North Bergen's crime rate Lowest in 20 years
March 2007
The preliminary results are out and the news is
good.
According to 2006 crime statistics
data, overall crime* in the township has decreased
22.61% percent from last year. In 2006 violent
crimes (i.e. crimes against people) have declined
over 7% from the year before, while non-violent
crimes (i.e. crimes against property) have decrease
almost 25% during this same time period. According
to crime data, the Township's overall crime rate has
dropped over 66% from 1985 (Click
here for
graph). In addition, February of 2006 proved to have
one of the lowest crime rates on current record. Although crime has been
dropping
throughout the State and the Country, the Township
of North Bergen's rates have been dramatic.
There are many factors
that can be attributed to this large drop in crime,
but one of the most significant factor is the
adoption of
new and innovative policing strategies by the
North Bergen Police Department. These strategies include
the introduction of Community and Proactive Policing,
the institution of technology driven crime tools,
and correcting Quality of Life
issues that may lead to criminal activity.
The
Township of North Bergen has also been instrumental in providing
assistance through strict code enforcement by the
Building and Health Departments. The support offered
by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners has been
overwhelming over the past several years.
Increased cooperation between
Federal, State, County, and local agencies has led
to arrests and convictions of major crime
institutions. In addition, tougher prosecution and
increased jail time for first time and repeat
offenders has kept potential criminals off the
streets.
Finally, the citizens of North
Bergen have been a key source of assistance in
helping target areas within the Township before they
become problematic.
*Overall crime includes all
enumerated (index) crimes. |