5 Critical Updates You Need To Know About The Bergen County Sheriff's Office NJ (2025)
The Bergen County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), serving New Jersey's most populous county, remains one of the state's largest and most vital law enforcement agencies, constantly evolving its mission to serve a diverse population of nearly one million residents. As of late 2025, the office, led by Sheriff Anthony Cureton, is focused on implementing new state-mandated foreclosure reforms, expanding specialized community outreach, and maintaining security across the county's court system and correctional facilities. The BCSO's recent activities highlight a shift toward proactive community partnership and modernized legal compliance, making its operations more transparent and citizen-focused than ever before.
This article provides an in-depth look at the most current operations, key leadership, and significant legislative changes—like the new foreclosure law—that are defining the Bergen County Sheriff's Office’s role in 2025. The information presented here is based on the latest public records and official announcements, offering a fresh, unique perspective on the agency’s ongoing commitment to safety, leadership, and security in Hackensack, NJ, and the surrounding municipalities.
Sheriff Anthony Cureton: A Profile in Leadership
Sheriff Anthony Cureton leads the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, commanding a team of nearly 700 sworn officers and civilian staff who oversee all county-level law enforcement functions. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on community engagement, internal reform, and modernizing the agency's approach to public safety.
- Full Name: Anthony Cureton
- Current Role: Bergen County Sheriff
- Office Location: 2 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Agency Size: Approximately 700 officers and civilian personnel
- Key Initiatives: Establishing new partnerships to assist residents with special needs, the deaf community, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Notable Achievements: Recipient of the American Conference on Diversity’s 2006 Humanitarian of the Year Award and the 2009 NAACP President’s Award.
- Background: A long-time law enforcement professional committed to fostering a culture of safety and inclusion within the county.
The 2024 Community Wealth Preservation Act: A Major Operational Shift
One of the most significant and recent changes directly impacting the Bergen County Sheriff's Office’s duties is the signing of the "Community Wealth Preservation Program" (Assembly Bill 5664) into New Jersey law by Governor Phil Murphy on January 12, 2024.
This new legislation fundamentally revamps the process for Sheriff's Sales, particularly those related to foreclosures. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for executing these sales, and the new law introduces several layers of complexity and new procedures designed to protect homeowners and promote community wealth.
What the New Law Means for the BCSO:
- Revamped Sheriff's Sale Process: The law requires the BCSO to implement new procedures for notifying and engaging with parties involved in foreclosure sales.
- Focus on Preservation: The legislation aims to prevent predatory purchasing practices, ensuring that properties are sold at fair market value and that a portion of the surplus funds is directed to the former homeowners. This shifts the Sheriff's role from a simple auctioneer to a more involved party in community wealth protection.
- Increased Compliance: The BCSO must now ensure strict compliance with these new, detailed regulations to avoid legal challenges, making the foreclosure sales scheduled for 2025 and beyond a more complex administrative task.
Expanding Community Outreach and Special Needs Programs
Under Sheriff Cureton’s leadership, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office has made its Community Outreach Unit a central pillar of its mission. The focus is on building trust and providing specialized services to vulnerable and diverse populations within Bergen County.
The BCSO offers a wide array of programs for both youth and adults, demonstrating a commitment that goes far beyond traditional patrol and correctional duties. These initiatives are crucial for topical authority, as they represent the modern, progressive face of county law enforcement.
Key BCSO Community and Adult Programs:
- Gold Star ID Program: This initiative provides identification for residents with special needs, such as autism or Alzheimer's, ensuring that first responders can quickly and safely interact with them during an emergency.
- Specialized Outreach: The Sheriff's Office has specifically created programs and partnerships tailored to the deaf community and the LGBTQ+ community, promoting open dialogue and understanding.
- Personal Safety Presentations: The BCSO regularly hosts presentations on personal safety, crime prevention, and gang awareness for community and school groups.
- K-9 Unit Demonstrations: The highly visible and popular K-9 Unit is frequently utilized for community demonstrations, helping to foster positive interactions between the public and the Sheriff's Office.
- Annual Coat Drive: The successful annual "Coffee with the Sheriff" coat drive is one example of the office's hands-on approach to local charity and community support.
The Role of the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center (BCCRC)
A significant portion of the Bergen County Sheriff's Office's responsibility lies in the management and operation of the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center (BCCRC). This facility is not just a jail; it is a hub for various rehabilitative services designed to reduce recidivism.
The BCSO is committed to more than just incarceration, offering critical Community Release Programs, a Medical / Mental Health Unit, and a dedicated Drug Rehabilitation Center (DRC). These programs reflect a modern understanding of correctional services, viewing rehabilitation as a key component of public safety.
Recent Challenges and Commitment to Reform
Like any large law enforcement agency, the BCSO has faced its share of scrutiny. In the past, the office saw the resignation of former Sheriff Michael Saudino following the surfacing of racist and homophobic remarks, which underscored a period of necessary internal reform.
More recently, the office has been involved in litigation, including a lawsuit alleging mistreatment of a disabled veteran officer. These events highlight the ongoing commitment of the current leadership to transparency and adherence to state laws, such as the New Jersey Civil Rights Act, as the office strives to be the premier law enforcement agency in the state.
How to Interact with the Bergen County Sheriff's Office
For Bergen County residents seeking information or assistance, the BCSO provides several official avenues for contact and engagement:
- Official Inquiries: The main office is located at 2 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
- Submitting a Tip: The office maintains a dedicated line for submitting anonymous tips regarding criminal activity.
- Foreclosure Sales: Information regarding the new Sheriff Foreclosure Sale process, heavily influenced by the 2024 legislation, is available on the official website.
- Internship Opportunities: The Bergen Student Internship Application is available through the Community Outreach Unit for students interested in a career in law enforcement.
The Bergen County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Anthony Cureton, continues to navigate complex legal and social landscapes. By aggressively implementing the new Community Wealth Preservation Program and expanding its specialized community outreach, the BCSO is positioning itself as a forward-thinking agency dedicated to both security and social justice in one of New Jersey’s most dynamic regions.
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