News

January 2, 2017

Mayor Baraka and Public Safety Director Ambrose Release Details on Stepped up Police Presence for New Year's Eve

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Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that the City is teaming up with county and state law enforcement partners to enhance public safety as residents ring in the New Year on December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2017.

The Newark Police Division will deploy 75 additional officers into Newark’s streets from 5 p.m. on December 31 to 5 a.m., on January 1st, along with officers from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, the State Police, and Alcohol Beverage Control, which will check on taverns and other establishments that sell liquor. They will be backed by aerial patrols and readiness to handle additional public calls for service

“The City routinely experiences increased calls for service at this time and we will be prepared to address emergency calls and to allay citizens’ concerns for their safety,” said Mayor Baraka. “This is a special time of the year and the City wishes to encourage safe family and community celebrations. I urge my fellow Newarkers to ring in the New Year safely and responsibly.”

“New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is a time for celebration and partying,” Director Ambrose said. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. We have stepped up deployments of manpower and technology to enhance the level of public safety. We will take action against individuals who disrespect our laws and ordinances. Addressing DUI incidents will also be a priority.”

In New Jersey, a driver is considered drunk if he or she has a BAC level of .08 or higher, if over the age of 21. If a driver is under the age of 21, he or she is considered drunk with a BAC of .01 or has any detectable amount of alcohol. In addition, a commercial vehicle driver is considered drunk if he or she has a BAC of .04 or higher. Anyone who drives on New Jersey’s roads is required to submit to police requests for chemical tests of blood, breath, or urine if an officer of the law suspects the driver is intoxicated. Anyone who refuses to submit will face having his or her driver’s license suspended for up to a year and a fine ranging between $250 and $500 for the first refusal, a two-year suspension for the second refusal, and a 10-year suspension for a third refusal.