1. If I’m involved in a traffic accident, what should I do?

As our township grows, so does traffic congestion and the likelihood of traffic accidents. Should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are certain steps you should follow for your safety as well as to assist you through the entire process. • Regardless of the severity of the damage, always call the police department to respond and make a report. NEVER leave the scene of an accident without first reporting the accident to a police officer. • If your vehicle is still in the roadway, there are NO injuries reported as a result of the collision and your vehicle is safe to do so, carefully move your vehicle to a safe location (i.e. shoulder of roadway or parking lot) • If you are unable to move your vehicle safely to another location, remain in your vehicle until assistance arrives. Unless your vehicle is in a hazardous location, then dismount your vehicle and go to a safe location. • Attempt to refrain from arguing with any other persons involved in the collision. • Retrieve your driver’s license, registration and insurance card. Be prepared to produce these documents to the officer who responds to investigate your collision. • When an officer asks you questions pertaining to the collision, attempt to give a clear and concise account of the accident. Do not feel that any piece of information is too minor to report. • Ask the officer for your case number so you can give that case number to the Police Records Bureau when retrieving your accident report. • You may obtain a copy of your accident report after 5 working days at the Stafford Police Records Bureau.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

2. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Traffic Accident reports can be picked up at the Police Records Bureau, 260 E. Bay Ave., Manahawkin, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The fee is $0.75 per page for the 1st to 10th page; $0.50 for the 11th to 20th page; all pages over 20 $0.25 per page. When a request for an accident report is not made in person, an additional fee of $5.00 for the first 3 pages and $1.00 for each additional page will be charged. Accident reports are generally 1 to 3 pages in length, depending upon the severity of the accident. Criminal Investigation reports may also be picked at the Record’s Bureau, however, some restrictions may apply. Contact Police Records at 609-597-1189 extension 1 for further information.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

3. What can I do about traffic concerns in my neighborhood?

If you have a concern with traffic in your neighborhood such as speeding vehicles, you should contact the Traffic Safety Bureau in writing or by phone. A Traffic Safety Officer will respond to your neighborhood to survey the traffic. Officers may remain posted on your street during busy traffic times to issue summonses, or may post a RADAR trailer on your street to advise the motoring public of their speed and the posted speed limit. Calls may be placed to 609-597-1189 extension 4, or write to Traffic Safety Bureau, 260 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

4. How can I contest traffic or parking citations?

A person who receives a traffic or parking citation may contest it by contacting the Stafford Township Municipal Court. A court clerk will assign a court date. On the specified date, the person will be able to plead his/her case before a judge. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Stafford Township Municipal Court at 609-597-1000 extension 8540

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

5. I lost my traffic citation - What do I do?

If you lost your traffic citation, you need to contact the Stafford Township Municipal Court at 609-597-1000 extension 8540 for information on how to proceed to contest the summonses or enter a guilty plea.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

6. What can I do about my noisy neighbors?

A noisy neighbor may create a disturbance by having a loud television, stereo, or radio. These types of complaints are best handled by the police department because the loud noise is intermittent, occasional, or spontaneous. A loud party is also best resolved by the police department. Should the problem become on-going, an officer equipped with a noise meter will respond to measure the noise and issue summonses if warranted. A Community Policing Officer(s) may also be referred by responding officers to meet with the parties involved in an attempt to mediate the situation without court procedures.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

7. I was a victim of a crime and reported it. What happens next?

Follow-up investigations are conducted by the Detective Bureau. Cases are assigned on a priority basis by the Bureau Supervisor. To obtain information about an assigned investigation, victims may call the Detective Bureau at 609-597-1189 extension 3 and inquire. The Detective Bureau has a crime tip hotline where suspicious or criminal activity can be reported anonymously. All information is strictly confidential. Call 609-597-1189 extension 7.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

8. How can I report narcotics activity in my neighborhood?

There are several ways to report narcotics activity in your neighborhood. The Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) is the entity that handles citizen complaints/tips concerning narcotics activity at the street level. Narcotics activity may be reported by contacting the DEU at 609-597-1189 extension 6, or anonymously through the Crime Tip Line at 609-597-1189 extension 7.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

9. How can I report a hate crime?

Hate crimes are very serious and traumatic incidents. It is important for citizens to remember that when these crimes are occurring, they should be reported to the police immediately by telephoning 911. When a citizen finds that he or she has been a victim of a hate crime and it is not an immediate life-threatening emergency, he or she should phone the police department at 609-597-8581 and report the crime.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

10. How can I obtain a restraining order?

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) may be requested whether or not an arrest has been made or the police have been called. A TRO is always free. Emergency Temporary Restraining Orders are available through the police department on a 24-hour basis. If the situation is non-emergent, you can request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by appearing at the Ocean County Superior Court during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Follow these guidelines to assist you: * Request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at the Superior Court. * Deliver a copy of the TRO, Proof of Service, and Law Enforcement Information form to your local police station. Retain the originals of all documents. * You must return to court to obtain a Final Restraining Order. You will be given a return to court date when obtaining the TRO. The Final Restraining Order must also be served to the defendant and copies delivered to the police station. For further assistance, please call Family Crisis Intervention at 732-506-5100.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

11. What can I do about annoying or threatening phone calls?

If you become a victim of annoying phone calls, you should report them to the police department. Your phone company may be able to assist in tracking the origin of the calls if they have a police report number. If you become a victim of threatening phone calls, report them to your local police department immediately. Law enforcement takes threatening calls seriously, and so should you, especially if you are in a battering relationship or have been the victim of domestic violence.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

12. How do I report a Missing Person?

You may initiate a Missing Persons Report by contacting the police department at 609-597-8581. Contrary to popular belief, law enforcement agencies in New Jersey do not require a person to wait a specific period of time before reporting a missing person. Once you suspect that a person is missing, the police should be notified immediately. The Community Policing Unit encourages all parents to obtain Child Identification cards for their children. Child ID cards provide immeasurable assistance to law enforcement and parents in times of crisis when a child is lost or missing. The information contained on the Child ID cards allow officers to forward that information in the form of a statewide Amber Alert, which instantly notifies law enforcement of missing children. Child ID events are held several times each year. Watch your local newspapers and billboards for dates, or call the Community Policing Unit at 609-597-1189 extension 5 to find out when the next Child ID event is being held.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

13. I have lost a loved one to suicide. Where can I turn to in the community for assistance and support?

The St. Francis Counseling Services on Long Beach Island offers support services for victims of traumatic losses. They are located at 4700 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 and can be reached at 609-494-1554. The Survivors of Suicide Support Group of Saint Mary’s Church is a support group open to all adults who are grieving the death of a loved one to suicide. The group offers information on the grieving process and gives an opportunity for people to share their thoughts and feelings in an environment of understanding and empathy. People of all faiths are welcome. Please call the Saint Mary’s rectory at 609-698-5531 for more information.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

14. What can I do about "identity theft"?

If you become the victim of identity theft, it is important to act immediately to stop the thief’s further use of your identity. Immediately contact all your credit card issuers. Get replacement cards with new account numbers. Ask that the old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer’s request." (This is better than "card lost or stolen," because when this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.) Call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards and/or numbers. Ask that your accounts be flagged. Also, add a victim's statement to your report such as, "My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX (your phone number) to verify all applications." Notify your bank(s) of the theft. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Ask the bank to issue you a secret password that must be used in every transaction. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of. If you use the ATM card for banking services, get a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your old password. When creating a password, avoid such commonly used numbers as the last four digits of your Social Security number and your birth date. If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to Telecheck and National Processing Company (NPC). These check guarantee companies will flag your file so that bogus checks will be turned down. Call Telecheck at 800-366-2425. Call NPC at 800-526-5380. The Secret Service has jurisdiction over financial fraud cases. This federal government agency usually does not investigate individual cases unless the dollar amount is very high. To interest the Secret Service in your case, ask someone in the fraud department of your credit card companies and/or banks to notify the particular SS agent they work with. Notify the Social Security Administration’s office of the Inspector General if your SSN has been used fraudulently. You may want to have your SSN changed if your number has become associated with bad checks and credit. CAUTION: This step should be reserved for only the most extreme situations. You must be sure to notify all credit grantors and credit reporting bureaus of your new SSN. If you have a passport, notify the passport office to be on the look out for anyone ordering a new passport fraudulently. Call your telephone, electrical, gas and water utilities. Alert them to the possibility that someone may attempt to open new service using your identification. Also contact your long distance company. The nearest office of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service might be able to help you remove fraudulent claims from your credit report. Call 800-388-2227. In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates and names. Send correspondence by certified mail. Keep copies of all letters and documents. Provide your police report number to expedite reporting the crime. Consider seeking legal counsel, especially if you have difficulty clearing up your credit history, or your case is complex and involves a lot of money. An attorney can help you recover from the fraud and determine whether your rights under various credit banking, SSN, and other laws have been violated. Pay attention to your own mental health. Victims of identity theft report that they often feel they are somehow to blame. They can also feel violated, even powerless, due in large part to the fact that few, if any, of the authorities who have been notified of the crime step forward to help the victim. Discuss your situation with a trusted friend or counselor. Seek help from a victims’ rights organization. Credit Reporting Bureaus Equifax Copy of Report: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241 Dispute Report: P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0256 Order Credit Report:800-685-1111 Opt Out of Marketing Lists:800-219-1251 Report Fraud:800-525-6285 Trans Union Copy of Report: P.O. Box 7000 North Olmstead, OH 44070 Dispute Report: P.O. Box 403 Springfield, PA 19064 Order Credit Report:800-851-2674 Opt Out of Marketing Lists:800-241-2858 Report Fraud:800-680-7289 Experian Copy of Report: Dispute Report: Experian National Consumer Assistance Center P.O. Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-2104 Order Credit Report:888-397-3742 Opt Out of Marketing Lists:800-353-0809 Remember, if you have been denied credit, you are entitled to a free credit report. To remove your name from mailing lists (Direct Marketing Association), contact Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735 and Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9015, Farmingdale, NY 11735. To report fraudulent use of your checks, call your bank, Telecheck (800-366-2425) or National Processing Company (NPC) 800-526-5380.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

15. What are the regulations regarding construction-related noise?

The regulations regarding construction-related noise prohibits a person, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. of the following day, to perform any construction or repair work of any kind. However, there are exceptions to this ordinance. For clarification, contact the Building & Zoning Department at 609-597-1000 ext. 8535.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

16. What can I do about barking dogs in my neighborhood?

Although pets can provide much companionship and love, they can also become a nuisance to an entire neighborhood if not cared for properly. All barking dogs or other nuisance complaints are handled by the Township’s Animal Control Office. For further information, please contact the Animal Control Office at 609-597-1000 ext. 8525.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

17. What can I do about suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

There are several ways to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. The Police Patrol Division is the entity that handles citizen complaints concerning suspicious activity at the street level. Suspicious activity may be reported by contacting the police department 609-597-8581, or anonymously through the Crime Tip Line at 609-597-1189 ext. 8477. Any suspicious activity appearing to be a crime in progress should be reported to 911. The Stafford Police Crime Prevention Unit encourages all neighborhoods to form Neighborhood Watch groups. Watch Groups provide extra eyes and ears in our neighborhoods. Call the Community Policing Unit at 609-597-1189 extension 5 to obtain more information on Neighborhood Watch in your community.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

18. What should I do in the event a radiological emergency occurs at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Stations while my child is attending school?

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) encompasses a network of radio stations, i.e., WRAT-FM 95.9, WJLK-AM 1310, WJLK-FM 98.5, WJRZ-FM 100.1, WOBM-AM 1160, WOBM-FM 92.7 and MARINE CHANNEL 16, used to alert the population to the dangers of a radiological emergency at Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. Should an event occur at the Nuclear Generating Station, parents should tune to a local EAS radio station for detailed information on protective actions taken at the schools. Normally, a school evacuation protection action will be aired on EAS only after the evacuation has begun. This will preclude parents from going to schools to pick children up and subsequently reduce traffic congestion and traffic delays. Parents should always pick up their children at the pre-designated Reception Center (Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ or as directed by the EAS broadcast.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

19. What can I do about juvenile delinquency problems with my children or in my neighborhood?

The Stafford Police Juvenile Unit addresses youths who become involved in delinquent acts or family crisis matters. Officers encourage diversion of juveniles involved in minor offenses by means of early intervention and mediation. Many first time offenders of minor offenses will be better served by having the matter adjudicated at the lowest appropriate level, although the Juvenile Unit will aggressively investigate and prosecute those serious, habitual offenders that jeopardize the welfare of our community. The Stafford Township Police Department and the Southern Regional High School District also recognize the need for intervention during school hours. Juvenile infractions occurring within the school district are handled by School Resource Officers assigned solely to the Southern Regional High School District. These officers also provide a great deal of prevention through educational presentations and mediation of juvenile problems. Please call 609-597-1189 extension 3 for juvenile matters in your neighborhood or 609-597-9481 extension 439 on juvenile matters within the Southern Regional High School District.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

20. What can I do about ATV & dirt-bike concerns in my neighborhood?

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) and dirt-bikes can provide much outdoor enjoyment for all ages. However, there are strict laws regarding their usage. If you are experiencing ATV’s or dirt-bikes being operated illegally in your neighborhood, call the police department at 609-597-1189 extension 5 to have an officer dispatched to your neighborhood. An officer will respond to resolve the situation. Should the problem become persistent, the Stafford Police Department Off Road Search, Enforcement and Rescue Unit will be assigned to your locale to conduct surveillance details and take appropriate enforcement action.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

21. I have a question regarding my traffic citation - Who do I ask?

If you have any questions regarding your traffic citation, you need to contact the Stafford Township Municipal Court at 609-597-1000 extension 8540. The Stafford Township Police Department is not authorized to supply information regarding the disposition or future outcome of any citation.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

22. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Tips:

To speed up your visit to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), located at 712 East Bay Avenue, the Stafford Township Police Department recommends the following helpful tips: A growing national problem is identity theft and document fraud. To combat these problems the MVC introduced a new ¡°6 Point ID Verification Program¡± in September 2003. It sounds complicated, but if you¡¯re prepared when you arrive at the agency, it¡¯s a very easy process. There are four steps to follow and each step is required by the MVC. Each document is assigned a POINT VALUE by the MVC. When a customer presents his or her documents the point value must total 6 points or more to obtain a driver¡¯s license. (Note: you can use two primary documents, but you still must show a secondary document even though the value of the two primary documents exceeds 6 points.) After the point requirement is met the customers must show proof of their current address. Then the customer must provide their social security number. When all four steps required have been met, only then may the customer obtain a new driver¡¯s license. (Note: All documents presented must be ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPIES and must have the required State and/or Municipal seals. Photocopies and faxes WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Birth and marriage certificates issued by private entities such as hospitals or churches WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.) Have as much of the paperwork prepared as possible prior to your arrival at the MVC. The MVC Staff is extremely helpful and can assist you with your needs, but the more prepared you are the better they can serve you and the faster your visit will be. The four steps are as follows: STEP 1 ¨C Primary Documents ¨C You must show at least ONE of these. U.S. Citizens 4-POINT DOCUMENTS ¡õ A civil birth certificate* or certified copy from one of the 50 states, District of Columbia or a US territory. Photocopies or certificates from hospitals or religious entities are not accepted. *If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate (for example, if your married name is Betty Smith but the name on your birth certificate is Betty Jones), then you must show proof of the name change. Such proof may include a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. The proof must link your current name to the name on your birth certificate. ¡õ US passport, current or expired less than 3 years ¡õ Active US military photo ID card ¡õ US Department of State birth certificate (form FS-545, FS-240 or DS-1350) ¡õ US adoption papers ¡õ Certificate of naturalization (form N-550, N-570 or N-578) ¡õ Certificate of citizenship (form N-560, N-561 or N-645) Non-Citizens 4-POINT DOCUMENTS: ¡õ Foreign passport with INS or BCIS verification, and valid record of arrival/departure (form 1-194) ¡õ Foreign passport with INS or BCIS verification, and valid for 1-551 stamp ¡õ Current alien registration card (new form I-551) with expiration date and verification for INS or BCIS ¡õ Refugee travel document (form 1-571) ¡õ US re-entry stamped ¡°Refugee¡± ¡°Parolee¡±, ¡°Asylee¡± or ¡°Notice of Action¡± (form I-797 approved petition) by INS or BCIS ¡õ Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped ¡°Processed for I-551¡­¡± by INS or BCIS 3-POINT DOCUMENTS: ¡õ Current photo employment authorization card (form 1-688B or I-766). Must be presented with valid Social Security card. 2-POINT DOCUMENTS: ¡õ Current alien registration card (old form I-551) without expiration date, and INS or BCIS verification ¡õ Photo temporary resident card (form I-688) STEP 2 ¨C Secondary Documents ¨C You must show at least ONE of these 3-POINT DOCUMENTS: ¡õ Civil marriage certificate issued by the municipality in which you were married. Please note: Photocopies are not accepted. Marriage certificates issued by religious entities are not accepted. ¡õ Divorce decree ¡õ Court order for a legal name change, signed by a judge or court clerk ¡õ Current US military dependent card ¡õ US military photo retiree card ¡õ NJ firearm purchaser card 2-POINT DOCUMENTS: ¡õ US school photo ID card with transcript or school records ¡õ US college photo ID card with transcript ¡õ Valid federal, state or local government employee driver license ¡õ Valid federal, state or local government employee photo ID card ¡õ US military discharge papers (DD214) ¡õ FAA pilot license 1-POINT DOCUMENTS: You cannot use more than TWO of these ¡õ Current NJ photo license ¡õ Current photo driver license from any other state or the District of Columbia ¡õ Social Security card ¡õ Bank statement or record ¡õ ATM card with preprinted name and applicant¡¯s signature. (Please note: An ATM card and bank statement cannot be submitted together) ¡õ Current health insurance card, prescription card or employee ID card with printed pay stub ¡õ State professional license ¡õ NJ public assistance card with photo (also known as a NJ Social Services ID card) ¡õ High school diploma, GED or college diploma ¡õ Property tax statement, bill or receipt issued by a New Jersey municipality ¡õ For NJ high school students: a waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver¡¯s test ¡õ Veterans Affairs universal access photo ID card STEP 3 ¨C Proof of Address You must also present proof of address, which may be, but is not limited to, ONE of these ¡õ Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days that shows your name at your current address ¡õ Checking or savings account statement from a bank or credit union, issued in the past 60 days ¡õ High school or college report card or transcript containing your address, issued within the past two years ¡õ Original lease or rental agreement showing your name as the lessee or renter ¡õ Property tax bill, statement or receipt from the past year ¡õ Any letter or correspondence (including tax bills) received from the IRS or state tax office in the last year ¡õ First-class mail received from any federal, state or local government agency in the past six months ¡õ If you¡¯re under 18 and don¡¯t otherwise have proof of address, then we will accept a Parent or Guardian Certification that verifies you¡¯re living with a parent or guardian STEP 4 ¨C Social Security Number As a final step, we will access the Social Security Administration and verify that your name and date of birth match your Social Security Number

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top