10 Key Facts About The Berkeley Heights Police Department: New Leadership, 100th Anniversary, And 2025 Safety Initiatives

The Berkeley Heights Police Department (BHPD) has entered a new era of community policing and operational excellence, marked by a significant change in leadership and a major departmental milestone. As of December 2025, the department is actively rolling out updated safety initiatives and continues its long-standing commitment to the residents of Berkeley Heights Township, New Jersey, maintaining its status as an accredited agency. This article provides a deep dive into the BHPD’s current structure, recent achievements, and the cutting-edge programs defining its future. The department’s recent history is defined by its 100th Anniversary celebration and the swearing-in of its new Chief, signaling a strong focus on transparency, community engagement, and modern law enforcement standards. The BHPD, comprised of 28 sworn police officers, is a cornerstone of public safety in Union County, consistently working to keep the crime rate low and the quality of life high.

The New Era of Leadership: Chief William A. Ives and Department Profile

The Berkeley Heights Police Department is led by its tenth Chief of Police, William A. Ives, whose appointment marked a significant moment in the department's history.

• Name: William A. Ives
• Position: Chief of Police, Berkeley Heights Police Department (BHPD)
• Sworn In: May 22, 2024
• Significance: His swearing-in coincided with the department’s 100th Anniversary celebration.
• Role: Oversees the department's operations, which includes Patrolman, Detective, and administrative sworn positions.
• Professional Affiliations: Listed as a 2025 Chief within the Union County Police Chiefs Association.

The BHPD operates out of the municipal complex at 29 Park Avenue. The department is a fully accredited agency, participating in the voluntary New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. This accreditation signifies that the BHPD adheres to a comprehensive set of law enforcement standards covering policy, procedures, operations, and management, demonstrating a commitment to best practices in modern policing.

Current Crime Trends and Public Safety Initiatives (2024–2025)

Berkeley Heights Township is widely recognized as a safe community, a status that the Police Department works diligently to maintain through proactive policing and strong community partnerships. The latest data and recent initiatives reflect this ongoing commitment to public safety.

Low Crime Rates and UCR Data

The crime rate in Berkeley Heights remains notably low, averaging around 10.68 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. Over a recent five-year period (2019–2024), the community recorded 108 violent crimes and 277 property crimes, indicating a very low average violent crime rate of 7.7 per 100,000. The New Jersey Uniform Crime Report (UCR) for the first quarter of 2024 further illustrates this safety profile, showing a minimal number of offenses reported to the BHPD during that period. This data underscores the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts and community vigilance in Union County.

2025 Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Trial Program

In a direct effort to enhance pedestrian safety, the BHPD has initiated a significant trial program set to run through at least March 31, 2025. This program focuses on reducing vehicle speed limits and introducing pedestrian crossing flags on key thoroughfares, specifically Park Avenue and Mountain Avenue, particularly near Mountain Park Elementary School. The initiative is a direct response to the need for safer school zones and improved traffic control in residential areas.

Proactive Home and Business Security

The BHPD actively encourages residents and business owners to participate in its Home and Business Security Program. This program is designed to improve the security of properties across the township by providing guidance and resources on crime prevention. Furthermore, the department processes Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests for various police records, including theft, burglary, and accident reports, maintaining transparency with the public.

Core Community Policing and Engagement Programs

A defining characteristic of the Berkeley Heights Police Department is its robust suite of community policing programs, which foster positive interactions and build trust between officers and residents. These programs are essential in a community-focused law enforcement model.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Program

The SRO program is a critical component of the department's strategy, placing sworn police officers within local schools. This initiative reflects a shared goal between the police department and the community to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and faculty. The SROs serve as educators, counselors, and law enforcement contacts, bridging the gap between youth and the police force.

Berkeley Heights Police Youth Academy

The annual Police Youth Academy offers children in the community a unique opportunity for positive interaction with officers. The program, which held a successful session in 2023, emphasizes education, discipline, and building mutual respect, giving participants a hands-on look at the daily operations of the BHPD.

Police Athletic League (PAL)

Founded in 1953, the Berkeley Heights Police Athletic League works in conjunction with the BHPD and the local community to support and inspire the town's youth. PAL provides organized sports and activities, utilizing athletics as a vehicle for mentorship and character development.

Transparency and Accountability

The BHPD maintains a commitment to transparency, which is evident not only in its accreditation status but also in its proactive reporting. For instance, the department has been involved in reporting major disciplinary actions, such as the 2024 DWI arrest of a department officer by the New Jersey State Police Marine Division, demonstrating a commitment to internal accountability and the rule of law. This commitment to internal oversight reinforces public confidence in the integrity of the force. The Berkeley Heights Police Department, under the leadership of Chief William A. Ives, continues to prioritize safety, community involvement, and adherence to the highest professional standards. With its recent 100th Anniversary, ongoing accreditation, and forward-looking safety initiatives like the 2025 traffic trial, the BHPD is well-positioned to serve the Berkeley Heights Township community effectively for years to come.

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