Police Department

Linden Police to Participate in “Put the Phone Down or Pay” Statewide Enforcement Action.

Linden Police Officers will join Officers from 158 police agencies across the state in a month-long enforcement campaign targeting distracted drivers. The “Put the Phone Down or Pay” campaign, which runs throughout the month of April, is aimed at saving lives and making New Jersey roadways safer.

The annual campaign takes place during Distracted Driving Awareness month and is meant to draw attention to the dangers of distracted driving. In addition to the enforcement campaign, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety has launched a public awareness campaign that includes public service announcements on New Jersey radio stations, social media messaging, and distribution of educational materials to educate and remind drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on our roadways; preliminary data shows that almost half of drivers involved in crashes in New Jersey last year were engaged in distracted behavior, which resulted in 160 deaths and more than 1,400 serious injuries.

Linden was awarded a $12,250 grant to support increased enforcement efforts, the maximum amount available. Other towns in Union County awarded grants include Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Rahway and Roselle Park.

In New Jersey, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using a handheld electronic device. Violating this law subjects motorists to fines of $200 to $400 for a first offense and could increase to $800 with the addition of three insurance points in subsequent violations.

Click here to view and/or download the flyer for the Linden Police Department Youth Academy.

• Who: The Linden Police Department Youth Police Academy is available to Linden students graduating 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
• What: Linden Police Department Youth Academy. As part of the Academy, you’ll learn about the Linden Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, you’ll receive basic training in police procedures/operations, criminal investigations, drill and ceremony and first aid! You will also benefit from demonstrations including DUI goggles, the effects of drinking and driving, K‐9, SWAT, Bomb Squad, and more! And most of all, you’ll have a lot of fun! The LPD Youth Academy is NOT a “bootcamp” for troubled youth. The Academy is structured to simulate a police academy for those interested in law enforcement.
• When: July 14 through July 18, 2025.
• How: Application deadline is April 11, 2025 at 3pm. Space is limited to 30 recruits. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. No late applications will be accepted. Click here to download the application for the Linden Police Department Youth Academy. Applications must be dropped off in-person to the front desk of the Linden Police Department, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue. With questions, email here.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Police Department invite you to attend Coffee with a Cop.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

• Where: Starbucks at Target, which is located at 621 West Edgar Road.
• When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 1pm until 3pm.
• How: For more information, contact Captain Christopher Guenther via email here.

On November 15, 2024, a Newark man was sentenced to 9 years in state prison for his participation in the daytime robbery of an Amazon driver in June of 2023.

Union County Superior Court Judge Daniel Roberts sentenced Anthony Torres, age 24, to 9 years in State Prison for second-degree robbery, directing that he must serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at about 3:00 p.m. Officers responded to the parking lot of Jersey Lanes, 30 N. Park Ave. The victim, an Amazon delivery truck driver, told the Officers that he parked in the lot to take a break when Torres reached though the open side door into the driver’s compartment and stole his backpack.

The driver exited the van and confronted the suspect, grabbing onto his shirt as he entered a vehicle parked nearby. Torres struck the driver several times in an attempt to break free, and the driver was struck by the vehicle as it fled the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries.

“There is absolutely no place for violent crimes like this in our community,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart. “I’d like to thank the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the responding Officers and Detectives whose diligent efforts made an extended sentence like this possible.”

Captain Christopher Guenther

The City of Linden and the Linden Police Department announced that they have been awarded a year-long, federally-funded grant focused on improving pedestrian safety. The $20,000 grant, administered through the New Jersey Department of Highway Transportation & Safety, supplements and supports the department’s educational and enforcement efforts throughout the year.

In New Jersey, drivers are required to STOP for pedestrians in a crosswalk and yield to pedestrians walking outside of a crosswalk. Drivers are also advised to slow down and be alert for pedestrians; the risk of death for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 23 mph is 10%, but jumps to near 50% if the vehicle is traveling at 40 mph.

“Walking is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, and for the environment,” said Police Chief David Hart. “In Linden, we are committed to keeping our pedestrians safe on the sidewalks and while crossing the street — anywhere that people walk, bike, or roll they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.”

Despite a nationwide decline in highway fatalities last year, pedestrian fatalities across New Jersey surged 30%. Two hundred and twenty-two pedestrians lost their lives in vehicle crashes, the most since 1968.

For more information about pedestrian safety, please click here.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Police Department invite you to attend Coffee with a Cop.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

• Where: Starbucks at Aviation Plaza, which is located at 639 West Edgar Road.
• When: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 11am until 1pm.
• How: For more information, contact Captain Christopher Guenther via email here.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Police Chiefs Association, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and Union County Police Department along with the local police departments from Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, and Winfield present the Union County Gun Surrender Program.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Union County Gun Surrender Program.

• What: Union County Gun Surrender Program. Accepting firearms, ammo and/or prescription drugs. Amnesty program: no questions asked. Surrendered items can be received at any location.
• When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9am until 4pm.
• Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
• How: For more information, contact your local police department.