Edison, Metuchen Mayors Join In Pleas For State Help Against Crime

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Top law enforcement officials in the county and the state led the annual Municipal Leadership Forum for area officials, focusing on public safety challenges - many of which are spread across the headlines every day, such as the recent Edison attempted carjacking.

Middlesex County, along with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin hosted the forum Tuesday at the Middlesex County Magnet Schools in East Brunswick.

It was a platform for mayors, chiefs of police, and other community leaders to have "crucial discussions regarding public safety challenges and to explore effective strategies for enhancing community well-being," the prosecutor's office said.

And Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch did just that.

He told the gathering that "While this trend is reflected across the state, Middlesex County and indeed Metuchen, we need to know that New Jersey’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer stands with us," he said in a social media post.

Busch said he "conveyed our concerns and implored the New Jersey OAG to give our law enforcement officials the tools necessary to better protect our communities."

Platkin and County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone led the roundtable discussion, which focused on issues such as bail reform, social justice, juvenile justice, behavioral health, gun violence, and other aspects of public safety.

“Public safety priorities such as combating auto theft and burglaries can be achieved most effectively when we work together,” said Platkin.

He said “collaborating at a local level is vital" to addressing the needs of the 25 municipalities in Middlesex County - and the rest of the state.

Car thefts, car burglaries, home burglaries to locate key fobs - and the occasional confrontations when a homeowner finds a suspect in his kitchen - are happening in all counties in the state, law enforcement agrees.

And local police departments and governments are taking various measures to increase residents' safety - free steering wheel locks, for example, and increasing awareness and being more attentive to home security.

But help is needed at all levels of government, officials agreed.

“Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, we are dedicated to addressing the root causes of crime and promoting a safer environment for all,” said Ciccone.

For example, to combat auto and home burglaries, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners, have deployed over 67 Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems. These are camera systems that scan images of license plates to help law enforcement identify cars that may be driven by suspects in crimes.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in Middlesex County,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “This forum served as a vital platform for proactive dialogue and collaboration to ensure we’re addressing solutions to relevant issues facing our community."