The Lakewood UEZ’s application for $690,000 to continue employing six (6) police officers to enhance public safety within the Lakewood Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries for the year 2011, beginning January 1 through December 31, has been approved by the N.J. Urban Enterprise Zone. The UEZ officers are needed to help facilitate the daily flow of traffic, which has increased drastically in the UEZ district through streets that were not designed for the growing volume of traffic.

“Among other duties, the UEZ police officers strive to maintain order in the densely populated and culturally diverse business district that includes apartments and a large day laborer population, says the Township. “The officers are also an integral part of Lakewood’s anti-gang initiative”.

“Another key responsibility of the UEZ officers assigned to this zone is the enhancement of the quality of life. The UEZ officers continually work to increase the quality of life of the residents, business owners, and patrons who visit the area, routinely talking with merchants to see if they can resolve any police-related issues. The presence of officers minimizes such behavior as public intoxication, disorderliness, and drug-dealing activities”.

UEZ officers are assigned to patrol activities in Lakewood’s downtown business district on foot, bicycle, and motorized patrol in vehicles specifically allocated to the UEZ. Officers from the patrol division of the police department also work in conjunction with the UEZ officers by conducting quality of life details that aggressively respond to issues, including Lakewood’s homeless situation.

Patricia Komsa, executive director of Lakewood’s UEZ, says, “While there is no consistent way to quantify what crimes have been deterred by the presence of the officers, the UEZ area would certainly be less shopper and business friendly without their presence. It would be impossible to overstate the overall economic impact of not having the UEZ officers available to assist in policing this area.”