East Hanover Police Department
East Hanover Township is served by a local police force of 29 officers. They dedicate themselves to "protect and serve the public." An East Hanover policeman’s line of duty can range anywhere from investigating crime scenes to education of East Hanover’s youth through the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) drug education and prevention program in the school system.
The EHPD Arsenal
The police force currently operates a fleet of 8 squad cars. The cars include Chevrolet Caprices, Ford Crown Victorias, and a Ford Expedition. Included in the police department’s arsenal of weapons are Smith and Wesson 6906 handguns, 12 gauge shotguns in each patrol car, and AR-15 semi-automatic rifles. The police station is equipped with confinement cells.
Statistics
The following statistics display the East Hanover Police Department’s active role in serving and protecting the public during 1998:
| Phone calls responded to during 1998 | 10,525 |
| Radar tickets dealt during 1998 | 372 |
| Moving Violations given during 1998 | 2,202 |
| Parking tickets dealt during 1998 | 1,203 |
Police Leadership
The police department is led by the Chief of Police Stanley Hansen and the Captains, who tackle administrative duties. Under them are three Lieutenants, two of whom are involved in the Patrol Division, the other in the Investigative Division of the police department. Under the Lieutenants are Sergeants, who lead squad activities. One Sergeant leads the Records Division. The E.H.P.D. also has four Detectives who are involved in the investigative branch of police work. The members of the police department are divided into four squads of five officers. Some members are also certified in bicycle patrolling.
9-1-1
Recently, the Township of East Hanover has been equipped with the 9-1-1 phone service. These calls go directly to the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, who then proceeds to redirect the call to the E.H.P.D. if necessary. As soon as 9-1-1 is dialed, the calling number is traced, and help is promptly dispatched. However, the most quick and direct method of receiving East Hanover police aid is to dial 887-0432.
Police Training
To become a police officer, a minimum of two years of college and an associate’s degree is required. An East Hanover policeman is trained at the Morris County Police and Fire Academy in Parsippany in a 12 week program.
Technology on the Force
The police force recently augmented its effectiveness by installing laptop computers into patrol cars. Police officers are now able to access the police headquarters’ computer system, which is also linked to computer systems across the country. From a patrol car, an officer is able to access police records about a suspect including name, physical characteristics, and picture. An East Hanover police officer on patrol is also able to electronically access information about a vehicle’s ownership and status simply from its license plate.