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Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Lacey Township Police Department to protect the lives and property of those who visit, work, or reside in Forked River, Lanoka Harbor, and Bamber Lake, New Jersey. We, as the dedicated members of the Lacey Township Police Department, are committed to working diligently toward reducing criminal activity and victimization while improving the quality of life of the residents we so proudly serve. Our promise is to serve with honor and the highest level of integrity to maintain the public’s confidence in our organization.
Welcome to the Lacey Township Police Department Website
The dedicated members of the Lacey Township Police Department are committed to providing the highest level of service to the community. This includes the use of technology to not only ensure our law enforcement efforts are more efficient and effective, but to also provide the community with convenient services and timely information. You may obtain a motor vehicle accident report, valuable information on identity theft, neighborhood crime alerts, information on the passage of new laws, and much more. Please feel free to browse this website to familiarize yourself with the Lacey Township Police Department and the services available. This site will continue to evolve as additional opportunities to serve you better become available.
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Department News – Lacey Township Police Department – Elf Officer Justice – December 4, 2020
Day 4: One of the most important aspects of a Lacey Township Police Officer’s day is ensuring the safety and well being of both students and staff, within the Lacey Township School District. Today, Elf Officer Justice conducted a School Resource “Walk through” at the Lacey Township Middle School, where he assisted our assigned School Resource Officer, and briefed Principal Jason King on his upcoming assignments. Principal King welcomed Elf Off. Justice to his office, where he explained the day-to-day operations at Lacey Township Middle School, in addition to his responsibilities as School Principal. We thank Principal King, and all the staff of LTMS, for their time spent to accommodate Elf Off. Justice.”
Avoid Scams- December 3, 2020
The Lacey Township Police Department continues to receive complaints from residents reporting scams. Once again, we are urging our residents not to provide personal information over the phone or agree to purchase gift cards to alleviate debt. Criminals are constantly seeking new ways to convince victims, over the phone or Internet, to provide them with cash and information. Many of the scams target the elderly who are often deceived due to their kindness. Below are several current scams that should be avoided: Microsoft- Victims receive a phone call or email pertaining to the slow speed of their computer. Victims are asked to forward money to address the issue. Microsoft or Apple- Victims are contacted and told that their computer and personal information have been compromised. The victim allows the caller to remotely access their computer and is asked to provide their bank information. Money is then transferred to an out-of-country account. Rental Properties- Victims searching for a rental home often answer Internet offers. Many times, criminals copy current real estate adds and have deposits forwarded to an account to secure the property. Family member arrested- The victim, usually elderly, is contacted by phone and told that a family member has [...]
Department News – Lacey Township Police Department – Elf Officer Justice – December 3rd, 2020
Day 3: Before Elf Off. Justice begins his patrol of Lacey Township, he must be equipped with the proper tools. Elf. Off. Justice visited our Department of Public Works Garage, where his newly assigned patrol vehicle was inspected and tuned up by our mechanics. Our police officers cover a large area in their patrol vehicles during their respective shifts. It is not uncommon for our patrol vehicles to need proper maintenance and repairs, especially because they are often being utilized with little to no rest. Now that Elf. Off. Justice has been properly equipped, he will begin his assignments on patrol.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 7th through February 13th, 2020
Arrest- On Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 8:56 a.m., Officers Dan Ricciardella and Michael Verwey arrested John Panagakos, 37, at his Forked River home. Panagakos was wanted in connection with an outstanding Lacey Municipal Court warrant. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform. Fraud- On Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 5:07 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno met with a Forked River resident reporting fraud. The resident reported that he was contacted by McAfee Virus Software and allowed the representative access to his computer. During the access, the suspect, who was not an employee of McAfee, was able to transfer funds from the victim’s bank account. Arrest- On Friday, February 7, 2020, at 2:39 p.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop on Sunrise Boulevard. During the stop, the driver, Zakiya Thomas, 25, was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant. Thomas was transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility for the Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant. Burglary- On Friday, February 7, 2020, at 6:12 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to a Route 9 commercial business in reference to a break-in. The owner reported that on an unknown date, someone broke [...]
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 31st through February 6th, 2020
Arrest- On Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 8:17 p.m., Officer Michael Hein was dispatched to the Lacey Mall parking lot in reference to several suspicious males. During his response, Officer Hein identified one of the actors as Charles Maulbeck. Dispatch advised that Maulbeck was wanted for outstanding warrants issued by two jurisdictions. Maulbeck was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,882 cash bail. Arrest- On Friday, January 31, 2020, at 6:30 a.m., three officers were dispatched to Montauk Drive for a disturbance. During the investigation, Daniel Gaboff, 35, was placed under arrest after officers discovered marijuana in his vehicle. Gaboff was charged with Possession of Over 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. He was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform. Arrest- On Friday, January 31, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel witnessed two vehicles driving recklessly during a road rage incident. Both vehicles were stopped on Lacey Road and both drivers issued summonses for Reckless Driving and Improper Passing. While speaking with one driver, Shawn Bannon, 38, Officer Dalziel discovered an amount of marijuana and prescription medication. [...]
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 24th through January 30th, 2020
Arrest- On Friday, January 24, 2020, at 10:13 p.m., Officers Bruce Carver and Brian Holt arrested John Panagakos, 37, for an outstanding warrant. The warrant was issued by the Little Egg Harbor Municipal Court after he failed to appear for a Driving While Suspended summons. Panagakos was released after the $750 bail was satisfied. Fraud- On Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 11:07 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel met with a Township resident who reported fraud. The resident stated that he received an email from Amazon.com confirming a computer order. Not having ordered a computer, the victim contacted the attached phone number to dispute the charge. The alleged call taker urged the victim to purchase gift cards from various locations to correct the fraudulent activity. The website and email was deemed fraudulent. Suspicious Incident- On Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 10:10 a.m., Officer John Simonson met with a Windsor Street resident who reported a suspicious male on his property. The homeowner stated that at 1:30 a.m., he was alerted by his Ring Camera of motion. The caller stated that he observed a male subject standing near his vehicle that was parked in his driveway. Two other males, which were [...]