Community Policing

To Protect and Serve

Realizing a need to educate, communicate, and interact with the residents of Paterson, the Community Service Division was established to provide support programs and lines of communication between the police department and its residents. The police department is committed to making quality of life and safety issues a priority by creating a partnership with the citizens of Paterson.

Special programs available:

Bicycle Safety, Registration & Inspection
Community Policing Seminars
Crime Prevention Seminars
D.A.R.E. Instruction
D.W.I. Prevention Seminars
Home Security Surveys
Neighborhood Watch Participation
Operation I.D.
Operation Kid Care
Operation S.C.A.M.S.
Police Station Tours
Robbery Prevention Seminars
Stranger Danger Awareness
Traffic Safety Programs/Poster Contest
Vacant Home Check

For information about programs and seminars or to schedule a presentation contact

Identity Theft Information

Identity Theft Telephone Numbers:

Federal Trade Commission Hotline (877) IDT-HEFT or (877) 438-4338

Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (800) 269-0271

Office of the Attorney General of Illinois (800) 386-5438

Credit Bureaus

Equifax (800) 525-6285

Experian (888) 397-3742

Trans Union (800) 680-7289

Action to take if your credit has been compromised:

· Notify each of the organizations above of potential or fraudulent activity concerning your credit.

· Ask for a "Hawk" or "Fraud" Alert to be placed on your credit card file so that you will be notified each time someone requests a check on your credit rating. You will also be alerted to possible use of your information for fraud purposes in the future.

· Ask for a copy of your credit report. After reviewing your credit report, contact all banks and credit card companies where fraudulent credit has been established.

· File affidavits of forgery with all banks and creditors where credit has been established.

· Attempt to file a police report with the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction. It is important to contact the agency where the crime occurred to make the report.

· Request copies of your credit report every six months until your credit is clear.

Precautions a person can take to avoid having their credit compromised:

· Do not throw away credit card statements, bank statements, credit reports, or any other documents with personal information on them. Shred all documents with personal data/account information on it.

· Do not give out your Social Security number if at all possible (substitute your Driver's License number, if necessary).

· Think carefully before giving any information over the Internet.

· Do not put your Social Security number on your Driver's License.

· Place a "Hawk" or "Fraud" alert on your credit files with the three credit bureau's and request that you be contacted each time an inquiry is made on your credit report.

The D.A.R.E. program provides drug and alcohol education to students in many schools. This is followed up by a drug awareness presentation given at various schools. We provide two officers, Ptl. Sharon Easton of the Community Service Division and Sal Feola, who have received special training to administer this very important class.

The Paterson Police Department has several programs available to assist homeowners, businesses and children to understand, detect and prevent crime. McGruff the Crime Dog is available to organizations wanting to promote child safety. He is often used at our elementary schools and at various Day Care Center Programs.

dare to resist drugs graphic banner Neighborhood Crime Watch has two new neighborhood groups that act as the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. Anyone, or any neighborhood group that wants to participate in this program should call the Community Service Division at 973. 321-1212. Homeowners and business can also request a Home or Business Security Check. An officer will respond to your home or place of business to survey your property and provide security information.