5 Critical Updates On The East Rutherford NJ Police Department: New Chief, ALPR Tech, And 2025 Crime Trends

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The East Rutherford NJ Police Department (ERPD) continues its mission to provide efficient, professional, and compassionate law enforcement services to the southern Bergen County community. As of today, December 25, 2025, the department is focused on integrating new technology, maintaining a strong community presence, and responding to current public safety challenges across the borough, which sits just seven miles from midtown Manhattan. The department’s commitment to modern policing is evident in its recent adoption of advanced surveillance tools and its continuous effort to foster community partnerships.

The ERPD is a New Jersey Civil Service law enforcement agency, and its operations are overseen by Chief Administration Dennis M. Rivelli. Recent headlines have highlighted the department’s proactive approach, including the interruption of an armed robbery in July 2025 and its continuous efforts to secure funding for critical equipment updates, ensuring officers have the best resources to protect the borough's residents and visitors.

Meet the Chief: Dennis M. Rivelli, Chief Administration

Chief Dennis M. Rivelli currently leads the East Rutherford Police Department, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to community-focused policing. His role is critical in overseeing the 34-member agency that serves the borough's population.

  • Current Title: Chief Administration, East Rutherford Police Department.
  • Appointment: Chief Rivelli was sworn in as the new Police Chief, taking over the leadership role from former chief, Larry Minda.
  • Department Tenure: He is a long-serving veteran of the East Rutherford Police Department, demonstrating a deep understanding of the borough's unique policing needs.
  • Focus: His administration is dedicated to upholding the department's mission statement, which emphasizes ethical conduct, professionalism, and collaboration with the community to solve problems before criminal behavior occurs.
  • Contact (Chief's Office): 201-438-0165 Ext. 115.

The East Rutherford Police Department: Organization and Key Services

The ERPD is structured into key divisions and bureaus to manage its diverse responsibilities, which range from routine patrol and emergency response to complex criminal investigations and community outreach.

Core Divisions and Operations

The department is committed to providing the most efficient, professional, and compassionate police services possible. The core of its operations is handled by its largest division:

  • Patrol Division: This is the backbone of the department, providing 24/7 police services to residents. The Patrol Division is also responsible for staffing the Dispatch Center (or Communications Center), which is the primary point of contact for all non-emergency calls and coordinates emergency responses alongside 911 services.
  • Divisions / Bureaus: While the Patrol Division is the largest, the ERPD maintains other bureaus necessary for a modern police force, including investigative units and administrative services, all working to uphold the law and ensure public safety.

New Technology and Recent Initiatives

A major development in the department’s recent activities is the adoption and implementation of new policing technology:

  • Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program: An audit released in July 2025 by the New Jersey State has confirmed that the East Rutherford Police Department utilizes an Automated License Plate Reader program. This technology is a significant tool in modern law enforcement, assisting in the tracking of stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity, and enhancing overall surveillance capabilities.
  • Equipment Funding: In May 2025, the ERPD was mentioned in efforts to secure federal funding for new equipment. The funding aims to upgrade the department’s headquarters and mobile command unit, ensuring the police force can continue to provide essential emergency services through the 9-1-1 system and other operations.

2025 Crime Statistics and Community Safety Focus

Understanding the local crime landscape is essential for both residents and the police department. East Rutherford is generally considered a low-crime community, but the ERPD remains vigilant, especially with its proximity to major metropolitan areas.

Current Crime Trends and Data

Based on recent data and projections, East Rutherford maintains a favorable safety profile compared to many other areas:

  • Violent Crime Rate: The chance of being a victim of a violent crime in East Rutherford is low, estimated at approximately 1 in 868.
  • Property Crime: Property-related offenses, while more common than violent incidents, still contribute to a relatively low overall daily crime rate, estimated at 0.46 property-related offenses per day.
  • Projected Cost of Crime (2025): The total projected cost of crime for the borough in 2025 is estimated to be around $1,544,310, which translates to approximately $153 per resident.
  • Recent Incidents (2025): The department has been active in responding to serious incidents, including the interruption of an armed robbery in July 2025 and managing the scene of a critical pedestrian accident in the same year.

Community Partnerships and Engagement

A key pillar of the ERPD’s strategy is its focus on community engagement, a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents.

  • Emergency Preparedness Community Registration Program: In partnership with the Access for All Committee, the department has developed a voluntary registration initiative to better assist residents with special needs during emergency situations. This program demonstrates the ERPD's dedication to inclusive and comprehensive emergency services.
  • School Safety: The ERPD maintains a close relationship with the Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional School District (Becton High School) to address any concerns that pose immediate danger to the school environment.
  • The Community Engagement Task Force: The ERPD also collaborates with a cooperative network of municipal police officers across Bergen County, working with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) to enhance community relations and problem-solving efforts.

Contact Information for the East Rutherford Police Department

For residents and visitors needing assistance, it is important to know the correct contact lines and physical location:

  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-Emergency Phone: 201-438-0165
  • Physical Address (Staff Directory): 117 Stanley Street, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
  • Alternative Address: 312 Grove Street, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (often listed for general inquiries or older records)

The East Rutherford Police Department continues to evolve, utilizing both time-tested community policing principles and cutting-edge technology like the ALPR system to serve its citizens. With Chief Rivelli at the helm, the focus remains on proactive measures and strong community ties to ensure the borough remains a safe and secure place to live and work.

5 Critical Updates on the East Rutherford NJ Police Department: New Chief, ALPR Tech, and 2025 Crime Trends
east rutherford nj police department
east rutherford nj police department

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