By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — This summer, officers and supervisors of the borough’s Police Department have been assigned to conduct foot patrols of the downtown business area.
”Officers are more proactive and our foot patrols have been well received by the community,” said James Le Tellier, police director of Hightstown Police Department.
”We have not only increased foot patrols, they are now mandatory for every officer,” Mr. Le Tellier said.
”I don’t look at it as a challenge it’s just having the time to get to meet the various stakeholders of the community, the residents, business owners, various organizations and groups,” Mr. Le Tellier said.
Patrols were implemented beginning July 25 as part of Mr. Le Tellier’s community policing initiative, which he implemented after being named police director in February.
During a 12-hour shift, an officer must conduct at least two patrols walking through the downtown area to create a visible police presence. This also includes interacting with the public on the streets.
The Herald caught up with Detective Benjamin Miller of the Police Department on Aug. 6 as he was just starting his patrol behind the Tavern on the Lake as concurrently the Farmers Market was happening.
”I think the reaction is positive,” Det. Miller said, as during his foot patrol, residents approached with smiles and questions.
”Business owners and the people enjoy seeing the police presence because it provides a feeling of an omnipresence, which then in turn provides a feeling of security and safety. That is a positive for everyone, since it is fear of crime that stigmatizes and stagnates society,” Det. Miller said.
He noted, “I enjoy mostly speaking with the public and business owners, finding out if there is anything that the Police Department or I can do to facilitate progress.”
Further, “I am looking to accomplish a heighten visibility for patrol and the Police Department, along with maintaining and facilitating a partnership between the police and the community,” Det. Miller said.
Noteworthy, Det. Miller explained that the foot patrols allow for the public to see the police in a “different light.”
”Foot patrols are positive for everyone. It allows the public and business owners to see us, the police, in a different light, since our jobs are not all punitive. It also allows for the police to see more, at a slower pace, instead of being isolated in a patrol unit, where some of our senses may be hampered, for example sound or smell,” Det. Miller said.
”It’s just wonderful to have foot patrol again downtown,” said Scott Caster, owner of Masterpiece Studio in Hightstown.
”Downtown is not downtown without a cop coming through saying, ‘hello,’ and giving us everything that means, a sense of security and relationship with the police department,” Mr. Caster said.
”I like it,” said Fran Colombo, owner of the Tavern on the Lake, of the foot patrols.
”It’s great to have officers engaging the community instead of being walled off inside their cars,” said Basem Hassan, owner of International Roasting Post in Hightstown.
”Not that I personally see any crime downtown during the day, but the visibility definitely would be a deterrent to someone with nothing better to do than cause trouble,” Mr. Hassan said. “Hopefully, this practice continues as it’s rings true to the small town atmosphere that is Hightstown and personally I’m looking forward to getting to know all the officers on a first name basis similar to so many other people around town whom I see regularly walking past my shop.”
At Borough Council meetings, some residents have expressed concerns of bicyclists riding down sidewalks, which is against borough ordinance.
”Officers and supervisors will take the appropriate enforcement action for any violation of the law, borough ordinance or quality of life issue that they observe or that may occur while conducting the foot patrol,” Police Director Le Tellier said.
”I have instituted policies that are geared towards improving community relations, a zero tolerance towards drugs and racism,” Mr. Le Tellier said.
Mr. Le Tellier noted that the Hightstown Police Department has a goal to “establish a community policing organization that addresses the needs and concerns of all the members of the borough.”
He explained, “Community policing is a philosophy that consists of two core components, community partnership and problem solving.”
In addition, the Police Department has implemented a stronger presence online.
”Our website and Facebook have allowed us to reach out and connect with the community in ways the department never did before,” Mr. LeTellier said.
Visit www.hightstownpolice.com to learn more.

