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REMINDER TO MOTORISTS:  WHEN TRAVELING ON WET ROADS AND BAD WEATHER.  SLOW DOWN, GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME TO ARRIVE AT YOUR LOCATION.  MAINTAIN EXTRA SPACE BETWEEN VEHICLES WHILE TRAVELING TO INCREASE REACTION TIME.  BE SAFE, BUCKLE UP AND STAY ALERT.

ALSO MOTORIST PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DEER.  THIS TIME OF YEAR THEY ARE ON THE MOVE AND OCCASIONALLY   WILL RUN OUT IN FRONT OF YOUR VEHICLE.  IF YOU STRIKE A DEER, DO NOT PANIC, STAY IN CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE, BRAKE AND SLOWLY PULL YOUR VEHICLE OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. CALL THE POLICE. 

 


Why was I pulled over?

Reasons behind why motorists are pulled over often vary.  When you see the police vehicle with it's emergency lights activated in your rear-view mirror, the above question will probably be the first one to enter your mind, unless you are aware of the law being broken.

Moving violations are probably more prevalent then other infractions of the law.  Moving violations include speeding, failing to signal a turn, crossing the double yellow lines to pass, and so on.

Registration and equipment violations are other reasons why your vehicle may be pulled over.  The most obvious violation of a motor vehicle law lately would probably be "unapproved equipment (39:3-77)."  This violation includes the lights that are being sold to replace the factory installed windshield washer housings.

A  traffic stop may also be initiated for an investigative purpose.  There may be a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) out for a vehicle fitting your vehicle's description.  Your vehicle or actions may seem suspicious to a police officer or a concerned caller, therefore, the officer may pull you over to conduct an investigative detention.

Finally you may be pulled over because a safety issue.  These include an ajar trunk or something being left on top of your vehicle by accident.

What to expect if a Mullica Twp police officer pulls you over

  • Officer will activate his emergency lights, and possibly his siren or horn.  The purpose of this is to gain your attention and compliance.

  • Back-up officer(s) may arrive on the scene.

  • Officer will request your license, registration certificate, and insurance card.

  • Officer will advise you of the reason you were pulled over.

  • The officer can also search your vehicle if probable cause exists that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime, or that your vehicle is housing illegal materials
  •  Officer may issue you a summons or a warning. What the officer expects of motorists being pulled over...
    • Park your vehicle as far away from the lane of traffic as possible.
    • Stay in your vehicle unless instructed to exit by the officer.
    • Turn on your interior lights.  If you are advised to do so by the officer and fail to comply, you will be in violation of a NJ law.
    • Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the steering wheel.
    • Do not demand an explanation of the officer's actions.  The officer will advise you of the reason you were stopped once you have provided the requested documents.
    • Do not argue the disposition of the traffic stop on the scene, it's unproductive, and unsafe.  You will have your day in court to present your case.


    Questions Raised from Motorists Regarding Traffic Stops

    Why did the officer sneak up on me?

     Police officers are trained to avoid exposing themselves to traffic as much as possible, therefore they are attempting to minimize their chance of being injured.  The officer is also trying to stay close to cover.  On a motor vehicle stop, you know that the car behind you is being operated by a police officer, on the other hand the officer has no idea who he is about to make contact with.  Safety is a vital issue to police officers, and taking extra precautions is not uncommon.

    Why did another police vehicle arrive on my car stop?

    A back-up unit may arrive on the scene, the unit may be another Mullica car or an officer from another agency who stopped to check on the primary officer.  A traffic stop is one of the activities that officers are killed on most in the United States.  The Mullica Twp Police Department values it's officers, and will take every precaution to ensure their safety.

    What is the officer doing in his car for so long?

    Tthe officer may spend a few minutes in his patrol car during the traffic stop.  The police officer is checking on the status of your vehicle's registration, insurance, and the status of your driving privileges.  The officer may also be checking you and your vehicle for wants or warrants.


    CHILD SAFETY SEATS

    Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death of children over the age of six months in the United States. The proper use of child car seats is one of the simplest and most effective methods available for protecting the lives of our young children in the event of a motor vehicle crash


     


  • MULLICA NEWS 


    ATTENTION:  This is a brief listing of Police activities.  Persons listed here as arrestees are innocent until  adjudicated in a court of law.

    REMINDER TO MOTORISTS:  WHEN TRAVELING ON WET ROADS AND BAD WEATHER,  SLOW DOWN, GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME TO ARRIVE AT YOUR LOCATION.  MAINTAIN EXTRA SPACE BETWEEN VEHICLES WHILE TRAVELING TO INCREASE REACTION TIME.  BE SAFE, BUCKLE UP AND STAY ALERT.

    MOTORIST PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DEER.  THIS TIME OF YEAR THEY ARE ON THE MOVE AND OCCASIONALLY   WILL RUN OUT IN FRONT OF YOUR VEHICLE.  IF YOU STRIKE A DEER, DO NOT PANIC, STAY IN CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE, BRAKE AND SLOWLY PULL YOUR VEHICLE OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. CALL THE POLICE.                                                                               


    ATTENTION RESIDENTS There have been some recent break-ins around our community Though there is no reason for panic, we urge residents to take some simple precautions. It is our belief that the crimes committed are crimes of opportunity . We feel if you follow these simple steps the families of Mullica Twp will remain safe.

    1. Lock all exterior doors when leaving the residence.

    2. Lock all windows

    3. Report ALL suspicious activity immediately in and around your neighborhood.

    From the press of Atlantic City 
     8-17-10 MULLICA TOWNSHIPElliot Lebron was just driving away from his house at about 6 a.m. Saturday for a weekend camping trip when he saw a white car against a tree off Route 30, its engine compartment smoking.“I said to my wife, ‘It looks like someone had an accident,’” he said Tuesday afternoon at his West Adams Circle home.He pulled over a few dozen yards east down the highway, then ran back to the car, where another man who also had pulled over was already trying to smash the driver’s side front window to free a woman inside.Together, Lebron and Michael Mazkowski, of Hamilton Township, most likely saved her life, police said.“We just reacted,” Lebron said. “We just started doing what we had to do.”On Monday, Lindsey Nasile, 24, of Burlington Township, was listed in good condition, having suffered leg, arm and hip injuries, but on Tuesday she requested hospital staff not release any more information about her condition.Police said that Mazkowski and Lebron got the woman out and away from her car just before it was completely consumed by flames just after 6 a.m. that morning. Investigating Officer Ryan Hutton said Nasile told officers she fell asleep, and he suspected no drugs or alcohol were involved.Nasile’s car swerved to the right off the eastbound lanes, snapped a utility pole, tore off the top of the metal mile marker 35 sign, and was finally stopped by a tree just a few feet from the road.On Tuesday, the pole was repaired, but the mile marker remained on the shoulder with debris from Nasile’s car. A rearview mirror, melted metal, a tire still attached to part of its axle and the plastic lettering from her Pontiac Grand Prix were all around the charred tree.Lebron said Nasile’s seatbelt easily saved her life, as did Mazkowski, who he said was the real hero.“Thank God he was there,” he said. “That guy deserves a medal.”Lebron said that the driver door was jammed shut, and Mazkowski broke the window to get the woman out. He unhooked her seatbelt, and together they pulled Nasile out.She was barely responsive, he said, and they had to drag her away. Eventually the Elwood Fire Company came to extinguish the fire, but Hutton said neither he nor firefighters would have arrived in time to get Nasile safely out.Lebron, 67, said he did not really talk to Mazkowski, and had no way to contact him. The Mays Landing man’s phone number is not publicly listed, and his name did not appear in a search for local tax records.“If I was her, I would wish a guy like that would always be around to help,” Lebron said about Mazkowski. Lebron said the woman thanked them both before she was taken to the hospital.“I said, ‘Any time,’ but I realized I said the wrong thing,’” Lebron said with a laugh. “It was really like, ‘Never again.’ What I meant to say was, ‘Don’t worry about it.’”Contact Lee Procida:609-457-8707 

    Mullica Township police handled 405 calls for service May 26-June 2, including:2 burglary investigations1 domestic call9 EMS/ambulance assists1 fire assist6 motor vehicle accidents1 terroristic threats investigation5 theft investigations.Brandon Toro, 23, of Mullica Township, was arrested May 27 and charged with contempt of court.Daniel Baker Jr., 23, Hammonton, was arrested May 27 and charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe/drug paraphernalia.Felicia Hayes, 21, of Mullica Township, was arrested May 27 and charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe/drug paraphernalia.Elena Martinez, 41, Mullica Township, was arrested May 29 and charged with driving under the influence.Zachary Bussey Jr., 29, of New Brunswick, was arrested May 30 and charged with contempt of court.Ismail Shabazz, 50, of New Brunswick, was arrested May 30 and charged with driving under the influence.Edward Lewis III, 35, of Cherry Hill, was arrested May 31 and charged with contempt of court.  

    The Mullica Twp.Police department willl participate in the National Night Out campaign slated for August 3,2010 from 5:30 pm until 10:30 pm. Our officers, along with other public officials will be present at the Townships recreation complex and the Mullica Woods adult community. 

     have recently established a bicycle patrol program, so that we are able to provide additional services to the citizens of our community. In these tough economic times we fine that it has been difficult to purchase some of the essential items for this great resource. Anyone that may wish to contribute to the unit may do so by forwarding any donation to the Township's Chief Financial Officer, Dawn Stollenwerk.  Please please be sure to specify that the donation is for the Mullica Township Police Department Bicycle Unit.

    The afternoon turned out to be a sucess.  Check out the photo gallery.

    MULLICA TWP POLICE DEPT. STATS

    Mullica Township police handled 290 calls for service June 22-29, including:

    1 aggravated assault investigation
    1 robbery investigation
    1 burglary investigation
    2 incidents of domestic violence
    9 EMS/ambulance assists
    4 fire assists
    2 motor vehicle accidents
    3 theft investigations.

    Jessica Contreras, 21, of Galloway Township, was arrested June 24 and charged with simple assault

    Elena Fajardo-Martinez, 41, of Mullica, was arrested June 28 and charged with driving while under the influence.

    Three juveniles, ages 12 and 13, were arrested June 22 and charged with criminal trespassing

    NEW MULLICA TWP. POLICE CHIEF  SWORN IN
    Mullica Township is getting a new police leader, with the promotion of Paul Register from lieutenant to chief.

    The 47-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident is replacing Chief Joseph Barbera, who is retiring. filling a vacancy left in 2007 when Barbera became chief. As of press time, the terms of the new chief  contract is still being negotiated, Dawn Stollenwerk, the township's chief financial officer, said last week.

    Register, who grew up in Atlantic City and previously lived in Mullica Township, said he became interested in law enforcement because of his family - his father, Paul Hood, worked for the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office, his stepfather, Percy Wing, was a state motor vehicle inspection officer and an officer for Egg Harbor City and Woodbury, and his brother, Richard Hood, is an Atlantic City officer.

    Register started his law enforcement career in 1986 as a corrections officer for the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office, and he switched to become a sheriff's officer a year later. He joined the Mullica Township force in 1989 and worked his way up through the ranks. He also served as a K-9 officer from 1996 to 2006.

    The chief-to-be said his main goal will be "to have the police department become more involved with the community."

    "First and foremost, I'd like to focus on our at-risk youth," Register said in an interview last week. He noted that Det. Brian Zeck suggested playing sports games with local youths to get them engaged in other activities. The idea is to have young people associate police officers with other images besides making arrests, he said.

    Register added that he would like to implement another program with his brother in which at-risk youths could visit East Jersey State Prison "to keep them on the straight and narrow."

    Other programs Register said he would also like to institute include bringing back a police K9 to help fight drugs (the dog would be sponsored through donations) and starting a police bicycle patrol.

    Register has won numerous community awards and letters of commendation for his work. He is a member of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

    Mayor Michael St. Amour praised Register and said he is well known throughout the township and the greater region. "I'm confident he'll have the respect of his new officers in the police department based on his experience and work ethic," he said.

    The new Mullica police chief and captain will be sworn in at 5 p.m. today in the Mullica Township.

    PATROLMAN SERZAN RETIRES FROM MULLICA TWP POLICE - Patrolman Serzan started his law enforcement career as an auxiliary police officer with the Winslow twp police department in 1980 and became a full time officer February of 1982. He attended Sea Girt police academy from September till December of that year. Patrolman Serzan was with the Winslow twp police dept for 2 1/2 years until August of 1984. After 2 years at the Philadelphia Inquirer, patrolman Serzan came back to Winslow twp and took on a job as dispatcher. In 1987 patrolman Serzan came to the Mullica police department and attended the Atlantic County police academy. During his career here, he was a firearms instructor, D.A.R.E. officer, and shop steward. Patrolman Serzan was involved in getting state legislation passed that enabled the officers to switch to PFRS from PERS without having to pay their own conversion costs. Patrolman Serzan served as a Mullica twp police officer for 23 of the 28 years of service. Thank you for your service, you will be missed. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT.