It has been an eventful first two months of 2023 for the Livingston Police Department. The department was involved in a high-profile incident involving a stolen school bus; officers continue to respond to car burglaries; and a string of anti-Semitic incidents have prompted a heightened police response.
Below, in his own words, Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz discusses the department’s first few months of the year.
• • • This year has been a challenging start for the Livingston Police Department as significant safety concerns appeared on this department’s radar. The department responded quickly and acted proactively to address these concerns. As in the past, the LPD continues its commitment to providing the best services to the citizens of Livingston and always keeps the safety of the community as its first priority.
School Bus
In late January, our department was extra busy investigating incidents, which gained the attention of the press. Our Detective Bureau worked above and beyond expectations in working to identify and locate the missing Livingston School Bus. We coordinated and worked seamlessly with county, state, and federal agencies to secure the arrest of the individual charged with this crime.
Lockdown
Just recently, the Heritage Middle School and Livingston High School lockdowns sparked concern among this community. Our officers regularly train for this type of event and they gave an exemplary response with their immediate and thorough inspection and investigation of the situation. In incidents such as these, LPD’s top concern is the safety of students. It is important for the community to understand that with potential safety issues it is not always feasible to communicate with families in real time due to safety, tactical and privacy concerns. Oftentimes, information cannot be released to the public until a full investigation is completed. However, if, in the misfortunate event of a bona fide active threat, this department is committed to swift communication with the community.
Car Burglaries
Burglaries as well as car thefts remain top priorities for this department. Our investigative division continues to make advancements on solving these crimes. To ensure the public’s safety, we request that residents please lock your cars and homes. Citizens should consider investing in home security, such as outdoor lighting, motion detectors that trigger outdoor lighting, and surveillance equipment. While the lighting acts as a deterrent, the surveillance equipment assists this department in identifying suspects. Please remember that if you see anything, such as a suspicious person, where they should not be, please reach out to this department by calling immediately. Finally, if confronted face to face by a home intruder, this department encourages citizens to utilize the “run, hide, fight” strategy – in this order. Safety is everyone’s first most concern, so removing yourself from the active crime scene to seek safety is the first action any victim should pursue.
Over the last several years, this department has more officers on patrol both days and nights than ever before in LPD history. Our patrol division continues its effective patrol by vigorously and proactively responding to community threats and calls for assistance. We have increased the use of technology, such as license plate readers, to identify and track stolen vehicles and have sought interagency support through drone usage. Additionally, I have met with local, state and federal elected representatives as well as other law enforcement personnel to offer input regarding car theft legislation and local grants to combat these types of crimes.
Anti-Semitic Incidents
Finally, last month our houses or worship were on alert, when an Essex County synagogue was attacked by an individual. This department is committed to the safety of all community members and congregants and continues to train, evaluate, and explore all methods to protect soft targets.
We continue to have a zero tolerance policy for any harassment, bullying, or hate-based activity. While in the first few months of this year the LPD has seen increased activity, I am proud to report that our officers have stepped up to these challenges and continue to train and educate members of this department to keep our community safe.
