NEWS

Patrols continuing at Millville apartment complex

Joseph P. Smith

@jpsmith_dj

Oakview apartment complex, Tuesday, May 3, 2016 in Millville.

MILLVILLE - The city will continue a special police patrol presence at crime-troubled Oakview apartments at 1701 E. Broad Street for another year.

BACKGROUND: Three men shot outside Oakview Apartments, police say

The agreement, which was created in May 2014 and requires annual renewals, was unanimously approved by the City Commission Tuesday night. At least two police officers will patrol on an irregular, as-needed schedule, with the complex’s parent company paying their salaries for the periods they are present.

"It’s our second year," said Mayor Michael Santiago, a retired city police officer. "I think it’s a great program. It was very successful last year."

Police Chief Jody Farabella said any patrols at Oakview would not take away coverage from the rest of Millville.

“You have to make sure you have enough people because we do have a 12-hour shift,” Farabella said earlier Tuesday. “And if a guy signs up for that detail, that is paid by Oakview, you’ve got to make sure you have enough coverage for the city as well.”

Farabella said officers would work at the apartment complex on an overtime basis. Since officers cannot work more than 16 hours in a day, the overtime assignments would be for four-hour blocs of time.

“But I do commend Oakview,” Farabella said. “There are some problems they’ve had in the past. Obviously, this police presence is going to help deter any criminal activity.”

Farabella said the department is not going to announce when a patrol is coming. A two-officer detail is the minimum, he said.

“We will go there when there are hot spots,” he said. “We’ll look at our calls for service.”

Farabella said police get good cooperation from the apartment complex, which is owned by Community Realty Management. Officers on the detail will give management reports noting what problems they’ve noticed.

Joseph P. Smith; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com