The WWP News in conjunction with West Windsor Gives Back, a new community organization, will be running articles throughout 2018 in celebration of the West Windsor Police Department’s 50th anniversary.
In the early days of its founding in 1797 and into the next century, West Windsor was patrolled by town constables who handled crimes like the theft of farm animals and “lack of sobriety.” In 1882, the West Windsor Pursuing and Detecting Society was formed to capture horse thieves. The group stopped functioning once automobiles replaced horses in the town.
West Windsor was still a relatively small farming town when its official police department was launched in 1968. The 1960 census lists the population as 4,016. By 1970, the number of residents surpassed 6,000 and would climb steadily over the next five decades to its current population of nearly 28,000.
The WWPD began with just three officers and was headquartered on the corner of Village Road West and South Mill Road. As the town grew, the department expanded. Today, there are 48 officers serving West Windsor.
They are supported by 12 staff members, as well as K9 Cherno and police-dog-in-training, K9 Mackey. In addition to keeping the town safe, the WWPD is active in various community organizations including the Youth Police Academy, DARE and Operation Dreamlift.
As technology and “crimes of opportunity” grow the WWPD continues to evolve.
To aid in these efforts, Chief Robert Garofalo has identified the need for a drone to use in search and rescue operations, crime scene analysis, active shooter investigations, traffic collision reconstruction and other police efforts.
Funds raised by WWGB this year will be donated toward the purchase of the drone. WWGB and representatives from the police department will be at community events throughout the year including a fun summer kick-off party on June 22 at WaterWorks, an event free to all township residents.
For more information about WWGB and the 2018 events celebrating the WWPD, or to donate towards the purchase of the drone, visit WW Gives Back on Facebook or send an email to wwpd50th@gmail.com.
