The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office is mobilizing to perform traffic enforcement operations in one of the county’s southernmost municipalities.
The enforcement assistance was requested by Washington Township’s governing body to help improve safety on the roads through the rural township.
The municipality has no local police department but is patrolled by the New Jersey State Police.
“Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility and our officers work with local municipalities and police departments to assist with enforcement and education,” said Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis. “We have officers available and trained to do this important work, and we’re proud to be out there performing these services to improve the safety on our roads for everyone.”
The proactive enforcement initiative is being funded with grant money awarded to Washington Township to support public safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The Sheriff’s Office has also received grants from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to support the County’s Comprehensive Traffic Safety Program and other safety initiatives, including the Sheriff’s Child Passenger Safety Program and Pedestrian Safety Initiatives, defensive driving classes, crossing guard training and bicycle safety education programs.
Kostoplis said his office has conducted traffic enforcement actions in other Burlington County towns previously, including in Chesterfield last year.
“We know a lot of local police departments are short on officers so we’re proud to step in an provide some assistance if needed,” said Kostoplis. “By working together, we can help make sure our roads are safer for everyone.”
Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson applauded the Sheriff’s Office initiative.
“Public safety is our government’s No. 1 responsibility so it’s great to hear our Sheriff’s officers are proactively patrolling in a town that requested our help,” said Hopson.