Chief Mark Ott 
68 East Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Mission Statement

This law enforcement agency is dedicated to the equitable, and impartial, enforcement of laws and ordinances to protect human life, property, and to maintain the public peace. While accomplishing our mission of protection and service, the members of this agency will respect constitutional rights, human dignity, and community values. The Bridgeton police department commits to the enhancement of a police-community partnership, and will assist the members of our community with the identification and resolution of problems, in the effort to improve quality of life. We will give our community the highest quality of law enforcement services possible, while continuously striving for the highest professional standards.

Value Statement

This law enforcement agency shall strive to meet all objectives and goals of the police mission with an unwavering commitment to personal and organizational integrity.  We will recognize the wealth of our community's cultural diversity and act with appropriate tolerance and dignity, striving for the impartial and responsible fulfillment of our assignments and duties.  We shall uphold the spirit, as well as the statement, of our public oath of office, with accountability to those we serve. We recognize and acknowledge that all members of this law enforcement agency are valuable resources. We accept our obligation to each other and to our community to provide each agency member with the appropriate opportunities to achieve our professional potential.
 

Synopsis

The Bridgeton police department responds to an average of 17,000 service calls each year. The department is comprised of two divisions, each commanded by a police lieutenant:

• The Uniform Patrol Division
• The Criminal Investigations Division

The Uniform Patrol Division is the umbrella for the motor patrol platoons, community-policing unit, and special services unit. The Criminal Investigations Division contains the detective bureau, narcotics, and a juvenile unit. The department's forensics and training units fall under the control of the headquarters attachment. The police department is a Civil Service entity.  All candidates are required to pass an examination for municipal police officer with the state's Department of Personnel. Following the exam, candidates must then pass a rigorous background investigation and an interview process. Once hired, the candidate recruits are then required to graduate from an accredited police academy after which they are certified as police officers - under the auspices of the Police Training Commission, State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. Our officers are important resources. They undergo constant training, supplemented by outside agency seminars.  More information may be found at the Bridgeton Police Department website.

Animal Control

Full-time Animal control services are provided through the police department.  Residents requiring this service should call 856-451-0033 (This phone is answered 24/7).