The official website of the Newton Police Department located in the Town of Newton in Sussex County, New Jersey.
It is the mission of the Newton Police Department to serve our citizens by engaging in activities that benefit all in our community, from the youth to our senior citizens through programs of education and crime prevention and to accomplish these goals by adhering to a core set of values that include integrity, honesty, fairness, respect and compassion.
The Newton Police Department’s crime prevention program includes but is not limited to the following:
The Newton Police Department invites community members to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Newton. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers can be unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make and maintain lasting connections with the communities they serve. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
Check out our Facebook Page for information regarding upcoming Coffee with a Cop dates and locations.
“A lot of times, what’s missing is follow-up,” Richards said. “We saved your life — now what?” C.L.E.A.R. seeks to find an answer to that question. – Chief Richards
The mission of the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. Program is to form a collaborative network of professionals in our community who will facilitate medical intervention, improved access to treatment and recovery support for those struggling with drug addiction who seek assistance, without fear of arrest or prosecution, in order to make a positive difference in the quality of life for individuals, families and our entire community.
Please visit the C.L.E.A.R. Program website or call 844-SC-CLEAR for further information.
The Newton Police Department is proud to participate in Project Medicine Drop, joining with other law enforcement agencies in a statewide initiative from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. The medication drop box is now available in the lobby at Police Headquarters located at 39 Trinity Street Newton NJ. The box will allow members of the public to safely and securely dispose of unused and/or expired medications anonymously, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Visit the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs for more information.
In addition to her regular duties in the Detective Bureau, Det. Judy Torres performs the function of Juvenile Officer. She assists with juvenile/family crisis incidents, maintains State required records related to juvenile delinquency cases and administers the stationhouse adjustment program for eligible juvenile offenders. She also serves as a liaison between the police department and the schools and court system.
As part of her duties as the Juvenile Officer, Det. Torres teaches the L.E.A.D. Program (formerly D.A.R.E.) to the fifth grade students at Halsted Middle School. This program is a ten week course of study which helps the students make healthy choices for themselves. The program covers peer pressure, drugs (both legal and illegal), and positive decision making.
Det. Torres also conducts a program entitled #NotEvenOnce which is taught to the junior and senior classes at Newton High School. This program brings to light the opioid epidemic facing our country and ways to avoid becoming addicted.
Safe Routes to School programs aim to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school and encourage more walking and biking where safety is not a barrier. Transportation, public health and planning professionals, school communities, law enforcement officers, community groups and families all have roles to play using education, encouragement, engineering (changes to the physical environment) and enforcement to meet a local community’s needs.
The property check program is designed to give residents extra peace of mind while they are away from their homes. Remember, even with the police watching your house, good neighbors are the best defense against criminal activity. Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other! Requesting a property check is simple… complete a property check form, then drop it off at our dispatch center. That’s it! Participation in the vacation watch program is limited residents of the Town of Newton only.
Underage drinking is when anyone under the minimum legal drinking age of 21 drinks alcohol. Underage drinking is a risk that attracts many developing adolescents and teens. When young people try alcohol, they often don’t realize the damaging effects drinking can have on their own lives, their families, and their communities.Aside from being illegal, underage drinking is a widespread public health problem that poses many risks. Underage drinking risks include death, serious injuries, impaired judgment, increased risk for physical and sexual assault and brain development problems. Click here for more information from the Center for Prevention and Counseling.
If you’re interested in requesting crime prevention services or have suggestions for future programs, please contact Det. Judy Torres, program coordinator, at 973-383-2525 x268 or jtorres@newtonpolice.org.
