Borough eyes PU crime reports

Wants review of notification to PD

By Nick Norlen Staff Writer
   Princeton Borough Council’s annual meeting with Princeton University representatives — typically held to review “alcohol-related” issues on campus — will include discussion of how the school’s Public Safety Office reports crimes to the borough police department, Mayor Mildred Trotman said Tuesday.
   The announcement comes as Princeton Borough Police Chief Anthony Federico awaits a response from the county prosecutors about his presentation on how the borough police department interacts with the university’s Public Safety Department.
   ”They have told me that they have reviewed our things and they’re in the process of putting together some kind of a plan,” Chief Federico said Wednesday.
   Although the chief declined further comment on the situation, Mayor Trotman said concerns exist.
   ”We have been concerned in the past about their reporting style,” she said.
   Councilman David Goldfarb agreed.
   ”It seems that Princeton University Public Safety uses its own discretion with respect to reported offenses. Many offenses that are violations of statues and would be processed by our police department — if the police had become aware of them — are dealt with administratively on the university campus,” he said. “That raises concerns on a number of different levels.”
   Public Safety Director Steven Healy could not be reached for comment. [nno: pending a call back: ]Currently, borough police respond only to ambulance requests made from the campus, Chief Federico said.
   ”We respond along with the first aid squad and we take an appropriate investigation,” he said.
   According to Chief Federico, the university’s public safety office received certification to enforce laws as a police department more than a year ago.
   Because the campus is situated on three different jurisdictions, public safety is required to file reports with the municipality in which a crime occurs, he said.
   Chief Federico first talked about his plans to make a presentation to the county prosecutors on the issue at a July council meeting, when Mr. Goldfarb suggested a meeting with public safety officials “to discuss law enforcement issues on campus within the borough.” Despite his concerns, Mr. Goldfarb said his understanding of the situation is only “based, in part, with discussions with the police department.”
   ”I’m not sure I have the complete picture,” he said. “I’m hoping to have a better understanding of what exactly is going on.”
   Mayor Trotman said she hopes the meeting can take place in late October or early November.