About the Bergenfield Police Department

The Bergenfield Police Department was established in 1921 with six police officers. The officers each had their own motorcycle, which they took home with them. In the 1970's, the department consisted of 53 officers. Today, we are a culturally and gender diverse civil service department consisting of 49 members strong, including 3 School Resource Officers assigned to the schools. In addition to our sworn personnel, we currently have 20 auxiliary officers, eight telecommunicators, and three records clerks.

Bergenfield is known as the "friendly town". From the Chief of Police to the youngest patrol officer, we are a community policing department. In the 1970's our juvenile bureau started the Danger Stranger program in our elementary schools. To date, we now have many other programs including the Fourth Grade Program, DARE, SNAP (Statewide Narcotic Action Plan), Child Fingerprinting ID Program, and our most popular program, the Police Youth Academy which is held every summer for students in 6th to 8th grade. We also have a D.W.I. program for our high school students.

Our department encourages training and education. As of 2020, 70% of our officers have advanced college degrees. Five of our members have attended the West Point Command and leadership School and two of our Chiefs were accepted to the FBI National Academy for extensive training.

Since its inception, our department has been commanded by 14 Chiefs, starting with Chief Scott Coombs in 1921 to the present Chief Mustafa Rabboh.

Programs

• High School DWI Education Program
• 4th Grade Visiting Officer Program
• School Resource Officer Program
• Elementary School Safety Patrol Program
• Child Safety Seat Program
• Crime Prevention/Security Surveys
• D.A.R.E.
• Helping Hands Placards
• Dangerous Strangers Program
• School Child ID Fingerprinting Program

The Bergenfield Police Department also participates in the local Crime Stoppers Program. Residents can call, anonymously, with "tips" on criminal activity and receive up to $1,000 for information that leads to a successful prosecution. Bergenfield residents wishing to provide information about criminal activity through the Crime Stopper Program can call 201-384-4222.

In addition to the above programs, the Bergenfield Police Department coordinates traffic control and security for the following community sponsored events:

• St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Memorial Day Parade
• Community 5K Run
• Bergenfield's Street Festivals
• Halloween Parade
• Veteran's Day Ceremonies
• Holiday in the Park Festival