Security Cameras, Patrols At Rail Trail Improve Safety: Officials

LACEY, NJ — Multiple safety improvements have been added to the rail trail in recent weeks after several residents filed complaints concerning their safety while walking the trail.

Police departments in Lacey, Berkeley and Waretown have been coordinating to patrol areas along the Barnegat Branch Trail. Since the trail is part of the Ocean County Parks Department, officers from the Ocean County Sheriff's Office have also been supplementing local police details.

Security cameras have been deployed in multiple areas along the trail that police officers can monitor from their office and phones. Drones are also flying in areas along the trail, according to Sheriff Mike Mastronardy.

“The concerns that they’ve had have been reduced and I think more than that it’s the positive comments we’ve gotten from numerous people,” said Mastronardy. “People who use the trail want to feel safe and I think that has been enhanced somewhat.”

In Lacey, police officers have also been patrolling the trail on bicycles and ATVs.

“We’re not the only town that has a problem. It’s all up and down the rail trail,” said Committeeman Timothy McDonald during Thursday's committee meeting.

Mayor Peter Curatolo has said intoxication among homeless people was the primary reason that residents were encountering issues at the trail.

“The frustrating thing is that there are resources at the county for homelessness and addiction,” Curatolo said. “There’s funding pathways for those folks but we can’t require [them to seek the resources] and it’s unfortunate.”

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is working on a strategic plan to address future issues.

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