$950K Grant To Bergen Sheriff's Office To Enhance Security, Curb Car Thefts: Officials

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — On the heels of what officials said was a steep increase in car thefts in 2022 in Bergen County, a new federal investment will go to purchase security cameras to place at strategic points along county roads and in parks.

Car thefts increased 54% in 2022, reflecting the timely need for the $954,000 public safety investment, "clawed back from Washington," that will help the Sheriff's Office expand ability to monitor incidents and combat the auto thefts, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said at a press conference Tuesday.

Joined by local officials, county leaders and law enforcement, Gottheimer announced the bipartisan federal grant, which, he said, will help keep the nearly 1 million Bergen County residents and first responders safe.

"(These cameras) will help us keep eyes on locations that are important and susceptible to criminal activity, and enhance our operational capabilities," Bergen County Undersheriff Jin Sung Kim said at the announcement.

In addition to the cameras, the funds will also go toward trailer-mounted message boards to display traffic warnings and guidance information about incidents or events.

"It is a good day for Bergen County," county Executive Jim Tedesco said. "(The security equipment) will play an important role in the way we can provide safety to the community at large."

During the news conference, Gottheimer also announced a $255,000 to the Bogota Police Department to upgrade to a new "state-of-the-art" communications system after lightning badly damaged the department's two-way radio system in June 2021. He said a lightning strike was the "final nail in the coffin" on a system that was already experiencing technical problems.

"It is absolutely critical that all of our emergency services are reliable, efficient and swift in communication and response — lives depend on it," Gottheimer said. "I'm proud to have fought every day for legislation to support our first responders."

"I strongly believe you can't cut or defund your way to safer communities or better police departments," he added. "It is important to invest to protect."