The New Era Of Safety: 7 Key Facts About The Cherry Hill Police Department NJ Under New Leadership

The Cherry Hill Police Department (CHPD) is undergoing a significant transition, marking a new era of public safety and community-based policing for one of New Jersey's largest municipalities. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the department has solidified its commitment to several high-impact initiatives, including a major crackdown on retail crime and a renewed focus on traffic safety.

These strategic moves, coupled with the appointment of a new Chief, demonstrate the CHPD's dedication to maintaining the quality of life for Cherry Hill Township residents. This comprehensive overview provides the latest, most crucial information about the department's structure, leadership, and proactive efforts to enhance safety in the region.

New Leadership Profile: Chief John Ostermueller

The Cherry Hill Police Department is now led by Chief John Ostermueller, who officially assumed the role, replacing Chief Robert Kempf, who retired on December 31, 2024, after 26 years of distinguished service.

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• Name: John Ostermueller
• Title: Chief of Police, Cherry Hill Police Department (CHPD)
• Appointment Date: Confirmed in December 2024, assumed duties in early 2025.
• Predecessor: Chief Robert Kempf
• Background: Chief Ostermueller is a Cherry Hill resident who rose through the ranks of the department, bringing over two decades of law enforcement experience to the top position.
• Core Philosophy: He is recognized as an expert in community-based policing.
• Stated Focus: His primary goal is "Enhancing Public Safety" across the township.
• Appointment Endorsement: His appointment was confirmed by the Township Council and praised by Mayor David Fleisher for his extensive experience, leadership, and commitment.

Major Law Enforcement Initiatives and Crime Crackdowns

The Cherry Hill Police Department's strategy for 2025 is defined by several targeted, high-visibility operations aimed at reducing specific types of crime and improving overall road safety. These initiatives reflect a data-driven approach to policing that addresses the most pressing concerns in the community.

The Retail Theft Initiative: A Major Success

Cherry Hill, home to a significant commercial district including the Cherry Hill Mall, has been proactive in combating organized retail crime. The CHPD’s Retail Theft Initiative has yielded impressive results, including a recent operation that led to the arrest of 38 individuals. This focused effort targets shoplifting and organized theft rings, protecting local businesses and deterring criminal activity that often impacts the quality of life for residents.

Traffic Safety Campaigns: Distracted and Impaired Driving

In partnership with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the CHPD regularly participates in statewide campaigns to make Cherry Hill’s roadways safer. Key campaigns include:

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• "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over": An annual, end-of-year campaign dedicated to cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Distracted Driving Enforcement: The department targets distracted driving, particularly in April, recognizing it as a serious issue contributing to accidents on local roads.
• Crossing Guard Recruitment: As part of its commitment to pedestrian safety, the department continually recruits for dedicated crossing guards to ensure the safety of children traveling to and from Cherry Hill Public Schools.

Commitment to the N.J. Immigration Directive

In a move that aligns the department with state policy and fosters trust within its diverse community, Cherry Hill police officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive. This directive severely limits how and when local law enforcement officers can cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration enforcement operations. This policy is a cornerstone of community-based policing, ensuring residents feel safe reporting crimes regardless of their immigration status.

The Structure of the Cherry Hill Police Department: Key Units and Divisions

The CHPD is organized into specialized units to efficiently address the varied needs of a large, suburban township. These divisions work in concert to provide comprehensive police services, from emergency response to proactive community engagement.

The Patrol Unit and Special Operations

The Patrol Unit is the backbone of the department, providing 24/7 coverage and serving as the first responders to all emergencies in the township. Supporting them are the specialized teams within the department, including:

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• K-9 Unit: Highly trained police dogs and their handlers assist in searches, tracking, and detection.
• Special Operations: This unit often handles complex or high-risk situations.
• Critical Response Team (Tactical Response Team): A highly trained, tactical unit equipped for scenarios requiring specialized police tactics, such as reconnaissance, shield deployment, and high-rise building operations.

The Investigative and Internal Affairs Units

The Investigative Unit focuses on solving complex crimes, including the recent retail theft operations, major property crimes, and violent offenses. Their work is critical for long-term crime reduction and securing convictions. The department also maintains a rigorous Internal Affairs Unit to ensure officer accountability and adherence to the highest professional standards.

The Community Response Unit (CRU) and Community Outreach

The Community Response Unit (CRU) is the dedicated arm for community engagement and problem-solving. While specific, detailed duties are broad, the CRU is the primary contact for residents seeking to partner with the police on non-emergency issues. They can be reached directly via email at copps@cherryhillpolice.com or by phone.

The CRU spearheads several vital community outreach programs, including:

• "This Life Counts": A partnership with the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) that engages tweens, teens, parents, and educators in important discussions about mental health and public safety.
• School Safety and Emergency Management: The CHPD works closely with the Cherry Hill Public Schools Campus Police and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to plan for emergencies, including evacuation and lock-down procedures, ensuring a safe learning environment.
• Memorial and Community Events: Officers regularly participate in community events, such as assisting with flag placement at the Katz JCC in recognition of the 9/11 anniversary.

The commitment to comprehensive Training is also a key component of the CHPD’s operations, ensuring that all officers receive the finest available training to handle the complexities of modern law enforcement.

The Cherry Hill Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Ostermueller, is clearly focused on a modern, community-centric model of policing. By combining aggressive enforcement against major crimes like retail theft with a strong commitment to community trust—as seen in the immigration directive and the work of the CRU—the department is well-positioned to serve the needs of Cherry Hill Township in the coming years. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Community Response Unit as a direct link to their local law enforcement partners.