7 Crucial Updates About The Garfield Police Station NJ: Leadership, New Initiatives, And 2025 Community Focus

The Garfield Police Department (GPD) in New Jersey is currently undergoing a significant period of modernization and community-focused initiatives, ensuring public safety remains the top priority for the city’s nearly 30,000 residents. As of December 14, 2025, the department is actively implementing several new programs—many with scheduled dates well into the new year—designed to strengthen community bonds, enhance officer training, and tackle contemporary law enforcement challenges, moving beyond traditional policing models.

The GPD serves as the central hub for law enforcement in the City of Garfield, operating from its main headquarters and overseeing a dedicated staff of sworn officers and civilian personnel. This deep dive provides the most current information on the department’s leadership, structure, and the critical programs shaping its future, highlighting why the Garfield Police Department is a progressive force in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Garfield Police Department (GPD) Leadership and Profile

The Garfield Police Department is a local law enforcement agency serving the City of Garfield, New Jersey. It is structured to provide comprehensive public safety services, from emergency response to proactive community outreach.

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• Agency Type: Local Police Department
• Location: 411 Midland Avenue, Garfield, NJ 07026
• Non-Emergency Phone: 973-478-8500
• Population Served: Approximately 29,786 residents
• Number of Officers: 65 sworn officers
• Department Structure: 63 sworn officers, including 1 Chief, 4 Captains, and 4 Lieutenants

Chief of Police: Joseph Delaney

The Garfield Police Department is led by Chief Joseph Delaney, who directs all operations and administrative functions. Chief Delaney’s leadership is focused on maintaining a high standard of professional conduct and fostering a strong relationship between the police and the diverse Garfield community. The Chief's commitment to the city is deeply rooted, as he is known to have grown up within the Garfield community, bringing a personal and dedicated perspective to his role. Under his direction, the department has embraced several forward-thinking initiatives aimed at improving transparency and effectiveness.

Key Personnel and Divisions

The department operates through several specialized divisions and units, ensuring targeted enforcement and community support:

• Commander Jeffrey Stewart: Leads the Community Affairs Division and is a key figure in recent community-bonding initiatives.
• Operations Division: Responsible for patrol and emergency response.
• Detective Division: Handles criminal investigations and complex cases.
• Records Division: Manages all official department documentation and public records requests.
• Administrative Division: Oversees internal affairs, training, and policy implementation.
• Juvenile Services Division Unit: Focuses on youth engagement and intervention programs.

The GPD's Forward-Thinking 2025 Community and Justice Initiatives

In a drive to be a model for modern policing, the Garfield Police Department is heavily invested in several high-profile, progressive programs. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to both public safety and social justice, integrating the police force more deeply into the fabric of the city.

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1. Commitment to the 30x30 Initiative

The Garfield Police Department is a participant in the 30x30 Initiative, a national effort aimed at increasing the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance departmental diversity, improve community outcomes, and ensure that the GPD reflects the population it serves. Research suggests that women in policing often utilize less force, are named in fewer complaints, and see better outcomes for crime victims, particularly in sexual assault cases.

2. Launch of the Community Engagement Center

A major focus under Commander Jeffrey Stewart is the opening of a new Community Engagement Center. This physical location is designed to be a neutral space where residents can interact with officers outside of a traditional law enforcement context. The center supports new community-bonding initiatives and serves as a hub for programs like Generations for Garfield, a collaborative policing model focused on intergenerational support and problem-solving.

3. Proactive Youth and Drug Education Programs

The Juvenile Services Division is critical to the GPD's outreach. The department utilizes School Resource Officers (SROs) to maintain safety and build trust within the Garfield School District. Furthermore, the GPD is a strong proponent of the L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program, which has successfully replaced the older D.A.R.E. program. L.E.A.D. Instructors focus on providing students with the skills to make smart decisions and resist peer pressure regarding substance abuse and violence.

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Essential GPD Services and Upcoming 2025 Events

Beyond emergency response, the Garfield Police Department offers several key services and runs recurring community safety programs that are essential for residents to know about.

National Take-Back Initiative (Scheduled for 2025)

The GPD actively participates in the DEA’s biannual National Take-Back Initiative, a crucial program designed to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medications. This initiative helps prevent accidental poisoning, drug misuse, and environmental contamination. Residents should note the confirmed 2025 dates for this vital service:

• Spring 2025 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Fall 2025 Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

The collection typically takes place at the Garfield Police Department headquarters, providing a secure and anonymous way to clear medicine cabinets.

Specialized Enforcement and Community Support

The department maintains several specialized units to address specific local needs:

• Bicycle Squad: Enhances visibility and allows officers to patrol areas inaccessible to patrol cars, fostering closer community interaction.
• Parking Permit System: The GPD manages the city's parking permit system, a common service for urban areas like Garfield.
• Certified Community Noise Enforcement: Officers are trained and certified to enforce local noise ordinances, helping to resolve quality-of-life issues for residents.
• Accident Investigators: A dedicated team ensures thorough and professional investigation of motor vehicle accidents within city limits.

Recent Garfield Police Blotter Highlights and Public Safety Concerns

The GPD is constantly engaged in maintaining order and investigating significant incidents within the city. Recent high-profile events underscore the department’s ongoing commitment to criminal justice and inter-agency cooperation:

• September 2025 Shooting Incident: The GPD responded to a shooting incident at the intersection of Palisade Avenue in early September 2025, which required a joint investigation with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Such events highlight the department's rapid response capabilities and collaboration with county authorities.
• October 2025 Fire Investigation: The department, under the direction of Chief Delaney, was involved in a joint investigation with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Arson Squad regarding a fire incident in early October 2025.

These recent activities demonstrate the complexity of modern policing in Garfield, which often involves collaboration with county and state agencies to ensure comprehensive investigations and effective prosecution. The department's commitment to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective, and impartially applied remains a core tenet of its mission.

The Garfield Police Department is clearly focused on a progressive future, marked by community engagement, technological adoption, and a commitment to diversity. For residents, staying informed about the GPD's initiatives—from the National Take-Back Initiative dates to the new Community Engagement Center—is the best way to partner with the department to maintain a safe and thriving City of Garfield, New Jersey.