Edison Township, New Jersey, has experienced a significant increase in crime rates during Mayor Sam Joshi’s tenure. According to data from the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, between 2021 and 2023, Edison saw a 70.5% rise in total offenses. Specific increases includes:
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- Robberies: Up 82.8%
- Assaults: Up 56.3%
- Burglaries: Up 52.7%
These figures have raised concerns among residents and local officials about public safety in the township. (Ref: Edison Reporter).
Edison Township has deployed inflatable police decoys and unmanned substations as part of its public safety strategy. These measures have sparked significant controversy and criticism among residents.
For a Smarter, Safer Edison – Edison deserves proactive leadership when it comes to safety — not just reacting after the fact.
As mayor, I commit to implement Crime Reduction Strategy: “Safe Streets, Stronger Edison”
1. Modernize the Police Force — Real Presence, Not Props
- End the use of inflatable decoys and reassign funds to hire additional patrol officers, particularly for neighborhoods with high call volumes.
- Reopen or restaff substations with real personnel, especially in high-traffic corridors like Oak Tree Road and Talmadge Road.
- Reform scheduling to maximize visible patrol coverage during peak crime hours (dusk to midnight).
2. Community-Based Policing
- Launch “Beat Cop” Programs: Assign officers to specific neighborhoods to build familiarity, trust, and quicker response.
- Neighborhood Safety Councils: Monthly meetings with residents, business owners, and police to report, track, and solve issues together.
3. Technology That Works
- Expand license plate reader coverage, but tie it to real-time police response and transparency reports on usage.
- Create a “Crime Dashboard” where residents can see up-to-date reports on arrests, hotspots, and safety initiatives.
- Use body-worn camera footage reviews for both transparency and officer training.
4. Youth & Prevention Programs
- Youth outreach task force: Police and community leaders go into middle/high schools monthly.
- After-school safety zones: Fund local gyms, rec centers, and libraries to stay open late with supervision and programming.
- Job training & mentorship for at-risk teens, connecting them with local businesses.
5. Tackle Root Causes
- Expand mental health response partnerships — deploy co-responder units (clinician + officer) for non-violent crises.
- Partner with the county for domestic violence rapid housing and therapy support.
- Launch violence interruption programs in areas with repeat incidents (e.g. modeled after Newark’s successful “Brick City Peace Collective”).
6. Hold Leadership Accountable
- Appoint a new police chief or review current leadership if trust is eroded.
- Conduct a full public safety audit within your first 90 days.
- Require quarterly performance reviews from public safety departments — published publicly.
Safety is not negotiable. It’s the foundation of a thriving community. Together, we will build a smarter, stronger, safer Edison.
#SaferEdison #LeadershipForChange