5 Critical Updates: What The Brick Township Police Department Is Doing Right Now (2025)

The Brick Township Police Department (BTPD) is currently undergoing a period of significant modernization and community-focused strategic development, with a strong emphasis on technology integration and addiction recovery. As of December 2025, the department is actively implementing several new programs—such as the innovative Operation SafeLock Project—while maintaining its core mission to protect life and property in the Brick Township community. This deep dive explores the latest leadership profile, the key operational divisions, and the critical recent events that define the BTPD’s current status. The BTPD’s commitment to transparency and community engagement is evident in its use of platforms like Nixle and Facebook to keep residents informed, a strategy that complements its on-the-ground policing efforts. This focus is crucial as the department navigates complex issues like the ongoing opioid crisis and high-profile investigations, ensuring that both public safety and officer accountability remain top priorities.

The Profile of Brick Township Police Leadership

The Brick Township Police Department is currently led by Chief David Forrester, who represents the fourth Chief in the department’s over 50-year history. Chief Forrester was sworn into his role by Mayor John Ducey, bringing a wealth of experience to the position. He is a veteran of the department, having served for 27 years before taking the top leadership position. His tenure has been marked by a focus on integrating modern technology and expanding community-oriented policing strategies, building upon the foundations laid by previous leadership, including former Chief James Riccio. The Office of the Chief oversees the entire organizational structure, ensuring all divisions—Operations, Community Policing, Administrative Services, and Investigations—work cohesively to achieve the department's mission. This leadership team, which saw the retirement of Deputy Chief Gerling in April 2023, is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service.

Key Divisions Driving BTPD Operations

The Brick Township Police Department is structured into several specialized divisions, each critical to the overall success of law enforcement and community relations.

1. The Operations Division

The Operations Division is the largest and most visible component of the BTPD, serving as the core of the department. This division is responsible for 24/7 patrol and emergency response throughout Brick Township. Its personnel are the first responders to calls for service, traffic incidents, and criminal activity, making them the backbone of public safety. The division is staffed with one Captain and two Lieutenants, along with numerous Sergeants and Officers who manage the daily patrol shifts.

2. Community Policing Division

The Community Policing Division is the primary link between the department and the residents. It is staffed by a dedicated team, including a Captain, a Lieutenant, two Sergeants, eight Officers, and an Administrative Assistant. This division is responsible for implementing outreach programs, managing neighborhood watch groups, and fostering positive relationships with the community. A recent success includes an officer graduating from the New Jersey Chiefs of Police in 2024, highlighting the focus on professional development within the division.

3. Administrative Services Division

This division handles the critical internal functions of the department, ensuring smooth operations and compliance. It is staffed by the Deputy Chief, two Lieutenants, two Sergeants, and three officers, supported by an administrative assistant. Responsibilities include managing records, training, budgeting, and the implementation of new technology, such as the Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. The BWC policy ensures officers utilize the cameras to assist agency personnel in documenting interactions and maintaining transparency.

4. Investigations Division

The Investigations Division is tasked with following up on serious crimes and complex cases. Detectives in this division work closely with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office on major incidents, such as the investigation into a death in Brick Township in May 2024.

Innovative Community Safety and Outreach Initiatives

The BTPD has launched several fresh initiatives to enhance public safety and address the specific needs of its residents, moving beyond traditional law enforcement.

Operation SafeLock Project

The Operation SafeLock Project is a new community safety and outreach program designed to provide rapid emergency access to homes. This program is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, individuals with medical conditions, or those who live alone, where a few seconds can be critical in a medical emergency or a fall. It allows quick access to a residence when time is of the essence, potentially saving lives by enabling emergency personnel to bypass locked doors. To get the program off the ground, the department received a donation from Artis Senior Living, demonstrating a partnership between the BTPD and local organizations.

The Blue HART Program (Heroin Addiction Recovery and Treatment)

The BTPD is a key participant in the state-wide effort to combat the opioid crisis through the Heroin Addiction Recovery and Treatment (HART) Program, now known as "Blue HART." This initiative focuses on substantial diversion help, offering addicts a path to treatment instead of immediate incarceration. The program is a collaborative effort between the BTPD, the Ocean County Prosecutor, and other county police departments, including Toms River Police Department. Residents seeking help for addiction can visit the Brick Township Police Department on any Thursday for assistance and referral to treatment centers like Sunrise Detox Toms River. The program has yielded positive results, contributing to a reduction in both overdoses and overdose deaths in the township.

Technological Integration and Transparency

The BTPD has embraced modern technology to improve both operational efficiency and public transparency. * Body Worn Cameras (BWCs): The department utilizes BWCs to document interactions, which serves to protect both the public and the officers involved in incidents. * Neighbors by Ring Partnership: The BTPD joined the "Neighbors by Ring" program to leverage community-submitted video footage, enhancing situational awareness and aiding in investigations. * Digital Communication: The use of Nixle and Facebook allows for instantaneous communication of alerts, announcements, and safety information to the public, fulfilling the mission to keep the community better informed.

Accountability and Major Incidents

In line with its commitment to transparency, the BTPD has been involved in several high-profile matters recently that underscore the challenges and responsibilities of modern policing.

High-Profile Investigation (2024)

In May 2024, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office initiated an investigation into a death in Brick Township. The investigation began shortly after 4:27 p.m. when BTPD officers were dispatched to the scene. Such investigations are standard practice in New Jersey for certain types of incidents, ensuring an independent review of the circumstances.

Major Discipline Reporting

The New Jersey Attorney General’s annual Major Discipline report includes law enforcement officers from across the state who have been subject to significant disciplinary action. A Brick Township police officer was named in this report, reflecting the department's participation in state-mandated accountability measures. This public reporting is part of a broader effort by the state to promote transparency and address instances of officer misconduct, regardless of the nature of the event, which may include off-duty incidents. The BTPD’s proactive engagement with state-level initiatives, including those focused on accountability and community outreach, demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and service to the residents of Brick Township.