Ex-Ridgewood police chief to lead regional dispatch center
JANUARY 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
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Ridgewood’s Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch has a new director — the village’s former police chief, Lou Mader.
Mader’s appointment was announced by Ridgewood officials on Thursday.
Mader will replace Jack Tancos, who tendered his resignation in late October.
Tancos remains at Bergen Central Dispatch, working as a public safety dispatcher.
Mader, who holds a degree in public administration from William Paterson University, was most recently director of public safety for Hunter College, a position he held for nearly 14 years.
Prior to that, Mader spent eight years running Ridgewood’s police force. He begins his new job Jan. 20.
Ridgewood Police Issue Special Press Release – Midnight Gun Shots at Church
December 29,2014
Ridgewood NJ, At approximately 11:15 am on Sunday December 28th the Ridgewood Police Department was called to the Old Paramus Reformed Church on E. Glen Avenue on a report of damage to the property from what they believed to be gun shots. Upon arrival to the Church, officers observed damage to the Church which was caused by a firearm.
The detective bureau and the Bergen County Crime Scene Investigation Unit were contacted to collect evidence and begin an investigation. The time frame of the incident has been determined to be the early morning hours of December 26. There are no known motives or threats received by the Church or the Pastor. The Chief of Police has increased police presence in the area. If anyone has any additional information, please contact the Ridgewood Detective Bureau at 201-251-4537
Ridgewood police investigating bullet holes at historic church
DECEMBER 28, 2014, 8:22 PM LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014, 9:05 PM
BY TODD SOUTH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Ridgewood Police are investigating an estimated 30 or more shots fired at the Old Paramus Reformed Church sometime before the Sunday morning service.
The Rev. Rob Miller told WNBC on Sunday that bullet holes, some in a stained glass window, were reported to police after the church service. No injuries were reported.
Detectives with the Ridgewood Police Department told WNBC that the motive for the vandalism was unknown. No threats against the church or its pastor have been reported.
Ridgewood Police remind Drivers to Drive Sober or get Pulled Over
While your out enjoying a holiday party Ridgewood Police Officers will be out on extra patrol looking for impaired drivers. We would like you to enjoy your party and get home safely. If you intend to consume alcohol please follow our advice.
Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Spend the night rather than get behind the wheel.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver.
Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep
The Ridgewood Police Report a Number of “phone scams” in Recent Weeks
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department has experienced a number of “phone scam” reports from residents over the past several weeks. Below are some examples of phone scams that have been recently reported by several residents.
Scammer(s) have been placing calls and have even left voice messages stating that they are from a government law enforcement agency. The IRS has been popular recently, however scammers will sometimes us a name of an agency that is fake, for example: “National Bureau of Crime”. The scammer will advise the person that criminal complaints have been signed against them or a family member and unless they give money or personal identifying information, charges will be “filed”. They may also claim that you owe “back taxes” or some form of payment is required. This scam is not aimed at the elderly and anyone can be a victim of this. Please understand that no legitimate law enforcement agency will EVER contact you this way.
Another past phone scams, scammers(s) have used the “Grandparent Scam”. This often involves a person who calls posing as a family member in trouble. He or she places a call to an older person and when they pick up, the scammer will say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has established a fake identity without having done any background research. The fake grandchild will usually ask for money to solve some unexpected problem (arrested and need bail money, overdue rent, payment for car repairs, etc.), to be paid via Western Union or MoneyGram, which don’t always require identification to collect. At the same time, the scam artist will beg the grandparent “please don’t tell my parents, they would kill me.” The fake grandchild will generally say they are in another state and may even say they are in another country on “vacation”.
The Ridgewood Police asks that you spread the word about these scams to your friends and family (especially the elderly). Please remember to always be cautious when providing any personal identifying information to strangers over the phone and/or internet.
For more information on phone scams and ways to protect yourself please visit the following links:
Ridgewood Police : Images of Burglary Suspect and vehicle caught on home security system.
Ridgewood NJ , On Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7:53 pm a Westside resident reported that their home had been forcibly entered while they were out. The unidentified actor had entered the home after smashing a first floor window with a large rock setting off the home’s alarm system. A check of the homeowner’s video surveillance system showed the attached pictured actor ringing the front door and standing outside of the home just prior to the alarm activation. Additionally the attached pictured vehicle, which appears to be a late model full size pickup truck dark in color possible with an extended cab circled the block just prior to the activation. The scene was processed by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crime Scene Unit and the matter is currently under investigation by the Ridgewood Police Department Detective Bureau. If anyone has any information concerning this crime please contact Detective Douglas Williams at (201) 251-4537.
Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted Locally as Part of Statewide Year End Campaign
Village of Ridgewood — Law enforcement officials from Ridgewood will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning December 5, 2014 and continuing through January 2, 2015, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent,” said Chief John Ward. “This initiative brings attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to all who share the road with them.”
Last year, 22% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with drunk driving crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2014 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for holiday season:
• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
Ridgewood Police Department : Resident Vehicle Identification stickers
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department would like to thank Ridgewood PBA Local 20 for their continued support of our crime prevention efforts. Once again PBA Local 20 has supplied and will be distributing Resident Vehicle Identification stickers in their annual mailing. These stickers assist in identification of resident and non-resident vehicles during proactive/directed patrols and in response to emergent incidents.
Additional stickers will be available at the police desk with proof of residence.
Ridgewood Police Department: Phone Scam unsolicited calls from credit card companies
November 4
Phone Scam
The Ridgewood police Department would like to warn residents of the ongoing issue of unsolicited calls from credit card companies offering to lower your rates or offer other services. If you receive one of these calls you should hang up and call your credit card company using the phone number on your credit card to confirm that it was your company calling. We are also getting numerous reports of other phone and email scams they may ask for personal information or advising that a loved one is in danger or jail. Always contact the person that is supposed to be in danger or jail and do not send any types of payment. Please follow the following personal information tips that are recommended.
• Don’t give out your credit card information. Once a scammer has your data, they can charge your credit card for their own purchases or sell the information to other scammers.
• Don’t share other personal financial or sensitive information like your bank account or Social Security numbers. Scam artists often ask for this information during an unsolicited sales pitch, and then use it to commit other frauds against you.
• Be skeptical of any unsolicited sales calls that are prerecorded, especially if your phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. You shouldn’t get recorded sales pitches unless you have specifically agreed to accept such calls, with a few exceptions.
If you think you’ve experienced a credit card interest rate reduction scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).:
Ridgewood Police : Be a Good Neighbor – Be Bear Aware
New Jersey is home to all kinds of beautiful wildlife –including black bears. Black bears are getting a lot of attention these days, for the wrong reasons.
They’re venturing too close to homes and into backyards, looking for food. Bears that look for food near your home or in your yard likely have learned bad habits from people who feed them intentionally, or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage
People who feed bears think they’re helping them. But it only invites trouble. It can make them a nuisance or even aggressive. When that happens, the bears must be destroyed to protect your family and your neighbors. What’s more, it’s illegal to feed bears in New Jersey. Anyone who feeds bears could face a penalty of up to $1,000 for each offense.
Taking steps to avoid attracting bears with food or garbage is the best way to prevent them from becoming a nuisance near your home.
Here’s what you can do to Be a Good Neighbor – Be Bear Aware:
• Use bear-proof garbage containers, if possible. They offer the best protection. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
• Wash garbage containers with disinfectant solution at least once a week to remove odors. Draping rags soaked in bleach over your garbage bags also help to eliminate odors.
• Feed dogs and cats outside during daylight hours only. Immediately after feeding pets, remove all uneaten food and scraps as well as food bowls.
• Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use. Grease and food residue will attract bears.
• Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Feed birds only between December 1 and April 1 when bears are least active. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure the bottom of the feeder is at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells.
• Pick up any fruit that falls from fruit trees daily, and discard it in garbage containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Consider installing electric fencing to protect crops, beehives and small livestock, if you live in an area with a large black bear population.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to your local police department or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793.
• Visit www.njfishandwildlife.com for more information on black bears.
Remember, if you care about New Jersey’s bears, don’t feed them
County prosecutor clears Ridgewood police chief in hiring flap October 22,2014 Boyd A. Loving 12:14 AM
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward was cleared by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office of any “criminality” in connection with the hiring of two new police recruits earlier this year. This according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, who publicly announced the official findings during Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session.
During a heated Village Council meeting on January 29th, a meeting attendee who spoke during the public comment segment accused Chief Ward of manipulating civil service guidelines in order to hire the son of a current police officer, and the son of a retired police captain. Ward, who insisted that no rules were broken and that the two individuals hired met all civil service qualifications, requested that the Prosecutor’s Office fully investigate his actions.
One of the hired recruits, Keith Killion, was sworn in at a Village Council meeting earlier this month.
Ridgewood Police Department : Possible attempted luring October 20,2014 Ridgewood PD
Suspicious incident / Possible attempted luring
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that On 10/20/2014 at approximately 3:15pm the department received a report of a suspicious incident / possible attempted luring incident on East Ridgewood Avenue near Hope Street.
The driver of the vehicle slowed down on East Ridgewood Avenue and asked the victim if she wanted some candy. The victim did not engage the driver and was able to take a photo of the vehicle involved. The vehicle involved is a Black Ford Econoline van with New Jersey Registration. This van is possibly a 2007 through 2013 with running boards and backup sensors on the rear bumper.
The driver of the van is described as a White Male in his early fifties, approximately 5’9” and approximately 240 pounds. The passenger in the van is a younger dark skinned, possibly Hispanic male who did not say or do anything during the encounter. If you have any information, please contact the Ridgewood Detective Bureau at (201) 251-4536.
The above photo of the van in question was taken by the victim.
Ptl Ward and Sgt John Chuck of the Ridgewood Police Department make daring arrest in Warner Theater September 25,2014
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On September 21, 2014 at 7:14 PM Ptl John Ward was flagged down at the end of the street fair on East Ridgewood Avenue. A juvenile male reported that a man had approached his friend attempting to get his phone and followed him into the movie theater.
Ptl Ward accompanied by Sgt John Chuck found a male party in the theater who had confronted the juvenile. Numerous witness confirmed the incident and the accused Darnell Dixon 30 of Paterson was arrested and charged with attempted robbery. The accused was remanded to the Bergen County Jail unable to post $75000.00 bail.
(information for the Ridgewood Police Blotter , All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.)
THE RIDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING BACK UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS SEPTEMBER 27th, 2014
Ridgewood NJ, On September 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Ridgewood Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its ninth opportunity in four years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Ridgewood Police Department 131 N.Maple Ave Ridgewood NJ. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, Americans turned in 390 tons (over 780,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,400 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—more than 2,100 tons—of pills. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
DEA is in the process of approving new regulations that implement the Safe and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” (that is, a patient or their family member or pet owner) of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.
A Reminder from the Ridgewood Police :: Car Burglary Alert
Remember to lock your cars especially at night. There were several thefts from vehicles reported Friday evening 9/12 on the west side of town along the Glen Rock border. All vehicle that were entered were left unlocked. The Glen Rock Police reported numerous vehicles entered over the past several nights. Please report any suspicious activity to the Ridgewood Police Department. 201-652-3900
On September 5, 2014 five separate individuals reported entries to their unlocked vehicles. The vehicles were all located on the east side of town. Numerous items were reported missing. The matter is under investigation. (Police Blotter)
Please share this information with your neighbors..
