The Criminal Investigation Division (including the Juvenile Aid Bureau) is responsible for investigating crimes and unusual occurrences within the City. Typically, Detectives process crime scenes, interview suspects, witnesses, victims and follow up on leads eventually leading to an arrest. The Detective Division's primary function is to prepare a case for a successful prosecution by the Essex County Prosecutors office in Newark.  The EOPD Detective Division is commanded by a Captain, has two (2) Lieutenants, five (5) Sergeants and twenty-six (26) Detectives  whose primary mission is to investigate crimes and prepare cases for a successful prosecution. Detectives normally do not wear uniforms, they are dressed in business suits or plain clothes but they DO carry a badge and ID with them at all times. They also drive in unmarked patrol cars comparable to the one shown on the right..        Because there are vast amounts of statistical information pertaining to crime, we have listed just a few of them. Links are provided to two government sites so that you may get detailed information about the topic you are interested in.   In 1999, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced approximately 28.8 million crimes, according to 1999 findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey. Almost two-thirds of defendants charged with a felony in the 75 most populated counties in May 1996 were released from jail pending disposition of their case Most victims and perpetrators in homicides are male. Women were 5% of the State prison inmates in 1991, up from 4% in 1986. Most law enforcement officers are killed with firearms, particularly handguns More than 7 of every 10 jail inmates had prior sentences to probation or incarceration. 1996 was the first year State and Federal courts convicted a combined total of over 1 million adults of felonies. If recent incarceration rates remain unchanged, an estimated 1 of every 20 persons (5.1%) will serve time in a prison during their lifetime. From 1988 to 1996 the number of felony convictions increased faster than the number of arrests. In general, the higher the annual household income, the less likely one was to experience a violent crime. Source: U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics The Justice Research and Statistics Association   If you have any information that would assist the East Orange Detective Bureau in solving a crime by bringing closure to the victim and the family, please call 973-266-5030 or E-mail the information to a Detective Bureau Supervisor. Please include the following essential information:                                                                              Type of crime committed: robbery-assault, etc. Victims name if known, if not known describe victim, male/female, approximate age, clothing description, home address etc. Witnesses (if any) include full name or "street name" if known, where witness can be located or "hangs out", give a complete physical description of the individual. Location of incident (numerical address, street name, parking lot, city park or intersection). Date and Time of incident (12/04/2002 - 12:30am or pm) Type of Weapons used (gun, knife, blunt instrument, physical force) Description of vehicle used (make-model-color-2-dr or 4dr) include plate number and state if known. Describe in detail what you observed or what information you know about the incident. Also include information where possible evidence of the crime can be found or located. Suspect information include full name or "street name" if known. Give a complete physical description, sex - age - height - weight - race - hair color (black, brown, white, bald) facial hair - eye color. Include information where suspect can be located or "hangs out".  Describe the  clothing worn by suspect. Please include your full name, address, telephone number or where you can be contacted. All information agreed to will be kept confidential.     Command Personnel Bureau Operations Commander: Chief William C. Robinson   To E-mail Detective Bureau Personnel click  envelope of the Supervisor Detective Bureau Telephone : 973-266-5030-35 Detective Bureau Commander: Captain : Unassigned  Captains Office: 973-266-5038 Special Operations Bureau Special Operations Bureau Commander: Chief William C. Robinson:  Captains Office: 973-266-5040 Violent Crimes Task Force Telephone : 973-266-5060 - Safety Team Initiative Telephone: 973-266-5088 Day Bureau Personnel 0900 - 1700 Tour Commander: Lieutenant Unassigned Tour Supervisors  Sergeant Michael Allman     Sergeant Unassigned     Sergeant Unassigned   Sergeant Unassigned   Night Bureau Personnel 1700 - 0100 Tour Commander: Lieutenant Unassigned Tour Supervisors Sergeant Unassigned  Sergeant Unassigned   Special Operations Bureau Captain Unassigned Lieutenant William Phillips Sergeant James Pitts Lieutenant Phyllis Bindi Lieutenant Berkley Jest Violent Crimes Task Force Captain Unassigned Sergeant Unassigned Lieutenant Thomas Koundry Sergeant Carl Kyer            Homicides Robberies Carjacking Rapes and Sexual Assaults Child Abuse Assaults Stalking Domestic Violence Fraud Hate Crimes  Elder Abuse Lewd or Annoying Conduct Missing Persons Burglaries Thefts Auto Theft   Sexual Predators and Prison Parolees Worthless Documents and Bad Checks     Gang Activity Narcotic Distribution and Use   If you are a victim of a crime you may be entitled to compensation VCCB - Victims of Crime Compensation Board - Assist victims of crime. The money to help victims come from fines imposed on defendants at the time of sentencing. The program reimburses innocent victims of violent crime for some of the expenses they suffer as a result of the crime. The VCCB is the payer of last resort. Primary source of payment for those expenses may include health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, auto insurance, NJ Workmen's Compensation or Charity Care. If the Court orders the defendant to pay restitution to the victim for expenses the VCCB has already paid, the victim may be required to reimburse the Board. If the victim or the claimant recovers money through the settlement of a civil suit against the offender or a third party, he or she may have to reimburse the board. To Be Eligible :    The crime must occur in the state of NJ or a NJ resident becomes a victim in a state or country without a compensation program. US Citizenship is not required. Report the crime to a law enforcement agency within 90 days of occurrence, or have reason to believe a crime had occurred. File the application within 2 years of the date of the crime. Attorney fees for assistance in filing a claim and representing the victim in the appeal process.           Who may qualify? An innocent victim of a crime who suffers a threat of physical and emotional harm or death A dependant of a victim of a homicide An authorized individual acting on behalf of the victim A person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses related to the crime on behalf of the victim Immediate family or household members related by blood or marriage who require counseling as a result of the crime          Who is not eligible? Engaged in illegal activity Participated in the crime Contributed to the injuries for which compensation is sought Was an inmate at the time of the crime Knowingly or intentionally submitted false or forged information to the VCCB Did not cooperate with the appropriate law enforcement agency Received compensation in full from another source.           How do you apply? Every law enforcement agency, Prosecutor's Office and hospital in New Jersey is mandated to provide victims of crime with information about VCCB. When contacting the prosecutor's office ask for Victim/Witness coordinator who can provide not only the application, but also assistance in completing the form. Applications can also be obtained directly from the VCCB by calling the hotline at 1-800-242-0804. Professional staff at the Board is also available to answer questions and provide assistance in completing the application.           What crimes are covered? If you are a victim of one of the following crimes, you are covered by VCCB. They include Assault, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence and other related crimes.           What financial assistance is covered? Up to $25,000 in benefits are awarded to a victim upon approval of a claim. In the case of catastrophic injuries, up to an additional $25,000 may be awarded. Some benefits include: Psychological counseling Loss of support or earnings Hospital, physician and physical therapy Nursing care Care of child or dependant Funeral expenses up to $3,500 If the victim is deemed catastrophic, benefits may also include: Occupational rehabilitation Prescription drugs and medical supplies Home health insurance Vehicle and home modifications Dependant care Psychological counseling Our Property section receives evidence, as well as found and "safekeeping" property.  Property held by us can be released Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.  To avoid untimely delays, an appointment to release property should be made with the Property Supervisor.   Homicide Investigation Throughout history, the unlawful taking of a human life has ranked as the most serious of crimes. Within our legal system, the crime of murder has no statute of limitations, meaning that a killer may always be brought to justice regardless of how many years have passed since the crime was committed. Homicide investigators see the job of bringing these killers to justice as a solemn duty. They realize that justice is owed not only to the deceased victim, but to the family and friends left behind; those living victims who require closure of a case to begin the healing process. The safety of the community and the sanctity of human life also require that justice be served. In the words of ex-NYPD homicide detective and well-known instructor Vernon Geberth, "We work for God." State of New Jersey Population: 8,414,350 Prisoners under death sentence: 16 Number of whites: 9 Number of blacks: 7 Number of women: 1 Number executed since 1976: 0 Method of execution: Lethal injection   Residential Burglary Prevention Tips Most burglaries in your neighborhood are being committed by youths 18 and under. They are not skilled professionals, but they will take advantage of an easy target. Don't make it easy for them, read the below ten tips to make your home or apartment more secure and less vulnerable to intruders. 1. Install a deadbolt lock. Deadbolts are usually locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder should be pick resistant. Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even if you're leaving for just a few minutes during the day. The most popular times for residential burglaries are weekday daylight hours. In over 1/3 of burglaries, there is no forcible entry--someone forgot to lock the doors. 2. Install solid doors. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material and each door must fit its frame securely. 3. Keep garage doors closed and locked. 4. Secure sliding doors and windows. Cut a broom handle to the length of the bottom track so that the window or door will not slide open when forced. Also, drill one hole through both casings and sliding window and insert a nail or pin. 5. Secure sash windows. To prevent wooden sash windows from being pried open, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window through and into the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or nail. To prevent aluminum sash windows from being broken into, purchase a track lock that blocks the window track. 6. Mark your property. Mark your valuables with an engraver. Marking your property serves as a deterrent to would-be burglars and it helps police in identifying and returning stolen property. Make a property identification list. Put warning stickers on doors and windows. 7. Purchase a burglar alarm. A home alarm system can be a very effective burglary deterrent and fit into many people's needs. Remember to test your system monthly. 8. Leave a light on. When leaving on trips, leave a light on in the bathroom. In the bedroom, attach a lamp and radio to a 24-hour electric timer set to go on at dusk and off at your bedtime. Close bedroom drapes or blinds. 9. Use proper exterior lighting. Place a light over every door. Double cones lights on each corner of the house will also light up windows. 10. Work together with your neighbors. When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbors and ask them to watch your property. Have neighbors maintain your yard. When on vacation, have someone cut grass. Shrubbery should not hide neighbors' view of windows or doors. Have someone pick up newspapers and mail. Tell neighbors to call East Orange police if they notice anything suspicious.    Business Burglary Is your business safe from burglary? The following information is designed to help you fight burglary through a risk management approach. Risk management may be defined as identifying areas of criminal vulnerability, analyzing the resulting potential profit loss and implementing appropriate security measures at a reasonable cost to your business. An effective business burglary prevention program requires your active interest and concern. Remember the following: Consider key control. Are office keys, master keys, safe keys and vehicle keys lying about? Do you know to whom your keys have been issued or entrusted? If management cannot answer these questions, your security risk factor is very high. Keep a record of all keys issued. Master keys and extra duplicates should be locked away for safekeeping. When a particular key is needed, everyone must sign for its use. Have all keys stamped with the words "do not duplicate.’’ Familiarize your employees with your security systems and procedures. Efficient, alert, well-informed and understanding employees are necessary to help you protect your business. The address and name of your business should be visible from the street. Use large, reflectorized numbers. Mark your address with large, reflectorized numbers on the roof of your building for high visibility to police helicopter patrols. The entire perimeter of your property should be well fenced. Depending on location, barbed-wire topping is recommended. When not in use, gates should be secured with good padlocks and chains. Electronic gates, alarms, closed circuit television, two-way communications and electric-eye gate openers assist in the detection and identification of intruders. Gates should have a predetermined opening and locking schedule with one employee responsible for that duty. Post warning signs encouraging customers and employees to always lock their unattended vehicles and to lock valuables in the trunk because valuables left in plain sight attract thieves. Deny burglars access to your roof by securing ladders, pallets, boxes, and crates away from your building. Property belonging to your business that must be stored outside of your main building should be protected from vandalism and theft by placing property in a locked storage shed. Deny burglars a place to hide by keeping grass and shrubs trimmed and debris cleared away from your property. Alarms, trained guard dogs and regular security patrols will also help to secure property that must be stored outside.   Carjacking Stealing a car by force has captured headlines across the country. Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim, and prevention actions can reduce the risk even more. Why is Carjacking a Problem? No one knows for certain, but some explanations include: It's a crime of opportunity - a thief searching for the most vulnerable prey. Sometimes it's the first step in another crime. For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill. Cars, especially luxury ones, provide quick cash for drug users and other criminals. Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it harder for thieves to steal unoccupied cars. It's easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in this country. And a pointed gun makes a powerful threat. More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before. Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers. Anywhere, Anyone Most local and state criminal codes don't define "carjacking." It's reported as either auto theft or armed robbery. This means that no solid statistics exist on time, place, and victims. The state of New Jersey defines carjacking as a separate crime from robbery. Though carjackings can occur anytime, a sizable share appear to take place during the late night hours. Carjacking isn't just a problem in large cities - it happens in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas. Carjacker's look for opportunity. They don't choose victims by sex, race, or age.  Golden opportunities: what do carjackers look for? Intersections controlled by stop lights or signs. Garages and parking lots for mass transit, shopping malls, and grocery stores. Self-serve gas stations and car washes. ATMs (automated teller machines). Residential driveways and streets as people get into and out of cars. Highway exit and entry ramps, or anyplace else that drivers slow down or stop.  The "Bump and Rob" It works like this. A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, rear-ends or "bumps" you in traffic. You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. Either the driver or one of the passengers jumps in your car and drives off. If you're bumped by another car, look around before you get out. Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that's rear-ended you and who's in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, memorize or jot down the car's tag number and description; signal the other car to follow you. Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet if you have one) with you and stay alert.  Reduce Your Risk Getting In Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in. Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away. On the Road Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way, if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no matter how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood. When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car. Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night. Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help. Getting Out Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification. Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings. If It Happens to You... If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth more than a car. Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes. Report the crime immediately to the police.  Take Action Work with Neighborhood Watch groups, law enforcement, automobile club, and other concerned groups to get the word out about carjacking prevention. Try a special flier, a community forum, posters. Make sure that driver education classes talk to teens about preventing carjacking and other auto theft. Call the local radio station and ask the manager to air carjacking prevention tips during commuting hours. Ask your insurance agent or company to put carjacking and other auto theft prevention information in notices and bills. Enlist parking lot owners, shopping mall security, and transit authorities to print and distribute educational materials with carjacking prevention tips. Place carjacking prevention fliers or brochures in the waiting rooms or dealer service departments, auto repair shops and gas stations. Ask your state's Motor Vehicle Administration to display carjacking and auto theft prevention advice - posters, handouts, etc.- in its offices and distribute prevention tips in all mailings. Robbery Prevention Tips Every business owner, manager and employee plays a part in making businesses safe. Here are some things you can do to help prevent robbery: Have at least two employees open and close the business. Do not release personal information to strangers. Keep purses and personal valuables locked in desks or lockers. Install a robbery alarm. Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front counter. Replace videotapes regularly. Vary times and routes of travel for bank deposits. Don't use marked "moneybags" that make it obvious to would-be robbers you are carrying money for deposit. Keep a low balance in the cash register. Place excess money in a safe or deposit it as soon as possible. Cooperate with the robber for your own safety and the safety of others. Comply with a robber's demands. Remain calm and think clearly. Make mental notes of the robber's physical description and other observations important to law enforcement officers. If you have a silent alarm and can reach it without being noticed, use it. Otherwise, wait until the robber leaves. Be careful, most robbers are just as nervous as you are. Keep your business neat and clean. A tidy, orderly place of business is inviting to customers, but not to robbers. Dressing neatly also sends the right message. Stay alert! Know who is in your business and where they are. Watch for people who hang around without buying anything. Also, be aware of suspicious activity outside your place of business. Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles if visible from the inside of your business. Make sure the sales counter can be seen clearly. Don't put up advertisements, flyers, displays, signs, posters or other items on windows or doors that might obstruct the view of the register from inside or outside your business. The police cruising by your store need to see in. Try to greet customers as they enter your business. Look them in the eye, and ask them if they need help. Your attention can discourage a robber. Keep your business well-lit, inside and outside. Employees should report any burned-out lights to the business owner or manager. Keep trees and bushes trimmed, so they don't block any outdoor lights. Encourage the police to stop by your business. Learn the names of the officers who patrol your business. Use care after dark. Be cautious when cleaning the parking lot or taking out the trash at night. Make sure another employee inside the business keeps you within eye contact while you are involved in work details outside of your building. If you see something suspicious, call the police. Never try to handle it yourself. It could cost you your life. Handle cash carefully. Avoid making your business a tempting target for robbers. Keep the amount of cash in registers low. Drop all large bills right away. If a customer tries to pay with a large bill, politely ask if he or she has a smaller one. Explain that you keep very little cash on hand. Use only one register at night. Leave other registers empty and open. Tilt the register drawer to show there is no money in it. Leave blinds and drapes partially open during closing hours. Make sure important signs stay posted. For example, the front door should bear signs that say, "Clerk Cannot Open the Time Lock Safe." If your business is robbed put your safety first. Your personal safety is more important than money or merchandise. Don't talk except to answer the robber's questions. Don't stare directly at the robber. Prevent surprises, keep your hands in sight at all times. Don't make any sudden moves. Tell the robber if someone is coming out of the back room or vault or working in another area of your business. Don't chase or follow the robber out of your place of business. Leave the job of catching the robber to the police. After the robbery: Lock your business. Ask any witnesses to stay until the police arrive. Call the police and remain on the line. Call your business owner, manager, or other designated person. Call the security hotline, if applicable. Don't touch anything the robber may have touched. Write down a description of the robber and the weapon as soon as you are able.   Auto theft prevention tips Auto theft, more often than not, is a crime of opportunity. Don't be an easy target. You can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of auto theft if you make these simple rules a part of your driving routine.   Lock your car. Take your keys. Never leave your car running unattended, even for a minute. Don't hide spare keys on your vehicle. If you can find them, so can a thief. Roll your windows up all the way, even in hot weather. Park in well-lighted areas. Park as near to an open business as possible. Don't leave valuables in open sight; lock them in the trunk. If you have a garage, use it, and lock the garage door. If your car is stolen or broken into, identification may make the difference between getting your property back or losing it for good.   Etch your Vehicle Identification Number (also known as VIN number) on window glass and trim. Engrave expensive accessories such as T-tops, radios, etc. with your VIN number. Drop a business card into the doorframe. Keep copies of vehicle paperwork at home or in a safe place. Know your license plate number and description of your vehicle (model, year, color, special identifying features such as bumper stickers or dents). Don't keep the original certificate of title in your vehicle. It can easily be altered, or your signature forged. If professional auto thieves are determined to steal your vehicle, they will probably succeed. However, anti-theft devices can make the job harder, causing the professional to pass you by for an easier victim, or stopping the amateur cold. The following are some common types of anti-theft devices available.   Alarms: These devices set off loud signals, honk the horn, flash the headlights, or use some combination of the three to call attention to your vehicle when it has been tampered with. The advantage is that alarms are loud and startling. The disadvantage is that many situations can set alarms off, and false alarms have trained the public to generally ignore them. In addition, thieves can often find the power source and disarm the alarm. Keyless entry: This system requires a signal from a remote control device, or a code entered on a keypad, to open your vehicle and start the engine. Kill switches: These devices use a hidden switch to cut power to your vehicle's ignition or electronic fuel pump. The thief is able to crank your engine but can't make it start. Check to be sure this device won't nullify any warranty before having it installed. Fuel Switches: These switches cut off fuel supply. Either the vehicle won't start or will run out of fuel in a short distance. Steering wheel/steering column locks: These locks prevent thieves from having access to the steering column (necessary for hot wiring the ignition and unlocking the steering wheel) or being able to turn the steering wheel once the vehicle has been started (a long bar is locked onto the steering wheel). Some devices lock the steering wheel to the brake pedal. The advantage to locks is that they are obvious and may cause the thief to move on to easier pickings; the disadvantage is that most locks can be broken.   E.O.P.D Home Chief of Police E.O.P.D Mission Patch Request F.O.P News Whats New E.O Patrol Division Detective Bureau Narcotics Unit E.C.S.T Unit Internal Affairs Comm Relations Sign Guestbook View Guestbook Website Awards L.E. Police Links Disclaimer Traffic Div Administration Communication Record Bureau Crime Prevention Pay Tickets Online E.O. Most Wanted