Cops In Crosswalks: Bloomfield Officers Posing As Pedestrians

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — During the month of September, the Bloomfield Police Department will be cracking down on drivers who don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

According to town officials, the “Cops in Crosswalks” operation, which will take place at dozens of locations throughout the township, will have undercover police officers posing as pedestrians at crosswalks.

Officers who observe a driver failing to stop at a crosswalk will instruct their partners in nearby police cars to pull the driver over. From there, police will follow their standard protocol, but will also give the driver pamphlets on the importance of stopping at crosswalks, authorities said.

The Bloomfield Police Department has conducted ‘Cops in Crosswalks’ operations annually for more than 10 years. As the new school year commences, the campaign will have a heightened focus on unsafe driving in school districts, but will be conducted at other locations in town, officials said.

“We’re focusing this operation around education,” Director of Public Safety Samuel DeMaio said. “We’re aiming to teach residents about pedestrian rights and laws to prevent accidents this month, and beyond. Additionally we have Bloomfield officers conducting radar enforcement campaigns to further reassure that distracted and unsafe driving has no place in Bloomfield.”

“Residents of Bloomfield should feel safe crossing our streets with their families,” Mayor Michael Venezia said. “Hopefully this initiative will educate drivers and residents alike.”

• See related article: School Starting In Bloomfield (Slow Down, Police Remind Drivers)
• See related article: Hoboken Cops Continue Undercover Traffic Busts, Tickets Adding Up

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