Police Department

In The Community

Education & Awareness

The Public Safety Department is committed to encouraging safe, responsible behavior. We participate in campaigns that involve both education and enforcement. Education involves communicating safety messages through variable message signs on the four DRPA bridges and LCD monitors at PATCO stations. Enforcement involves the efforts of police officers who, in addition to their normal activities, make a special effort to identify travelers who are out of compliance.

Each month, the department identifies a particular problem area. On the bridges, these campaigns target behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, seat belt and child restraint compliance, keeping right in traffic, and inspection stickers. At PATCO, behaviors include smoking on platforms, improper parking, and stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks. Statistical data is kept on the number of people who are out of compliance with that month’s targeted behavior.

In addition to these DRPA campaigns, the department participates in various national and state campaigns. For instance, the DRPA participates in a program known as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. This national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

Each year, the department joins law enforcement professionals from across the United States in May’s Click it or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign. DRPA police step up enforcement of New Jersey’s primary seat belt law and educate motorists about the importance of buckling up in moving vehicles.

Stewardship & Community Involvement

The Public Safety Department extends its stewardship mission to the different communities of which it serves.

The department supports its geographical community, Camden, New Jersey, with its participation in the Adopt a School program (administered through the Fraternal Order of Police Penn/Jersey Lodge #30, which represents the members of the department). Each December, members of the department and their families cook and serve a meal for students from Holy Name School in Camden, New Jersey and present each child with a toy. Each year, this event is attended by more than 150 children. In addition, FOP members adopt families and provide them with toys, coats, and the fixings for a full holiday meal.

In addition, the department supports the law enforcement community in a variety of ways:

• The Law Enforcement Memorial Run (LEMR). Founded by one of our own retired sergeants, James Harrity, this event honors the nation’s fallen law enforcement officers and their survivors. The annual run starts in Philadelphia and ends at the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., with stops along the way to honor fallen officers.
• The annual Police Unity Tour crosses the Commodore Barry Bridge as bicyclists, representing law enforcement agencies from across the United States, pedal to Washington, D.C. Participants raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum and raise awareness of police officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
• Warriors Watch is a group of military veterans and law enforcement professionals who provide escorts for vets, returning soldiers, and the families of slain law enforcement officers. DPRA officers participate