preventing crime but also about fostering trust between neighbors, building strong relationships and creating an environment where people feel secure and valued. Moorestown is an exceptional community because it is safe for everyone.
Over the past several months, we’ve made meaningful progress in strengthening that foundation, and I want to share some of the ways that we work to keep Moorestown safe.
That work wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated efforts of our police and fire departments, EMS, Public Works and all of the front-line staff who serve the township with professionalism and care. Each of these departments plays a critical role on Team Moorestown, working to ensure our community remains safe, supported, and well prepared.
This year’s municipal budget makes a critical investment in public safety by funding the addition of a new full-time police officer and a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer. We also allocated funding for new police vehicles to ensure our officers have the reliable equipment they need to respond quickly and effectively. These investments will expand the department’s coverage and help meet the needs of a growing and active community.
We’re also in the midst of contract negotiations to ensure our officers are paid fairly and competitively. Recruiting and retaining high-quality officers is essential, and council has taken steps in recent years to streamline the recruiting process, allowing us to continue bringing in talented, diverse candidates who reflect the values of our town.
We’ve continued to invest in modern technology, which plays an increasingly important role in keeping Moorestown safe. Our police department has rolled out a new drone program that’s already proven to be a powerful tool for both deterrence and improving officer coverage during overnight hours.
We also recently launched a dedicated search and rescue Team to help individuals who are lost, entrapped or in need of specialized aid. These initiatives ensure that our department has the necessary tools and resources to respond proactively and effectively.
True public safety is rooted in trust, accountability and strong relationships between our officers and the community. That’s why we’re proud of the police department’s expanded community policing efforts, with more officers walking Main Street and engaging directly with residents. Programs like Coffee With a Cop give neighbors a chance to have open conversations with officers in a relaxed setting, and our department continues to show up for community events like Abilities Fest and Moorestown Day.
I was especially excited about our second annual National Night Out on August 5. It was a great night of connection between neighbors and first responders, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out.
Our officers are also stepping up enforcement where it’s needed most. In response to safety concerns about e-bikes, the township launched a social media campaign to educate residents on local e-bike laws and increased enforcement for those who continue to violate them. If you have traffic or sidewalk safety concerns, you can easily report them through the Report a Street & Sidewalk Safety Concern form on the township website.
While our first responders and township staff continue to do an outstanding job, public safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage residents to stay aware, communicate with one another and report any suspicious activity. Working together, we can keep our town the safe and welcoming community we all cherish.
If you ever have questions or concerns about public safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or our police department.
