Police Station Lobby Concerns Addressed In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Township is taking action at the police station following residents' concerns.

"I am pleased to share that the police department has purchased and will be installing an exterior call box outside of the main lobby door at headquarters," said Committeewoman and Liaison to the Police Ana Duarte McCarthy at the Tuesday Committee meeting.

"While the door will remain locked during non-business hours, there will now be a way for the public to reach dispatch," said McCarthy.

This action came after some residents expressed concerns that the police station lobby was closed overnight, and there also wasn't a phone or button for anyone to be able to reach the police at the June 24 Township Committee meeting.

At the time, McCarthy said she would look into the issue and later provided an update during the July 29 Township Committee meeting.

"As promised, we followed up... We confirmed the lobby had not been open 24/7 in at least the last 25 years that Chief [Timothy] King can recall. To staff the lobby, just to give some perspective and maintain the current ratios of officers on patrol, we either need to hire new officers or, without hiring pull someone off patrol where they are needed," said McCarthy on July 29.

Currently, the lobby is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. A sign is posted outside the lobby doors stating, "If door is locked, dial 908-766-1122, press 0 to speak with dispatcher."

However, resident Todd Edelstein previously said that there wasn't a phone or button for anyone to be able to reach police at the station.

McCarthy also said she would look into the phone issue, which prompted the latest news on Nov. 11 of the installation of an exterior call box outside the main lobby door at headquarters.

Previous Reporting:

• Residents Call For Police Station Lobby To Be Open 24/7 In Basking Ridge
• Police Station Lobby Options Being Explored In Basking Ridge

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