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Asbury Park saw a 13 percent drop in crime last year, according to an annual report compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigations [FBI].

The national Uniform Crime Report, launched in 1929, is a measurement to standardize crime per municipality. It outlines aggregated statistics on everything from violent crimes to property offenses, such as arson, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle thefts.  

The decrease in reported crimes resulted in a lowered Crime Index rate: from 965 in 2017 to 828 in 2018, city officials said in a written statement.

“We’re pleased to see a 13 percent drop in the City’s reported crime rate,” Police Chief David Kelso said. “It’s no doubt due to the continued team effort in the City: the support of Mayor and City Council in providing us with necessary resources and manpower, the dedication and hard work of the officers of the Asbury Park Police Department, and the ongoing participation from the Asbury Park community.”

In 2017, the Asbury Park Police Department launched a bicycle registration program to help combat bicycle thefts.

The Asbury Park Police Department received its NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police accreditation in April 2018. The best practices designation demonstrates a commitment to delivering the best possible service to residents, officials have said.

In May, they launched a surveillance camera registration program – an index of businesses and homes that can be contacted when a crime occurs in a particular region. The program is voluntary and owner information is never shared.

“These ongoing efforts by the APPD highlights their commitment to the City,” Councilperson Jesse Kendle said. “Access to new technology, which helps the APPD review statistics and crime maps to allocate resources accordingly, has been a big contributor. In addition to the 13 percent drop in the reported crime rate, we’re proud to say there’s been a 42 percent decrease in bias incidents in Asbury Park.”

The police department also works closely with law enforcement partners, including the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, the DEA, US Marshals, State Police, and neighboring police departments.

For more about the APPD visit cityofasburypark.com/police. For emergency updates, sign up for Nixle by texting 07712 to 888777 or visit nixle.com. To sign up for the APPD Bicycle Registration, visit click here and for the APPD Surveillance Camera Registration, click here.

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