Services

Forms

All of Branchburg, NJ

Police Department


   
Chief of Police Richard Buck 
Non-Emergency Phone:  908-526-3830
Fax: 908-526-8399
590 Old York Road at Route 202 North
Branchburg, New Jersey 08876  

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BRANCHBURG POLICE FACEBOOK PAGE
to stay up to date on all relative information.
pd car
   

TO OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT
To obtain a copy of an incident report, NOT an accident report please call 908-526-3830 to make an appointment Monday-Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM. 

TO OBTAIN AN ACCIDENT REPORT
Badge_Accident_Report

To obtain a copy of an accident report you must go to the CRASHDOCS website from there you will enter the date, the report number given to you at the scene from the officer and the last name of the driver of either vehicle. If you are missing any of the information please contact the records bureau at (908)526-3830 ext. 400. 

Anyone requesting a copy of an accident report under OPRA must email their request to crashreports@carfax.com.

NOTE:  Please follow the prompts to records. Please allow 10 business days from when the report was taken.

Self Accidents: Accidents that happen 15 minutes prior to reporting or if the involved parties leave the scene must now complete a Self Accident Report (click here) . The accident gets reported to the DMV and not the police department. 

NJ MOTOR VEHICLE HANDICAPPED PLACARD:
In order to apply for a NJ Motor Vehicle Handicapped Placard, you can locate the application by clicking HERE . Please print out the application and complete same at home you then must also have your physician complete their section of the application prior to submitting it.  Please bring the completed form to Police Headquarters along with a $4.00 check made out to NJMVC.  CASH CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.  If applications are in order and completed, the placard will be issued immediately.

MISSION STATEMENT:
"The Branchburg Police Department is dedicated to providing security, protection and professional service to our residents and all who visit or pass through our Township. We will be vigilant in our duties as we strive to improve the quality of life in our Township."

The Branchburg Township Police Department was started on June 16, 1980. The Department currently has 26 full time-sworn officers,
2 civilian employees, 5 crossing guards, and 8 Emergency Management volunteers.

The Department has specialized units comprised of officers who have taken on duties in addition to their patrol or detective work:

 Ø     Detective Bureau
 Ø     Juvenile Officer
 Ø     School Resources
 Ø     Traffic Safety
 Ø     Services
 Ø     First-Aid
 Ø     Explorers
 Ø     Emergency Management

 








DETECTIVE BUREAU:
Captain Edgar oversees this unit with the assistance of Detective Sergeant Michael DeCandia. The Unit consists of one additional Detective, Detective Michael Lester. The Detective Bureau is responsible for handling all of our Departments investigations and crime scenes.  The Detective Bureau is also involved in all juvenile matters, Megan’s Law, Evidence/Property and Firearms Application processing. CPT. Edgar can be reached at Extension 419, DSGT. DeCandia can be reached at Extension 445 and DET. Lester can be reached at extension 470 .  For any firearms application related questions, an e-mail can be sent to firearms@branchburg.nj.us which will be received by all Detectives for a quicker response.


COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Police Community Relations Unit frequently provides information on upcoming events, safety lectures and demonstrations to youth groups, schools, businesses, senior citizen facilities and faith-based organizations.

Community Relations unit is dedicated to the goal of bringing the community and the Branchburg Township Police Department together to solve community problems and interact with one another. Community Relations routinely develops alternate methods of policing. 

These alternate methods offer viable solutions, introduce new tools and encourage the community to problem solve hand-in-hand with the Police Department.

The goal of Community Relations is to reduce the number of repeat calls for service by offering a long-term solution to the problem. The Branchburg Township Police Department recognizes that it can rarely solve public safety problems alone. Therefore, it embraces the philosophy of community policing.

Cpl. Jonathan Elbert ext. 442 will be the departments point of contact for all community relation events, lectures and demonstrations.  


UPCOMING EVENTS:

Coffee with a Cop

coffee


Building relationships one cup at a time!

Coffee with a Cop brings Branchburg Township police officers and the community members we serve together over coffee to discuss issues and learn more about each other.  Together, we can break down the barriers. 

Branchburg police officers and members of the community take time to come together at a local location to provide an opportunity for real conversations about topics that matter.  The informal setting allows Branchburg residents time to sit down with our officers, ask questions, and share what’s on your mind. 

Ultimately, the goal is for the Branchburg citizens and Branchburg officers to get to know each other, discover mutual objectives for the Township of Branchburg, and strengthen the community partnership. Any upcoming “Coffee with a Cop” meetings will be posted here, as well as on Facebook.

Upcoming Coffee with a Cop events:  Please check back at a later date or periodically on our Facebook page linked above.


Past Events:

National Night Out

Is held annually on the first Tuesday night in August. Each National Night Out the Branchburg Police Department and the Branchburg Township Recreation Department have their annual softball game and we encourage the residents to come out and watch. 

Megan Rose Bradley Foundation:

Megan Rose Bradley was a Branchburg resident who was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away a month later. Each year we participate with the Branchburg Central Middle School and have a teacher’s vs police department sports event to aid in raising money for the Foundation. 

9/11 Anniversary Ceremony

The North Branch Volunteer Fire Company firefighters and the Branchburg police will conduct an observance ceremony this September to remember all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the Global War on Terrorism.

The ceremony will be held at the North Branch Fire House located at 169 Rt. 28 Branchburg, NJ 08876 at 9AM. There will be guest speakers, a moment of silence, bagpipes and a flyover. This event is free and open to the public, attendance is strongly encouraged. For more information please click here

Branchburg Country Fair

The 24th Annual Branchburg Country Fair is approaching! It will be held on Saturday, September 25 and includes entertainment, contests, food, activities, fireworks and much more. The police department will have informational tables for our D.A.R.E. program, Explorer’s Program as well as our P.B.A. 397. There will also be a car & truck show. The fair begins at 11 a.m., ending with fireworks at 8 p.m. at White Oak Park, Branchburg, NJ.


BREAST CANCER CAR

Pink Patrol Car- Breast Cancer Awareness 
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the United States. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. It takes the lives, on average, of 40,000 women a year.

That is why the entire month of October, the Branchburg Police Department proudly drive and display one of our patrol vehicles wrapped in PINK.

We are now joining in the battle against breast cancer and proving we can fight more than just crime and encourage the public to aid against this battle with us by taking pictures with our patrol cars and tagging us on facebook 

No Shave November
This annual event involves the Officers of Branchburg Police department in growing their mustaches or beards during the month of November (which has now been extended until the end of the year) to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.

From November until the end of the year, the Branchburg Local P.B.A. 397 accepts donations through their Facebook page and all the proceeds go to honor Scott Oldenburg, a police lieutenant of Readington Township Police department, father, husband, son, uncle and friend who passed away in 2007 from pancreatic cancer.

**all donations can be sent to the Branchburg Local P.B.A. 397**


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OPERATION BLUE GUARDIAN:

The Branchburg Township Police Department is please to announce the availability of the "Operation Blue Guardian" program for residents of Branchburg Township.  This free program is open to:

Residents 55 years of age or older who live alone, or will be alone for extended periods of time on a regular basis; or persons with medical condition(s) and/or disability(s) which could lead to incapacitation who live alone, or are alone for extended periods of time on a regular basis; or live with a household member that meets any of the above listed requirements.

The Operation Blue Guardian program consists of a lockbox, which will be owned and maintained by the Branchburg Police Department, which will be placed on the participant's door by Branchburg Police personnel.  The lockbox will contain a key to the residence (supplied by the resident/homeowner), and the key will only be accessed by responding Police Officers in the event of an emergency where Officers cannot gain access to the residence.  The Operation Blue Guardian program lockbox will not be accessed by anyone for any other reason(s) other than such an emergency situation.

Any interested residents are encouraged to print out and complete the (1) Operation Blue Guardian Application form in its entirety, as well as complete/sign the (2) Operation Blue Guardian Waiver form.  After both forms are completed, please return the signed copies to:
Branchburg Township Police Department
ATTN Operation Blue Guardian Coordinator
590 Old York Road
Branchburg, NJ 08876  

An Officer from the Branchburg Police Department will be in touch regarding your acceptance into the program.  Any questions concerning the Operation Blue Guardian program can be directed to Captain Edward Edgar (Badge #507) at 908-526-3830 ext. 419 or via e-mail (edward.edgar@branchburg.nj.us) or Corporal Jonathan Elbert at 908-526-3830 Ext. 442 or via e-mail (jon.elbert@branchburg.nj.us).


EXPLORERS PROGRAM:

Branchburg Police sponsors a BSA Police Explorers program to teach youths between the ages of 14 and 21 about laws, law enforcement, and police services.   They learn to become better equipped to handle life’s emergencies and to protect themselves. They meet every other Thursday 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

If your child would like to join, please contact DSgt. DeCandia at ext 445, Cpl. Elbert at ext. 442 or Sgt. Macartney at ext. 435. 

Many of the Explorers later on become police officers, corrections, legal, rescue squad and fire department personnel.


SCHOOL RESOURCES:
Cpl. Elbert is currently in charge of our D.A.R.E. program with DSgt. Michael DeCandia assisting.  The D.A.R.E. program teaches children about drug and alcohol abuse. Safety issues are taught to grades K-4 about using 911 and Stranger-Danger!   The School Resource Officers make visitations to the Central School lunchroom to keep in contact with students, as they get older.  The officers also attend many other school functions: school dances, games, and plays.  This allows an open line of conversation between students/police officers in which students feel free to express their concerns and problems.  Officers also make visits to Midland School and other pre-schools in Branchburg Township.


CHILD SEATS:
Certified Child Seat Inspectors:
Corporal Jeremy Weniger
Corporal Jonathan Elbert
Officer Bryan Russoniello
Contact Information to set up an appointment: Corporal Weniger (908-526-3830 Extension 455), Corporal Elbert (Extension 442) or Officer Russoniello (Extension 468).

Your child’s car seat can be checked to make sure it is securely installed, for recalls, and other safety issues with vehicle occupant protection.

In addition, Branchburg Police Department offers residents Child Safety Cards.  These cards contain your child’s name and photo and parent’s contact phone numbers.  This card is handy for grandparents, babysitters, and daycare professionals who watch over your child.  The card contains the pertinent contact information as well as what to do if your child becomes missing. For an appointment please contact the Branchburg Police Department Mon-Fri from 8 AM - 4 PM at 908-526-3830.

Branchburg Police are now equipped with vehicle lockout tools to open cars that have children locked inside.  This was partly funded by private donations.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign is the first and only national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury.


SPECIAL DUTY OFFICER FOR HIRE:
Branchburg Officers on Special Duty Assignments are primarily hired to maintain order, provide security, facilitate traffic flow, and take action against violations of the law.


If you would like to hire an Officer for a special duty assignment, please contact the company Jobs4Blue at 1 (877)425-8330, they can be reached at any time, 24 hours a day.


FIRST-AID:
Our Patrol officers are trained and certified in First-Aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automatic External Defibrillation. We carry first-aid kits and Defibrillators in the patrol cars and respond to medical emergencies with the Branchburg Rescue Squad.


TRAFFIC SAFETY:
The Traffic Safety Unit is being handled by LT. Scott Jepsen who is involved in all aspects of traffic safety: enforcement, road closures, and roadwork zone safety. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Traffic Safety or Enforcement please contact LT. Jepsen at ext. 446.


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
Are Branchburg residents really prepared should disaster hit? The time to prepare is now, long before the storms and other disasters occur.  Please check the links below for more information concerning Homeland Security and other information on preparedness.

For citizens interested in becoming involved in Emergency Management, the township offers many opportunities to do just that. The Office of Emergency Management has begun a program of recruiting volunteers for its CERT Program. This federally funded program trains residents to help themselves, their neighbors and their community during disasters. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) provides basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to improve the ability of the citizens to survive until emergency personnel arrive. CERT teams have been used to search for lost or kidnapped children, staff Emergency Operations Centers and assist Red Cross and other relief organizations on mass care. CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over an eight-week period. We currently have 9 active members with 4 associates. 
For more information, please contact Officer Bryan Russoniello, Coordinator, Office Of Emergency Management, at 908-526-3830 EXT. 468.

To look at the brochure click here: http://www.branchburg.nj.us/documents/index.php#revize_document_center_rz71


PBA:
Branchburg PBA Local 397
P.O. Box 5203
North Branch, N.J. 08876
Bryan Russoniello, President, 908-526-3830 EXT. 468
Branchburg PBA Does NOT  solicit by telephone
PBA FACEBOOK
Donations:click here


BURGLAR & FIRE ALARMS: 
Alarms are required to be registered with the Department of Fire Safety.  This includes all residential and business alarm systems.  We request your assistance in managing your alarm for the protection they were designed for and for more efficient use of your Fire and Police Services.  False fire/burglar alarms will be prosecuted according to Township Ordinances.  Registration forms can be picked up at the Municipal Building, Police HQ or online.


FIREARMS APPLICATIONS:
INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: click here for the application process website
Step 2: Branchburg Police ORI Number is- NJ0180500
Step 3: Complete online application. You may complete application using a smartphone, mobile device, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. When completing the application you will need the email addresses of (2) reputable references. If you do not have Internet or Email access you can still pickup an application at the Police Department.
Step 4: Payment will be required at the time of pick up for your initial Firearms Identification Card (FID Card) and/or Pistol Purchase Permits. Your documents will not be released without payment. Payment will not be accepted before your documents are completed by the Firearms Unit. A Non-refundable payment is required to be made prior to the completion of the background as per NJSC 13:54.1.4.

Application Process Information:
-The online application is applicant driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best phone numbers for yourself and references as well the best email addresses for you and your references.
-You will be receiving automated email updates throughout this new process.
-Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered and to be sure to check their Spam/Junk Folders as well depending on their email settings.
-Your references can complete the questions using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. Please advise them to complete the questions immediately to progress your background application.
-Once your application is complete, a representative from the Branchburg Firearms Investigation Unit will contact you to retrieve your FID card and/or Pistol Purchase Permit documents.
-Cost: Firearms ID Card- $50, Firearms Purchase Permits $25 each. Payment: Cash (EXACT change), Check or Money order made payable to Branchburg Township.
-Any questions or concerns please call (908)526-3830 opt. 3 or email: Firearms@branchburg.nj.us and speak with our Firearms unit directly.

Applying for a Permit to Carry a Handgun
Updated 08/17/2023
Application for a Permit to carry a Handgun can now be completed online through the NJSP web

portal at the following link: https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/ConcealedCarry/

Below are the items you will need to complete an initial permit or renewal of an existing permit.

Initial Permit to Carry Application
• SBI Number
• Upload of recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders)
• One (1) training record completed within the past two (2) years, instructor name, and
qualification date
• Personal Information: including Social Security Number and Driver's License Number
• Background Information
• For Armored Car Applicants: Uploaded Employment Letter
• Contact Information for four (4) non-family related references
• Information on handguns to be carried
• $200 Application Fee ($50.00 paid to the Treasurer State of NJ / $150.00 paid to The
Branchburg Township Police Department upon application approval)

Permit to Carry Renewal
• SBI Number, Last Name and Date of Birth for validation
• One (1) training record completed within past two (2) years, instructor name, and qualification
date
• Any updates to Personal Information
• Upload of recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders)
• Background Information
• Any updates to Handgun Information
• $200 Application Fee ($50.00 paid to the Treasurer State of NJ / $150.00 Paid to The
Branchburg Township Police Department upon application approval)

A NEW JERSEY PERMIT TO CARRY IS VALID FOR TWO (2) YEARS FROM TIME
OF APPROVAL


INTERNAL AFFAIRS:
Public approval plays a crucial role in determining a Law Enforcement agency’s effectiveness.  Law Enforcement agencies must therefore provide formal procedures for the investigation of complaints as well as the administration of corrective options, such as discipline.

The establishment of such procedures instills confidence in the agency’s integrity which, in-turn, engenders community support.  Prevention is the primary means of reducing and controlling employee misconduct.  To that end, it is the policy of the Branchburg Township Police Department to discover and correct organizational conditions which permit misconduct to occur by accepting and investigating all complaints of alleged agency or employee misconduct from any source, even an anonymous one.

The Branchburg Township Police Department has formal procedures in place for investigating complaints against a Police Officer.  These procedures ensure fairness and protect the rights of both citizens and the Officer(s).

If you decide to file a formal complaint, your complaint will be sent to a superior Officer, or a specially trained Internal Affairs Officer, who will conduct a thorough and objective investigation.  You may be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or providing other important information.

All complaints against Police Officers will be thoroughly investigated.  You will be advised in writing of the outcome of the investigation.

You should be aware of the following:

If our investigation shows that a crime may have been committed, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office will be notified. You may be asked to testify in court.
If our investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of Department rules, you may be asked to testify in a Departmental hearing.
If our investigation shows that the complaint is not sustained, is unfounded, or that the Officer acted properly, the matter will be closed.
All disciplinary hearings shall be closed to the public unless the defendant Officer requests an open hearing.

You can call Police Headquarters to have the form mailed to you or stop by Police Headquarters and pick the form up.  The completed form can be mailed anonymously to Police Headquarters as well, if you wish. 

The Internal Affairs Division can be contacted at 908-526-3830 EXT. 419.

***To Access a Branchburg Township Police Department Internal Affairs (IA) Complaint Form, Please Refer to the 'Document Center' of this Website, and Scroll Down to "Police" - OR Click Here to Download the Form***

***ALL Internal Affairs Complaint(s) can be mailed to Branchburg Police Headquarters (590 Old York Road Branchburg, NJ 08876), hand delivered to our agency, or submitted online***

***To submit Internal Affairs Complaint(s) online, please visit Branchburg Township's "Citizen Portal Login" SDL Portal - SDL Portal Login***

Arabic PDF
Chinese PDF
English PDF
Haitian PDF
Hindi PDF
Korean PDF
Polish PDF
Portuguese PDF
Spanish PDF
Tagalog PDF
Vietnamese PDF


***To View Branchburg PD's Annual Internal Affairs and Annual Use of Force Summary Reports Please Refer to the 'Document Center' Section of this Website, and Scroll Down to 'Police' ***

***Additional information regarding the New Jersey Attorney General's Internal Affairs Policies & Procedures (NJ AG IAPP) can be found on the NJ AG's website - State of NJ AG IAPP *** 


DRUG TESTING POLICY:
Please refer to the 'Document Center' of this website, and scroll down to 'Police' to view the Branchburg Township Police Department's Drug Testing Policy.


BODY CAMERAS
The members of the Branchburg Township Police Department are expected to be professional and respectful at all times. Likewise, the members of the department expect to be treated with the same respect. On May 3, 2022 every member of the Branchburg Township Police Department was issued a body worn camera and will wear it daily. These cameras not only protect the public, but also to enhance our ability to investigate allegations made against our officers. We are providing the following photographs, so the public is aware of what to look for when interacting with our officers. 


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The first photographs is a picture of the Body Worn Camera and the second photographs is how the camera will be worn by a uniformed officer.
EMPLOYMENT

The Branchburg Township Police Department is not hiring sworn police officers at this time.

When employment opportunities are available, a job posting will be posted on PoliceAPP.com and will also be advertised on our Departments Facebook Page.

Please Refer to the "Document Center" of this Website and Scroll Down to "Police" for Branchburg Township Police Departments Recruitment Plan



NON-IMMIGRANT VISA STATUS CERTIFICATIONS:
An Immigrant Visa is issued to a person wishing to live permanently in the United States. A Non-Immigrant Visa is issued to a person with permanent residence outside the United States, but who wishes to remain in the United States on a temporary basis for a variety of reasons (ie: tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study, etc). There are two types of Non-Immigrant Visas that require the involvement of Law Enforcement, U-Visas and T-Visas.

  • U-Visa: a Non-Immigrant Visa which is set aside for victims of crimes (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the United States and who are willing to assist Law Enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. It permits such victims to enter or remain in the United States when they might not otherwise be able to do so.
  • T-Visa: a Non-Immigrant Visa allowing certain victims of human trafficking (and their immediate family members) to remain and work temporarily in the United States, typically if they agree to assist Law Enforcement in prosecuting the      perpetrators.

Individuals applying for either of these types of Non-Immigrant Visas must fill out the appropriate application through the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Service (USCIS).  

U-Visa – Form I-918:  ***Refer to the Bottom of this Page for Instructions/Form***

T-Visa – Form I-914:  ***Refer to the Bottom of this Page for Instructions/Form***

Each of these applications have supplemental forms (I-918 Supplement B and I-914 Supplement B), also known as Certification Forms, which must be filled-out by the Law Enforcement agency which investigated/prosecuted the matter. Any request made to the Branchburg Township Police Department to complete such a certification form must be made in-person at Police Headquarters. Applicants should follow the instructions on the above website links, and bring all completed paperwork and necessary identification with them when they come to Police Headquarters.


For a complete list of Police Department and public safety links, please visit our related links page by clicking here.

Other Phone Numbers:

Ø    Sexual Assault Support Services Women’s Health and Counseling Center: 908-526-7444

Ø     Richard Hall Mental Health Center: 908-725-2800

Ø     Resource Center For Women and Their Families Emergency Shelter & 24-Hr. Hotline: 908-685-1122 or 1-866-685-1122

Ø The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: The Nation’s Resource Center for Child Protection, or call 1-800-THE-LOST.


StopIt - Copy (2)
The Somerset County Prosecutors Office has launched the STOP!T App. This is an App that allows Somerset County residents to anonymously report crime and be a part of the process to make their communities safer. The App also has several other uses. The App has a Get Help section with resources for Opiate Addiction, Child Abuse, Suicide Prevention, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault. There is also a Notification function where The Somerset County Prosecutors Office can send out alerts to all STOP!T users, whether it’s about crime in certain areas or wanted individuals. The App is also 100% ANONYMOUS. Please download the app today for free from iTunes or Google Play. Use the Access Code SOMERSETNJ
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I-918, Petition for U Non immigrant Status

INSTRUCTIONS                        I-918 FORM
       Form_Doc_Icon1                            Form_Doc_Icon1 


I-914, Application for T Non immigrant Status

INSTRUCTIONS                        I-914 FORM
       Form_Doc_Icon1                            Form_Doc_Icon1