Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Police Department

Linden Police Recognized as an NJSACOP Accredited Agency

Click here to view and/or download the NJSACOP Accreditation News Release.

Linden Mayor Derek Armstead and Police Chief David Hart announced today that the Linden Police Department has earned accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).

NJSACOP Accreditation Program Director Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S. attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 18 and presented the Department with its first ever accreditation certificate.

During his remarks, Dr. Delgado praised the leadership of Chief Hart through the accreditation process. “Under the leadership of Chief Hart, a high level of competence, leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency. Leading a large police department through this rigorous process, despite the many challenges in law enforcement today: budgets, manpower and emerging technologies and to have no issues found is simply remarkable!”

The NJSACOP Accreditation Program is a nationally-certified program designed to enhance professionalism and transparency in the state’s public safety system. To earn accreditation, agencies must demonstrate compliance with one hundred and twelve (112) professional standards that reflect the best practices for law enforcement in the state of New Jersey. The process includes a comprehensive self-analysis of agency policy and operations that culminates with an independent, on-site audit conducted by a team of assessors.

“This accreditation stands as a powerful testament to the enduring hard work and professionalism that have defined our police department, both since and prior to my taking office.” said Mayor Derek Armstead

Attaining and maintaining an accreditation is an ongoing commitment; only 54% of police departments statewide achieve accreditation status, and this achievement demonstrates a commitment by the entire Department, Governing Body, and citizens to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in law enforcement.

“This is a very proud day for the Linden Police Department,” said Police Chief David Hart. “This accreditation recognizes the incredible efforts our men and women take each and every day to serve our community with honor, pride, and professionalism.”

Chief Hart specifically thanked Sergeant Leon Pastor, who served as the Department’s Accreditation Manager, as well as Mayor Armstead and the members of the Linden City Council, whose continued support of the Police Department and our initiatives were instrumental in this achievement.

Linden Police Department Youth Police Academy

Click here to view and/or download the flyer for the Linden Police Department Youth Academy.

  • Who: The Linden Police Department Youth Police Academy is available to Linden students graduating 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
  • What: Linden Police Department Youth Academy. As part of the Academy, you’ll learn about the Linden Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, you’ll receive basic training in police procedures/operations, criminal investigations, drill and ceremony and first aid! You will also benefit from demonstrations including DUI goggles, the effects of drinking and driving, K‐9, SWAT, Bomb Squad, and more! And most of all, you’ll have a lot of fun! The LPD Youth Academy is NOT a “bootcamp” for troubled youth. The Academy is structured to simulate a police academy for those interested in law enforcement.
  • When: July 14 through July 18, 2025.
  • How: Application deadline is April 11, 2025 at 3pm. Space is limited to 30 recruits. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. No late applications will be accepted. Click here to download the application for the Linden Police Department Youth Academy. Applications must be dropped off in-person to the front desk of the Linden Police Department, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue. With questions, email here.

Newark Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Daytime Robbery

On November 15, 2024, a Newark man was sentenced to 9 years in state prison for his participation in the daytime robbery of an Amazon driver in June of 2023.

Union County Superior Court Judge Daniel Roberts sentenced Anthony Torres, age 24, to 9 years in State Prison for second-degree robbery, directing that he must serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at about 3:00 p.m. Officers responded to the parking lot of Jersey Lanes, 30 N. Park Ave. The victim, an Amazon delivery truck driver, told the Officers that he parked in the lot to take a break when Torres reached though the open side door into the driver’s compartment and stole his backpack.

The driver exited the van and confronted the suspect, grabbing onto his shirt as he entered a vehicle parked nearby. Torres struck the driver several times in an attempt to break free, and the driver was struck by the vehicle as it fled the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries.

“There is absolutely no place for violent crimes like this in our community,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart. “I’d like to thank the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the responding Officers and Detectives whose diligent efforts made an extended sentence like this possible.”

Captain Christopher Guenther

Linden Awarded Pedestrian Safety Grant: Safer Drivers Save Lives

The City of Linden and the Linden Police Department announced that they have been awarded a year-long, federally-funded grant focused on improving pedestrian safety. The $20,000 grant, administered through the New Jersey Department of Highway Transportation & Safety, supplements and supports the department’s educational and enforcement efforts throughout the year.

In New Jersey, drivers are required to STOP for pedestrians in a crosswalk and yield to pedestrians walking outside of a crosswalk. Drivers are also advised to slow down and be alert for pedestrians; the risk of death for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 23 mph is 10%, but jumps to near 50% if the vehicle is traveling at 40 mph.

“Walking is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, and for the environment,” said Police Chief David Hart. “In Linden, we are committed to keeping our pedestrians safe on the sidewalks and while crossing the street — anywhere that people walk, bike, or roll they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.”

Despite a nationwide decline in highway fatalities last year, pedestrian fatalities across New Jersey surged 30%. Two hundred and twenty-two pedestrians lost their lives in vehicle crashes, the most since 1968.

For more information about pedestrian safety, please click here.

Union County Gun Surrender Program

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Police Chiefs Association, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and Union County Police Department along with the local police departments from Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, and Winfield present the Union County Gun Surrender Program.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Union County Gun Surrender Program.

  • What: Union County Gun Surrender Program. Accepting firearms, ammo and/or prescription drugs. Amnesty program: no questions asked. Surrendered items can be received at any location.
  • When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9am until 4pm.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • How: For more information, contact your local police department.

CPR Training

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Police Department and Linden Fire Department are pleased to offer free CPR training to Linden residents. Two opportunities to attend. Space is limited, register today!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the CPR Training.

  • Who: Linden residents.
  • What: CPR training. Earn your CPR Certification in this American Heart Association Training Course presented by Certified First Responders from the Linden Police and Fire Departments.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: 5:30pm
    • Wednesday, October 9, 2024
    • Thursday, October 17, 2024
  • How: Free training. Click here to register. For more information, email here.

September 11 Memorial Ceremony

Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis and the City of Linden invite you to attend the 2024 September 11 Memorial Ceremony with the Linden Police and Fire Departments.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Where: Wanda Green Park, Mack Place (Mack Place is located in the Eighth Ward off of Grier Avenue).
  • When: Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:30pm.

For more information, please contact Council President Michele Yamakaitis at (908) 494-0880.

Linden Police to Participate in End of Summer Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Enforcement Campaign

During the Labor Day holiday period, including the end of summertime and the busy holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the law enforcement community in Linden to decrease impaired driving. From August 16 through September 2, the Linden Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement period. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see officers working together during this time to take drunk drivers off the roads. No matter how you plan to celebrate the end of summer this year, make sure you plan to do it safely.

According to NHTSA, 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2021 — that’s one person every 39 minutes. On average, more than 11,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year from 2017 to 2021. This is why the Linden Police Department is working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal; it’s a matter of life and death. As you head out to festivities during the end of summer and Labor Day weekend, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.  
 
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Police Chief David Hart. “The Drive Sober campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior,” he said.
   
During the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, there were 531 crash fatalities nationwide. Of these fatalities, 41% (216) involved a drunk driver, and more than a quarter (27%) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday period in 2021, 488% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher. There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.  
 
No one should mix drinking and driving, and no one is immune to the effects of drinking. If you find yourself drunk and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get into a vehicle with a drunk driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive after drinking, take away their keys and help them get home safely. Most importantly: Always have a plan before you head out for the evening. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you will already be too impaired to make the right choice.  
 
Click here for more information on impaired driving.