New Jersey Transit’s police and the Nextdoor social network for neighborhoods have partnered in a new community policing initiative, NJ Transit announced recently.
The partnership will enable members of the community to use the social media app to serve as “eyes and ears” around NJ Transit infrastructure, according to a news release.
“Safety is the No. 1 priority for NJ Transit,” Executive Director Kevin Corbett said in a prepared statement. “The New Jersey Transit Police Department is continually looking at innovative strategies to maintain a safe and secure transit system, and is the first transit police department to leverage the Nextdoor neighborhood social network. It will improve direct communication for both sides by allowing the sharing of vital information.
“Residents will have a chance to express their concerns regarding safety to the very officers who patrol and command their ‘home turf.’ It is a win-win situation.”
The partnership is focused on helping decrease rail line crime and accidents, as well as promoting interaction between NJ Transit and those who live near its lines, stations and terminals.
Under the public agency aspect of the platform, NJ Transit police would be able to geotarget Nextdoor residents who live within a one-mile radius of such locations to:
- Inform them of criminal activity;
- Educate them on how to report suspicious activity;
- Educate children about the dangers of railroad tracks;
- Increase interaction between residents and officers.
NJ Transit police will not be able to access residents’ network information or content via Nextdoor, the release said.
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