Full Notification

In response to the increasing risks associated with the Covid-19 epidemic, The Ocean Township Police Department and Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management would like to take a moment and update you on the precautions we are taking to protect the residents of Ocean Township and those employees that serve them. First I would like to begin by letting all the residents and visitors to the Township of Ocean know that the Ocean Township Police Department, Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management and Township Committee have been in constant communication and currently have plans in place to effectively and efficiently serve our community during this unprecedented time. A temporary modified patrol response plan was set into place by the Ocean Township Police Department on March 11th, 2020. This temporary plan allows for our police officers to handle non-emergency calls for service over the telephone as opposed to the traditional face to face police response. The calls for service that would be handled over the telephone are those that do not require evidence to be collected, an on-scene investigation to be conducted or otherwise require an officer to respond to the scene. Additionally the police department has implemented procedures to have police dispatchers (where there is no immediate life threat) ask screening questions related to Covid-19, while simultaneously dispatching police officers to the residence. Those who have requested police services should be prepared to answer the following questions: 1. Are you having flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath? 2. In the last 14 days have you traveled to a high risk are for transmission of Covid-19? 3. Have you been in close contact with someone confirmed or is being evaluated for Covid-19? 4. Are you currently under voluntary or mandated quarantine? Regardless of the answers to the questions, if a call for police service requires a police response an officer will be dispatched. What asking those questions does is place into action an officer’s ability to wear proper protective equipment such as gloves and a N95 respirator as directed by the CDC. Keeping our first responders safe ensures that they are readily available to keep the residents safe! Additionally, when police officers respond to an incident, for example at your home, the officer will request that you step outside to ensure them a safe distance, when practical. The need to keep police officers and staff healthy is paramount to preserve continuity in our services. For the health and well-being of the residents and staff of the Township of Ocean, the Township of Ocean Committee has closed Town Hall Offices to the public and vendors starting on March 16th, 2020 to March 29th, 2020. The offices will still be staffed and residents will be assisted via phone, fax, email, US Mail or the drop boxes located outside of the buildings. Please note that the Ocean Township Police Department Lobby will remain open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide services to the residents of the Township of Ocean. We do however ask that if you are reporting an incident that is non-life threatening, you do so over the phone by contacting police dispatch at 609-693-4007. If you are requesting a police report from our Records Department, please contact the police department first via telephone as we may be able to provide you the required documents electronically or via the US Mail. Although the police department is adjusting and making efforts to reduce exposure and maintain the health of our public and our officers, it is important that you know, we will always remain committed to providing exceptional police services to the residents and visitors of our community. Public Safety and Health is and always will be our #1 priority! The reality is that this is a serious situation and we are reacting in a planned, methodical and proactive way to ensure that we can continue to provide the services that you are accustomed to. Please continue to use precautions in protecting you and your family, such as washing your hands often. If you are feeling ill you should minimize exposure to others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, face and mouth. Lastly please know that the Township of Ocean, in its entirety, from the Office of the Chief of Police, First Aid Squad , Fire Department and the Township Committee along with officials have been working tirelessly to remain operationally ready and safe. We will continue to provide you with the latest updated information as we receive it and we will continue to adjust our already existing plans as the virus continues to grow and spread. The Township of Ocean is a small community in size but it is a LARGE community in HEART! We got this together! Chief Michal J. Rogalski Office of Emergency Management Ocean Township Police Department