Personnel- We regret to announce the passing of Sergeant Frank Ryan, a former United States Marine, and a 25 year veteran of this agency.

 

Cost of Policing Woodcliff Lake- There has been a lot of discussion regarding the cost of “Policing Our Town”.  I am available to discuss our costs to anyone who wishes to speak to me.  For example, if a home owner pays $1,000/month ($12,000/year) in total property taxes, the breakdown of the distribution on that $1,000/month is as follows:  $780/month covers the schools and Bergen County Taxes.  The remaining $220/month covers Woodcliff Lake Borough services.  The Woodcliff Lake Police Department, the only paid 24/7 department in town, uses approximately 22% of the $220 or less than $2.00/ 24 hour period.  If this agency were cut in half, the tax payer would save approximately 30 cents for each of the 3- 8 hour shifts- per day. 

 

 

In 2009, as a result of our efforts to reduce overtime, our Command Staff switched officers’ shifts, and used compensatory time, in lieu of covering the shifts with overtime. 

Compensatory Time, also known as “comp time”, results from officers working in excess of either an 8 hour shift, or a 40 hour work week.   Overtime covering emergencies, court or other assigned details, results in officers receiving overtime pay at 1.5 times their hourly pay rate.  They also have the option of banking this time to be taken at time and a half back when it does not result in other officers being paid overtime to cover their absence.

 

Switched Shifts- If we know ahead of time that an officer will be on vacation, in training, extended sick leave,  or other reasons, we have the ability to move other officers off of other shifts to cover the short shifts, in lieu of paying officers overtime to cover the short shifts. 

This resulted in the savings of over $400,000 in overtime to the Borough.  This was only accomplished with the dedication and cooperation of the rank and file.

 

Total comp. time savings for 2009 =                              $    94,629.

Total savings from switches for 2009=                          $   312,312.         

Total combined savings to the Borough to date for 2009= $406,941.

 

 

Area Burglaries:

We are reminding residents to lock their homes, use lights on timers, and activate their home alarm systems.  The area towns have had home burglaries in recent weeks.  Our officers are maintaining “high visibility”, in conjunction with our other enforcement campaigns.  Please call us immediately if you observe suspicious activity.

 

New Motor Vehicle Laws:

 

Move Over Law: The new law requires drivers to reduce speed and change lanes when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights, while at the side of the roadway.

 

Seat Belt Law Amended: All passengers, regardless of age or location in the vehicle must wear seat belts. The Woodcliff Lake Police Department has 4 certified child safety seat specialists. Residents may install their child safety seats and have a certified officer inspect the installation or child safety seats may be installed by one of our certified officers.  Appointments are required and are scheduled according to these certified officers availability.

 

STOP For Pedestrians in Crosswalk: Effective April 1, 2010- This law has been amended from “yield” to pedestrians.  Drivers must make a complete Stop for the Pedestrian in a crosswalk.

 

 

Provisional Drivers License Amended to Probationary Driver: New restrictions will go into effect May 1, 2010 regarding those who hold the provisional license.  (There will be no grandfathering of existing permit and provisional license holders.) These will include:  A change in the hours of operation (not between 11:01 pm-5:00 am), only one passenger unless with parent or guardian, ensure all passengers are in child seat or seat belts, may not use cell phone at all, ipod, or other wireless electronic device.  Additionally, display of decals on the license plates of the vehicle while operated by the provisional driver. They will not be allowed to plea bargain any point carrying offenses.  Go to www.njteendriving.com for more information.

 

This agency actively participates in these National Highway Safety Campaigns.

 

Hang up, Just Drive : Hand Held Cell Phone / Texting Violation Enforcement

Click it or Ticket: Seat Belt Use Enforcement

Over the Limit, Under Arrest: DUI Enforcement

Put the Brakes on Fatalities: Speed Enforcement- This agency has purchased and utilized both in-car RADAR, as well as hand-held LASER devices.

Full Stop or Traffic Stop.  Full stop at stop signs

 

Nixle: Community Notification System: In conjunction with Nixle, this agency, along with the Borough, will participate in the Nixle program. Once established, residents will be able to log on to Nixle (www.nixle.com), set up a user name and password, and list your address or closest cross-street.  You will then be able to list the devices they wish to be notified on, such as email, text message, etc.  Users will be able to choose between Police Department Emergency notices, Borough Business, or both. 

 

School Zone Parking/Speeding: Parents are reminded to observe speed limits, as well as proper parking, especially when picking up children.  It is illegal to pick up or discharge passengers in the middle of the roadway, as well as to park within 10 feet of an intersection, and 50 feet of a stop sign.  

 

Do not drop off children less than 50 feet from the stop sign at Rose Ave. and Woodcliff Ave.  Sign posted

 

Disregard of Crossing Guard’s Directions:  Title 39:4-80.1 makes it a traffic offense to disregard the directions of a school crossing guard. Summons can be issued for this offense resulting in points against your driver’s license.

 

 

Woodcliff Lake Police Department Web Site - www.wclpd.com for any updates

 

Have a safe Spring,

Chief Anthony Jannicelli,