WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The Washington Township Police Department recently released their annual report for the 2023 calendar year.
In 2023, officers logged 64489 activity reports for Washington Township and 6493 for Califon. An Activity Report is any officer-involved action ranging from proactive patrol to calls for service, Washington Township Police Chief Jeffrey Almer said.
Traffic stops increased to 6927, with summons ending up at 632. Arrests were up 6% for the year. These arrests spanned the full spectrum of crimes from aggravated assaults, sex crimes, and weapons possessions down to basic warrant arrests, Almer said.
Twenty-four drivers were also charged with DWI in 2023. There were 6 reported overdoses with the officers saving 5 of those lives and one person died. There were five CPR saves and two EPI Pen deployments by our officers, Almer said.
Lt. Mark Niemynski retired after thirty years of dedicated service, and Detective Mike Thompson who moved to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Almer said.
“Both were valuable members of the department, and we wish them all the best,” Almer said.
However, this opened the door for change, and with that, Mike Hade was promoted to Lieutenant, Kirk Griffin to Sergeant, and Andrew Tesori to Corporal.
“All are outstanding officers and have many leadership capabilities to give to the department, and are doing a great job in their new roles,” Almer said. “We also hired two new officers. Alan Yennie and Cole Szymanski, whose father, Brian, is a retired Sergeant from the department.”
Last year, numerous equipment and protocols were updated, as well as increasing their community interaction programs, which also consisted of training over 180 people in CPR and First Aid. The department continues to work through all of the technological advances that have become mandated, and we continue to ensure that they meet and exceed all required standards the state has set upon them, Almer said.
“We have also become deeply involved in the Internet Crimes Against Children initiative, and our Detective Bureau along with other trained officers continue to pursue those who aim to hurt children via online platforms. This is something that is so prevalent and overwhelming, but the officers are doing what they can to make an impact,” Almer said.
In 2023, steps began to prepare for licensing of all officers, which took effect Jan. 1, 2024.
“Being an accredited department, we were ready, but it is something that will require a lot more administrative work moving forward. While I have some concerns with some aspects of the new regulations, overall, it should improve policing throughout the state, holding all departments to a certain standard,” Almer said.
This year marks their 60th anniversary, which they will recognize with an open house. The date has not been announced.
“I am fortunate to have great officers throughout the ranks, all of whom I am proud of and whom I respect. The department will continue to care for the community, and continue to be proactive, pursuing those who intend to come into Washington Township to commit crime or put others in danger. While many parts of the world strive to suppress what we do or spread hate against our profession, we know that the people in this town have our back. Moreover, we will continue to have yours, out there day and night, taking care of our wonderful community. Washington Township has some of the best officers there are. They are professional, compassionate, well-trained peacekeepers who are exceptionally good at what they do,” Almer said.
