DE LUCA: "MAPLEWOOD IS SAFE"

In an unusual press conference, Mayor Vic De Luca, Police Chief Robert Ciminio and several Township Committee members sought to ease residents' concerns about safety in the aftermath of three serious crimes in the past week - the double homicide on Northview Terrace, the vicious beating of a St. Joseph's Church employee and a home invasion robbery on Academy Street.


Mayor De Luca spoke first below:

As the mayor said, the township is lifting its limits on police overtime as needed.

Police Chief Cimino said the township was seeking funding for an additional officer and had beefed up patrols in the areas where the serious crimes had occurred. He also said the number of officers in the department had been reduced from a high of 66 in 2007 to 56 today, mostly due to budget cuts. He added that the township is authorized for 60 officers and will replace those who left due to retirements at the end of 2011.

With some 30 people in attendance, including numerous reporters, Cimino pointed out that the number of crimes "cleared," which means a suspect is found or arrested, is at about 31%, higher than most suburban communities. He added that no arrests had been made in the home invasion or the St. Joseph's beating incidents.


Both De Luca and Cimino urged residents to report any suspicious activity. The event was also broadcast live over the township public affair system.