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Police Department

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Linden Police Department is to reduce crime, improve the delivery of Police services and enhance the quality of life for Linden residents through cooperative partnerships with community members. For information about Crime Tips, click here. The Linden Police Department updates the public with the latest news regarding crime, missing persons, alerts, and public awareness information on a consistent basis in order to provide the following services to the public:

  • Law Enforcement
  • Maintaining Order
  • Ensuring Quality of Life
  • Protection Property
  • Public Safety

Code of Ethics

Law enforcement is an honorable calling. Service in this field demands a professional, rather than an occupational philosophy. Personal honor, a desire for professional status, and devotion to service above self are the motives which impel members and employees to discharge their responsibility in full measure.

Members and employees lives are one of self-sacrificing service to a high ideal, based upon their recognition of the responsibilities entrusted to them, and the belief that law enforcement is an honorable vocation. They fully accept their responsibilities to defend the right, to protect the weak, to aid the distressed, and to uphold the law in public and private living. They accept the obligation to report facts and to testify without bias or display of emotion, and to consider all information coming to their knowledge by virtue of their position a sacred trust to be used for official purposes only. Members and employees give their loyal and faithful attention to the identification and apprehension of criminals, being equally alert to protect the innocent and prosecute the guilty. They perform the functions of their office without fear, favor, or prejudice and do not engage in unlawful or improper practices.

They do not disclose to unauthorized persons any information concerning pending matters which might be prejudicial to the interests of the State, the City or the Department.

They do not seek to benefit personally by any confidential information which has come to them by virtue of their assignment. They are respectful and courteous to all citizens. They are faithful and loyal to their organization, constantly striving to cooperate and promote better relations with all regularly constituted law enforcement agencies and their representatives in matters of mutual interest and obligation.

Rigid adherence to the principles set out above is mandatory for anyone accepting a position in the police department. Acceptance of these principles should not be perfunctory; they should be weighed carefully. Citizens are quick to criticize any misconduct of members or employees of the department; the community places a trust in the police department and expects all members and employees to conduct themselves as to merit this trust. Members and employees should be proud to hold a position that demands so much.

There must be a moral philosophy and strong appreciation of the need for service in any profession. Unwavering adherence to such a moral philosophy will earn the respect and support of the public.

All members and employees shall abide by the Code of Ethics as adopted by this agency as written above.

How can I become a Linden Police Officer?

The City of Linden is a Department of Personnel municipality. As such, police recruits are selected from a Department of Personnel list that is issued following a written exam. Additional information can be found using this link to the NJ Civil Service Commission. Occasionally, we also hire certified police officers from other police agencies through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program. This program allows police officers from other Department of Personnel communities to transfer into the Linden Police Department provided that both Chiefs of Police are in agreement. Any current police officer that is desirous of transferring into the Linden Police Department should send a letter of interest along with a resume to Linden Police Chief.

How Do I Commend an Officer?

Citizens who feel an officer has performed his or her duties in a particularly courteous, helpful or competent manner may express their appreciation in a number of ways.

  • Contact any supervisor (in person or by telephone) at Police Headquarters.
  • Write a letter to the officer, the officer’s supervisor or to:

    Chief David Hart
    Linden Police Department
    301 North Wood Avenue
    Linden, New Jersey 07036

    Be sure to obtain the officer’s name and badge number if possible.

What should I do if I’m pulled over by the police?

For many people, being pulled over by a Police Officer while driving in your car can be an extremely stressful event.

If a Police car pulls in behind you while driving and activates it’s emergency lights and/or siren, you should pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Once you have pulled over, you should put the car in park and turn on the interior light. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the Officer.

You have to remember that although you know you are a decent, law abiding citizen, the Police Officer behind you has no idea who you are and will be naturally cautious as numerous Officers are hurt and even killed each year during “routine” traffic stops. When approached by the Officer, you will be asked for you driver’s license, vehicle registration card and proof of insurance for the car.

If you need to enter the glove compartment to retrieve the documents, just tell the Officer what you are doing and proceed to get your documents when instructed.

In order to make this traffic stop as safe and pleasant as possible for all involved, here are a few tips:

  • Do not make any sudden or violent movements.
  • Do not suddenly conceal or hide your hands.
  • Remain in the vehicle unless instructed to exit by the Officer.

As soon as the Officer has your documents, he will explain the reason for the traffic stop and may give a verbal warning, a written warning or issue you a traffic summons. If you have any questions, the Officer will attempt to answer them at the scene and will also provide you with the number for the Municipal Violations Bureau which is located on the back of the summons.

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