Chatham Moves Non-Emergency Police Reports Online

CHATHAM, NJ - In an attempt to minimize in-person contact but keep up services during the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 pandemic, the Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Police have moved some police reports online.

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The Chatham Borough Police Department and Chatham Township Police Department have initiated a website to report non-emergency matters that does not require an immediate response. How it works:

The purpose of this site is to allow Chatham citizens, customers or any victim of a crime that occurred within the limits of Chatham Township or Borough, to file police reports online. After completing all required information you will be able to print a copy of the information that you submitted. If the incident you wish to report is an emergency, a crime in progress, or involves any type of injury please do not submit the report online and dial 9-1-1. Domestic violence incidents do not qualify under the on line reporting criteria and must have an officer respond.

If you are unable to determine if the incident is related to Domestic Violence and not in progress dial the police non-emergency number (973) 635-8000 in Chatham Borough and (973) 377-0100 in Chatham Township to have an officer respond to your location. The loss or theft of prescription medication or narcotics cannot be reported online. For any incident that requires a police officer to respond dial the police non-emergency number (973) 635-8000 in Chatham Borough and (973) 377-0100 in Chatham Township.

Before you proceed, you should be aware that it is a crime to make a false police report and all instances of false reports will be prosecuted. This online reporting system is only to be used to report a set of limited criminal incidents with very specific criteria listed below.

• Criminal Mischief
• Harassment
• Lost Property
• Property Damage
• Theft of Property
• Fraud/Credit Card/Financial Identity Theft
• All Other- Non Emergency

If you do not receive a call back from the police department within 12 hours, please call the police non-emergency (973) 635-8000 for Chatham Borough and (973) 377-0100 for Chatham Township.

For more information or to file a report, visit the Chatham Borough site or the Chatham Township site.

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Rabner also announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• Murphy also has signed 16 bills into law that he says will help the state deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 16 Coronavirus Bills Into Law

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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