Pubdate: Mon, 28 Apr 2014
Source: South Jersey Times (NJ)
Copyright: 2014 New Jersey On-Line LLC
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/southjerseytimes/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5507
Author: Brittany M. Wehner

PENNSVILLE POLICE PROACTIVE IN 'WAR ON DRUGS'

PENNSVILLE TWP. - The Pennsville Police Department has been proactive
in the war on drugs through large narcotic arrests, community
outreach, and up-to-date training.

Pennsville Police Chief Allen J. Cummings has made it known that if
drugs are brought in to the township, the local department will fight
to keep them off the street.

Since June 4, the township's police department has made 138 narcotics
arrests, and approximately 20 residential or vehicle searches prompted
by drug relation.

After Cummings became the department's new chief, he made it a mission
to concentrate on drug trafficking in town.

"Drugs lead to burglaries and thefts, they are all lumped together.
Most people with drug dependency engage in theft behavior to support
their habits," the police chief said.

Cummings added that from the first meeting with the department after
he was promoted to chief last year, he wanted officers to get more
involved in search warrants, public speaking, and engaging as much as
possible with the community.

Growing up in Pennsville, Cummings said there was always a lot of
support from the community, but the township has changed.

Because of the economy, people are out of jobs, moving in to the area
from out of state, and it is important for the department to know who
is in the township.

"The locals are concerned about people coming in from out of state. As
officers, we need to know who they are, the people that live here and
my main thing is I want our guys to do field interviews and know who
people are. It will make a difference, but it won't happen over
night," the chief said.

By taking a more proactive approach on drugs, the department has been
getting large amounts of drugs off the street.

Just this past Tuesday, police intercepted a drug deal resulting in
the arrest of a Mount Ephraim man who was found in possession of about
$3,000 worth of prepackaged cocaine. And earlier this month, two men -
one of Salem and one of Camden - were arrested following a drug bust
in which 170 bags of heroin were uncovered.

"It all leads back to people who have a dependency problem. We're
going to continue and my goal is to change the image of
Pennsville."

"I don't want Pennsville to be known as a town where police are just
arresting drunk drivers - if you are coming to sell drugs and bring
them into this town, we are going to get you," Cummings said.

Another success in the department has been the collection of
prescription drugs and getting them out of the wrong hands.

Last December, the Pennsville Police Department installed a drop box
for prescription medications.

Since its installment, the department has been able to empty pills
from the months of December, January, March and February, collecting
about 550 pounds per month.

The police chief tries to attend as many town watch meetings as
possible, for they are the eyes and ears of the community, he said.

Additionally, the police department has continuously posted on social
networking the results of arrests in town.

"We're getting a lot of good feedback and it's about informing the
community of these investigations. People are saying positive things
about the department and they are receptive," the chief said.

The Pennsville Police Department currently has 20 officers.

"I'm very proud of the guys in this department. Lt. Kirk Cooksey has
led this charge and he's done a phenomenal job with all the officers
of this department, leading them in drug investigation," Cummings said.

While the township has seen numerous drug arrests, Cummings said
eventually, the goal is for people to know they will get caught and to
deter drug dealers from coming to Pennsville.
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