A Message From the Chief I am extremely honored to represent the fine men and women of the Verona Police Department and I feel privileged to be given the responsibility of this position. All members of the Department are committed to provide public

service excellence through integrity, compassion and a wise use of resources. We are proud of our department and look forward to all opportunities to work

with and for the residents of this great community. Our values consist of Compassion, Integrity and Commitment. We will always respect the dignity of

the individual and commit to give our best effort as we strive to do what is right.

Chief of Police Christopher Kiernan

Captains Stephen DePoe Michael Ruglio

Lieutenants Paul Watkins III Robert Shafer David Wardrope

Sergeants Daniel Greco John Lecreux Anthony O’Connor Anthony Condorelli

Detective Bureau Sergeant Timothy Banta Joel Martin Thomas Conroy III

Patrol Officers William Frazee Steven Young Michael Barone Heriberto Carattini Jr. Erin McGarrity Brendan Huber Edward Ruff Christopher Scheper Alyssa Kirby Justin Nielsen Robert Juliano Robert Maguire Giovanni DeSomma Stephanie Colon Brian McMahon Aaron Seubert Joseph Pami

Records Bureau Susan DeWitt Lynda Filiaci

Full-Time Dispatchers Denise Scheerer Nancy Nugent Joseph Clark Connor McCann

Part-Time Dispatchers Tina Patmos Christina Ihle Nicole Mott Toni Miccio Eric Miller

2018 Personnel

Parking Enforcement Patricia Yobs

2018 Statistics

Total CAD Calls for Service: 26,429

Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations: 572

Property & School Checks Conducted: 1,180

Alarm Calls: 735

Fire Department Calls: 351

Rescue Squad Calls: 1,341

911 Calls Received: 4,451

Reports Taken: 3,282

Miles of Street Patrol: Approximately 125,000

Narcotics Arrests Made: 31

Warrant Arrests: 56

Driving Under the Influence Arrests (DWI): 21

Megan’s Law Registrations: 4

Residential Burglaries Reported: 14

Motor Vehicle Burglaries Reported: 29

Thefts Reported: 111

Articles of Property Submitted: 281

Domestic Violence Related Cases: 66

Narcan Deployments for Drug Overdoses: 4

The Verona Police Department has made traffic law enforcement a top priority. Through proactively enforcing traffic laws, the department is striving to reduce the number of traffic-related

injuries and fatalities, by specifically addressing speeding, distracted driving habits and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In a town where walking to school is highly

encouraged, Verona officers are strongly committed to reducing the likelihood of traffic related tragedies. Traffic studies have shown that consistent, proactive traffic enforcement reduces the

number of traffic crashes.

Traffic Enforcement

Total Summonses Issued: 3,318

Moving Violations: 1,618

Speeding Violations: 172

Cell Phone Violations: 50

Parking Violations: 1,700

DWI Arrests: 21

CDS (Narcotics) in a Motor Vehicle: 19

Unregistered Motor Vehicle: 207

Suspended Driver License/Registration: 167

Careless Driving: 91

Traffic Details Conducted: 215

During all shifts, Verona officers routinely conduct checks of businesses, residential areas and schools. Throughout the day, Verona units can be seen checking school grounds, patrolling residential neighborhoods and conducting business checks. Everyday, a Verona officer working the day shift arrives at a school and conducts a walk through of the interior of the building. Officers are committed to keeping the community safe, while getting to know school faculty and students.

On average during the night shift, an officer logs approximately 150 miles a night covering the 37 miles of township roadways. Through maintaining a visible presence and a watchful eye, officers have undoubtedly deterred numerous crimes from occurring. While residents are sleeping, officers are patrolling the town, making it a priority to stop and account for every interior light left on inside a vehicle just to make sure nothing is overlooked. On a daily basis, Verona officers check the “Vacant Home Registry” to help residents keep their mind at ease while they are out of town. Residents are strongly encouraged to notify the department of the dates their homes will be vacant.

What We Do

Partners in our

Community

Detective Joel Martin continued his involvement with Mr. Tamburro’s Law and Criminal Justice in America High School class, along with several Verona Officers, who instructed students in the fall and spring semesters. Students were broken into multiple instructional blocks including – Foundation of Law Enforcement Objectives, Police Department Structure and Function, the Foundation of Law and Courts, among other important topics. There was also time for open question and answer sessions. Among the dialogue were topics concerning, The Bill of Rights, Federal Laws and State Rights, Police Use of Force, Body Cameras and the Societal View of Policing in 2019. The class concluded with a hands on Crime Scene Investigations demonstration with the Essex County Prosecutors Office Crime Scene Unit. Numerous county, state and federal guest speakers were also brought in , including Verona residents who are Prosecutors, Defense Counsel, and Judges.

Law and Criminal Justice in America Class

Verona High School

On Tuesday, June 12, 2018 , state, county and local police agencies gathered in support of Verona Police Day at Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School.

Police Day marks the end of classroom sessions presented by Verona Police

Officers during 5th Grade Social Studies classes throughout the month of May.

Officers help children develop good-decision making skills by creating an understanding of the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Officers also stress

the level of responsibility required when partaking in social media.

HBW “Police Day”

Every year the members of the Verona Police Department come together to enhance the relationships between the Officers and the members of the public. In 2018, Officers from the Verona Police Department attended and hosted numerous community events throughout the year. 2018 also saw the inception of the Department’s Community Outreach Unit.

Community Relations

Emergency Services Training Drill

On August 19, 2018, members of Verona’s Emergency Services Unit gathered at the Verona High School to conduct a combined services drill. Verona Police Officers, EMT’s and Firefighters worked together on a number of scenarios to enhance capabilities and preparedness. These training scenarios help our emergency services personnel keep our community safe by enhancing our critical response tactics so that we can respond as quickly and effectively as possible. The Verona Police Department has always worked closely with our emergency service partners and will continue to do so moving forward.

Board of Education’s Professional Development Day

Verona High School

Verona Officers partnered with Verona educators on a Professional Development Day this past fall. Among the topics covered were Situational Awareness and Behavioral Indicators in a school setting with an FBI Agent , a Sergeant from Paramus Police to discuss Incident Command and management of a large scale event (Route 80 bus accident) , and UMDNJ Center for Education and Training for Bleeding Control. The workshops concluded with a Table Top Drill. Events like these are what strengthen the bond between school officials and emergency responders, which produce an overall safer environment for students, faculty, parents and staff.

On October 5, 2018, Officer’s instructed students on understanding vehicle dynamics, dangers of speed, safe driving techniques, and remaining safe during motor vehicle stops. Students were provided with classroom presentations as well as demonstrations on the operations of radar and enforcement of motor vehicle laws.

Driver’s Education- Verona High School

Body Worn Cameras

In November of 2018, the Verona Police Department implemented the use of Body Worn Cameras. A Body Worn Camera (BWC) is a useful tool used to capture audio and video when an officer effects a police action. BWC’s have strengthened the trust between law enforcement and the community it serves. It furthers the public trust with a sense of transparency and accountability. Every Officer within the VPD is issued a BWC and it is in

use on every call for service and public interaction. VPD was the first police department in the West Essex area to implement and use BWC’s.

Fair in the Square

At this year’s Fair in the Square, Verona officers, along with McGruff the Crime Dog, set up a community relations table and provided the community with tours of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) vehicle. A medication collection box was also set up to provide citizens with a safe and convenient disposal for unused/expired medications.

Christmas Package Theft

In December of 2018, the Verona Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a package theft. During the investigation, it was learned that many of the stolen

packages were intended Christmas gifts for Brian, a young Verona resident. The members of Verona PBA Local 72, in conjunction with the Verona Police Department, invited Brian

along with his family to the Police Department for a tour of Headquarters. At Headquarters, Brian was presented with a few gifts from our members. In return, Brian

took the time to draw a police car, which he gifted to the Department!

The drop box is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and is located just inside the lobby of Police Headquarters. In order to dispose of medication properly, prescription and over-the-counter medications can be left in the original container with the type of medication still visible on the container. All personal or identifying information should be removed. The medication is then incinerated through a partnership with Covanta Energy in Newark, NJ

Medicine Drop Box

Security Camera Registration

Did You Know the Verona Police Department has a voluntary Security Camera Registration Form? The VPD Security Camera Registration form is a great way for our residents and business owners to help assist the VPD in solving Crimes. When a crime occurs, the VPD will be able to quickly identify the locations of nearby surveillance cameras so that we can request the assistance of community members in helping secure leads and identify suspects. Please follow the link below to complete the registration form. Please do not hesitate to stop by, fax, or email us your completed registration forms! https://www.veronapolice.org/resources

In 2018, the Verona Police Department was committed to enhancing our social media presence. Through the implementation of a Social Media Committee, the department is able to provide the community with more efficient means of real-time communications.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Verona.Police/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verona_pd/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/VeronaPolice Website: https://www.veronapolice.org/ Nixle: http://nixle.com/verona-police-department/

Social Media

Notable Incidents

2018

Theft, Obstruction & Resisting

Arrest On Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Officer Colon observed a suspicious male walking on Sunset Avenue at approximately 4:15 am. As Officer Colon attempted to speak with the individual, later identified as Mr. Damon Abnathya (39), he ran from Officer Colon and continued to flee after numerous commands to stop. As back up units arrived they began to search the area for Mr. Abnathya, who was ultimately located by Officer McMahon. Mr. Abnathya was found hiding in the backyard of a residence on Mount Prospect Avenue. Mr. Abnathya was placed under arrest and a subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Abnathya was in possession of multiple stolen items, which he admitted to taking from various unlocked vehicles in the nearby area. Mr. Abnathya was charged with Title 2C:20-3A, “Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition” (4th Degree Crime), 2C:29-1A ,“Obstructing Administration of Law by Means of Flight” (4th Degree Crime) and 2C:29-2A(2), “Resisting Arrest/Eluding Officer to Prevent Arrest” (4th Degree Crime). Upon completion of processing, Mr. Abnathya was transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility (E.C.C.F.).

Police Pursuit Leads to Arrests

September 7, 2018 - While on patrol, Officer Pami observed a vehicle traveling on Pompton Avenue at approximately 12:30 am with multiple motor vehicle equipment violations and a fraudulent temporary registration. As Officer Pami attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, the vehicle began to flee at a high rate of speed. After a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle and the occupants fled into the wooded area of Eagle Rock Reservation. Shortly thereafter, two occupants were apprehended. While on scene, it was determined that the suspect vehicle was stolen out of Little Silver and its occupants were wanted for questioning in regards to a homicide. Officers from the Cedar Grove Police Department, West Orange Police Department and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department assisted during this incident.

On September 28, 2018, the Verona Police Department charged Jonathan Joseph with 25 counts of burglary, 2 counts of criminal attempt, and 1 count of motor vehicle theft. These charges stem from a lengthy investigation of a burglary spree that occurred in the Laning area of town during July. Mr. Joseph also committed multiple burglaries in surrounding towns, as well as in Morris and Middlesex Counties. Information sharing between agencies helped in identifying Mr. Joseph and helped lead to his arrest.

The VPD would like to remind all residents to not make themselves an easy target to these criminals seeking an easy opportunity. Please follow the #9PMRoutine by locking your homes and motor vehicles, as well as removing the keys/key fobs.

Burglary Arrest

Departmental Promotions

Departmental Promotions

On 08/02/2018, Acting Chief Christopher Kiernan was promoted to the rank of Chief of Police. Chief Kiernan is a Verona native and 1987 graduate of Verona High School. He joined the Verona Police Department in April of 1990. Kiernan was promoted to the rank of Captain in July of 2016. He has played an integral role in several large projects within the department, including the renovation of the communications center in 2015. Chief Kiernan is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy 222nd session.

On 12/31/2018, Sergeant Daniel Greco was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Greco is a Verona native, who joined the Verona Police Department in 2000. Lieutenant Greco has served as a Field Training Officer, Detective Sergeant, and most recently as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Lieutenant Greco is now the shift commander of one of the two night shift squads.

On 12/31/2018, Officer Robert Juliano was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Juliano is a Verona native, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monmouth University in 2014 and joined the ranks of the Verona Police Department later that same year. Sergeant Juliano served as a Patrol Officer, working various shifts, and was also a member of the VPD Crime Prevention Unit. Sergeant Juliano currently serves on one of the two night shift squads, and serves as the Supervisor of the VPD Community Outreach Unit.

In 2018, the Verona PBA donated over $23,000 to the community through scholarships, charitable donations and much more. Each year, the PBA hosts an annual Beefsteak & Comedy Night, which raises the funds for these various donations.

Some events that the PBA is involved in each year, include the Holiday Food Collection, the Holiday Toy Drive, the Costume Trip, and the Christmas Tree Drive.

Verona PBA Local #72

In Memoriam

Joseph Guarducci served the residents of Verona with pride and professionalism for 29 years. After serving his country in the Marine Corps, he joined the Verona Police Department in April of 1962. Lt. Guarducci worked many shifts in patrol throughout the 1960’s and was assigned to the Traffic Squad in 1972. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1976 and was assigned to the Detective Bureau in 1978. In 1983 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in the Patrol Division until his retirement in 1991. ‘Lt Joe’, or ‘Poppa Joe,’ was a father figure to many Officers, always offering sage advice and kind direction. He was also a member of the Verona Ambulance Unit. Joe was one of the mainstays of the Verona PBA Local 72 executive board, responsible for setting the foundation of what the PBA is today. A Silver Life Member, he was the consummate PBA member throughout his career, initiating numerous community involvement programs. Our thoughts are with Betsy, Donna, Katy, Bernie, Joe and the entire Guarducci family.

In 2019, the Verona Police Department will continue to provide the residents, visitors and community of Verona with the best service we can. Our mission is to continue our community relations, while improving our technology platform to better deter, detect and solve crime. One way in which we have improved our efficiency as a department was by creating an online platform to request Overnight Parking Permission. Since January, we have received over 2,000 Overnight Parking Requests online. By utilizing this method, we are able to free up our dispatchers from taking overnight parking requests over the phone, which frees up our call centers’ main line and allows the dispatchers to provide their undivided attention to 911 phone calls. Please visit our website at www.veronapolice.org to submit a request for overnight parking permission.

Moving Forward in 2019

Moving Forward ~ Continued

New Work Schedule

Through contract negotiations, the police department has changed its work schedule in an effort to reduce overtime expenses and increase the number of patrol officers working on a daily basis. The Patrol Division has moved from eight (8) hour shifts – consisting of three patrol squads to twelve (12) hour shifts – consisting of four patrol squads. The change to twelve (12) hour shifts has resulted in better allocation of resources and expenses are down.

Moving Forward ~ Continued

Tasers

In 2019, the Verona Police Department will be implementing the use of Conducted Energy Devices (Tasers), which will be carried by officer’s during their tour of duty. By providing this device to our officers, it will give them another Use of Force option when dealing with combative subjects, Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDP), etc.

Contact Information

Dispatch Main Line: (973) 239-5000

Fax: (973) 239-6785

Records: (973) 857-4817

Municipal Court: (973) 857-4774

Town Hall: (973) 239-3220

Chief of Police: (973) 857-4818