Police Home Page Message
Notice to Residents: July 25, 2025
Morris County Law Enforcement Make Arrests in Residential Burglary/Auto Theft Conspiracy Ring
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando, and Denville Police Chief Scott Welsch announce charges have been filed against several individuals allegedly engaged in conspiracy to commit the acts of residential burglary, motor vehicle theft, fencing, receiving stolen motor vehicles, and computer criminal activity.
It is alleged that between September 2024 and December 2024, Tyshawn Hoover, Samad Foster, Deeend Coleman-McRae Zayanna Overby, a juvenile, and other yet to be identified co-conspirators were involved in a conspiracy spanning multiple jurisdictions. The investigation revealed Hoover and Foster to be leaders in this network.
Data obtained via warrants, surveillance video, and other stored records available through mobile devices allegedly placed Hoover, Foster and Coleman-McRae in the area of a Sept. 20, 2024 residential burglary/vehicle theft in Florham Park, in which two suspects entered the victim’s residence, removed a key fob for a 2023 Land Rover, and stole the vehicle. The investigation also determined Hoover fenced the 2023 Land Rover.
It is also alleged that Hoover and Foster were in the area of a November 20, 2024 attempted residential burglary/attempted vehicle theft in Florham Park, in which the suspects arrived at the victim home in a stolen vehicle and two suspects attempted to enter a locked 2022 Honda Civic and residence by damaging the screen of a window. The would-be burglars were interrupted and fled.
Hoover, along with members of his auto theft trafficking network, are also alleged to have been in the area of a residential burglary and vehicle theft in West Orange that same day, and sent messages evidencing an attempt to fence a Mercedes Benz GLE that was stolen in West Orange.
Further investigation revealed that Foster is alleged to have continuously provided a woman, later identified as Zayannah Overby, with license plates of luxury vehicles so she could use her Newark Police Department civilian employee access to learn what addresses were associated with these vehicles so they could be stolen and fenced. It is further alleged that Overby ran the license plate of a Land Rover registered to the Florham Park home that was subject to the attempted residential burglary/attempted vehicle theft on November 20, 2024, with no lawful request do such.
Additional investigation placed Hoover and a juvenile at the scene of a motor vehicle theft, that being an unoccupied, running BMW M5, in Denville on December 5, 2024.
During the course of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Hillside, and at that time, Coleman-McRae and Jameer D. Smith were located in the residence and found in possession of suspected controlled dangerous substances, specifically cocaine and heroin. An additional search via amended search warrant also located two handguns, one of which was defaced, two large capacity firearm magazines, and drug distribution paraphernalia. Approximately $7,060 in suspected narcotics proceeds were also seized.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation to date, and have been charged in Morris County:
Tyshawn Z. Hoover, 24, of Newark:
• Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fencing, Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicles & Computer Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:18-2.2, 2C:20-10.1, 2C:20-7.1(b), 2C:20-10.2 and 2C:30-2(a), Second Degree
• Leader of an Auto Theft Trafficking Network in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-18, Second Degree
• Use of a Juvenile in Theft of Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-17, Second Degree
• Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Second Degree
• Fencing, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7.1(b), Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Residential Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2.2, Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Third Degree
• Burglary (residential burglary committed before October 18, 2024), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a)(1), Third Degree
• Two (2) counts of Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2a, Third Degree
• Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, Disorderly Persons
Samad A. Foster, 29, of Newark:
• Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fencing, Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicles & Computer Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:18-2.2, 2C:20-10.1, 2C:20-7.1(b), 2C:20-10.2 and 2C:30-2(a), Second Degree
• Leader of an Auto Theft Trafficking Network in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-18, Second Degree
• Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Residential Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2.2, Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Third Degree
• Burglary (residential burglary committed before October 18, 2024), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a)(1), Third Degree
• Two (2) counts of Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2a, Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, Disorderly Persons
Deeend T. Coleman-McRae, 25, of Hillside, has been charged in Morris and Union counties with:
• Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fencing, Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicles & Computer Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:18-2.2, 2C:20-10.1, 2C:20-7.1(b), 2C:20-10.2 and 2C:30-2(a), Second Degree
• Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Second Degree
• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Possession of a Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a, Second Degree
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Participant of an Auto Theft Trafficking Network in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-18, Third Degree
• Burglary (residential burglary committed before October 18, 2024), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a)(1), Third Degree
• Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2a, Third Degree
• Possession of Heroin, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), Third Degree
• Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), Third Degree
• Money Laundering, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a, Third Degree
• Possession of a Defaced Firearm, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(d), Fourth Degree
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(j), Fourth Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, Fourth Degree
Zayannah T. Overby, 22, of Newark, has been charged in Morris and Essex counties with:
• Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fencing, Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicles & Computer Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:18-2.2, 2C:20-10.1, 2C:20-7.1(b), 2C:20-10.2 and 2C:30-2(a), Second Degree
• Computer Criminal Activity, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25(c), Second Degree
• Participant of an Auto Theft Trafficking Network in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-18, Third Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Residential Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2.2, Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt/Motor Vehicle Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a & N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.1, Third Degree
• Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2a, Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, Disorderly Persons
Jameer D. Smith, 25, of Newark, has been charged in Union County with:
• Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Possession of a Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a, Second Degree
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2), Second Degree
• Possession of Heroin, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), Third Degree
• Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), Third Degree
• Money Laundering, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a, Third Degree
• Possession of a Defaced Firearm, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(d), Fourth Degree
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(j), Fourth Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, Fourth Degree
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Hoover and Foster remain detained in the Essex County Jail pending motions for pretrial detention, Smith remains detained in the Union County Jail pending a motion for pretrial detention and Coleman-McRae remains detained in the Morris County Jail pending a motion for pretrial detention. Overby was released under the conditions of Pre-Trial Monitoring Level II.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations within the Department of Homeland Security, Florham Park Police Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Denville Police Department.
Prosecutor Carroll said: “As I said last autumn with the signing of new legislation increasing the penalties for home invasions, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is taking the concerns expressed by the public and our municipal police chiefs seriously – burglars entering homes has eroded residents’ sense of safety. I applaud all our law enforcement partners for doggedly doing their due diligence to expose this criminal network, especially the efforts of MCPO Lt. James Bruno, MCPO Sgt. Sasha Gould, MCPO Det. Lamar Hagans, Florham Park PD Det. Thomas Belli, Denville PD Det. Michael Ambrose, and Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino. It was a time-consuming and expansive investigation and demonstrates excellent multiple interagency cooperation among dedicated law enforcement personnel. We will not hesitate to aggressively use the expanded burglary law when appropriate to hold those who violate the sanctity of our residents’ homes accountable. Our shared goal is to also deter the recruitment of juveniles into criminal organizations, which has become a serious problem.”
Chief Orlando said, “I am grateful to Prosecutor Carroll for hearing and understanding the concerns of our residents and the municipal police chiefs regarding the seriousness of these crimes and the significant role he played in securing revisions to the State statutes enhancing the penalties for the same. I want to thank the outstanding police work and cooperation exhibited across Local, County, and Federal Law enforcement, which was crucial in bringing these cases to a successful conclusion. I particularly want to recognize Detective Thomas Belli, whose extensive and exhaustive investigative efforts identified the involved suspects and set the table for a significantly larger, far-reaching investigation.”
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, these defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to mknab@co.morris.nj.us.
Court documents can be obtained directly from the Criminal Division of the Morris County Superior Court or by filing an Open Public Records Act request at:
Notice to Residents: July 22, 2025
Charges Filed in Connection with Child’s Death at Residence in Florham Park
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando announce that charges have been filed in connection with the July 6, 2025 death of a three-year-old at a home in Florham Park.
On July 6 at approximately 10:41 p.m., Florham Park Police responded to a residence on Woods End Road for an unresponsive, semi-conscious 43-year-old woman, later identified as Jeanine Glass.
Upon the arrival of FPPD officers and EMS, police officers located Jeanine Glass unresponsive on the first floor of the residence. Her clothes were noted to be wet. Medical interventions were provided to Glass, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Officers accompanied a family member upstairs to gather information related to the condition and treatment of Jeanine Glass. In a hallway bathroom, a three-year-old girl was found unresponsive, clothed, face down in a bathtub, in several inches of water. Immediate resuscitative efforts were performed on the three-year old girl, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The girl was pronounced deceased at the hospital. A postmortem examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office remains pending.
On July 22, 2025, Jeanine Glass, 43, of Florham Park, was charged with first-degree Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1) and (2); and second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2). Upon being discharged from the hospital, Glass was taken into custody and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Glass will remain in custody pending future court proceedings.
The circumstances into the incident were investigated by the Florham Park Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The death of the little girl is a heartbreaking and senseless loss for the Florham Park community. Our hearts go out to all those coping with this unconscionable tragedy, including loved ones and first responders who answered the call that night. For the sake of the surviving family, we ask that citizens exercise discretion and compassion while discussing the situation on social media. Please remember that these are real people, your neighbors, involved here.”
Chief Orlando said, “I want to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department for the interagency cooperation exhibited during this horrific incident, which allowed for a successful conclusion to what is the most heinous of crimes. In particular, I want to recognize the investigative efforts of Detective Sergeant Pietropinto, Detective Jenna Powers, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division, all of whose professionalism contributed to the outcome of this investigation.”
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to mknab@co.morris.nj.us.
Notice to Residents: July 8, 2025
This year's National Night Out is now scheduled for August 5th, 2025. Please join us at Volunteers Memorial Park at 37 Elm Street from 6pm to 9pm! Event details are listed on the flyer below.
Notice to Residents: June 30, 2025
Residents,
I wanted to update all of you on the progress of our traffic signal reprogramming. The work has been completed at the following intersections;
• Columbia Turnpike and Park Street
• Columbia Turnpike and James Street
• Columbia Turnpike and Ridgedale Avenue
• Columbia Turnpike and Hanover Road
• Columbia Turnpike and Crescent Road
• Ridgedale Avenue and James Street
• Ridgedale Avenue and Brooklake Road/Park Street
• Ridgedale Avenue and Briarwood Road/Borough Drive
In order for the Pedestrian Only cycle to activate, you must press the crosswalk button on the traffic signal post. Engaging the crosswalk button will stop traffic in all directions for 30 seconds to allow for the free flow of pedestrian and cyclists to cross through these intersections. Please educate your children and ensure they are utilizing the crosswalk buttons to activate this crucial safety measure.
Lastly, I have engaged the members of the Borough Council to create and enact an Ordinance that severely restricts the utilization of E-Bikes within the Borough. Future correspondence will be broadcast to advise residents when the Ordinance will be introduced at a Council meeting and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.
Stay Safe and Happy 4th of July!!
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
June 30, 2025
Notice to Residents: June 20, 2025
Residents,
This afternoon a child riding a Class 2 E-Bike, on the sidewalk, struck a pedestrian who was exiting a delivery truck, while carrying packages. The struck pedestrian’s sight lines may have been obstructed by the packages, however; this accident underscores the importance of our previous post regarding the use of E-Bikes. A Class 2 E-Bike can travel up to 20mph and should not be driven on sidewalks.
We implore parents to review our previous post and discuss the proper use of these devices with your children before someone suffers a serious or life changing injury.
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
June 20, 2025
Notice to Residents: June 18, 2025
Good Evening Residents,
Please read this post in its entirety as it contains information related to the safety of our community’s children.
Initially I would like to congratulate all of those who have completed the 2024-2025 school year and will be moving on to new grade levels, new school buildings and some who will be moving up to High School. As summer breaks begin for our children a renewed focus on pedestrian safety begins for the Police Department. Our Helmet Reward Program, designed to educate and reward our children for the utilization of required head protection, will begin tomorrow. We ask the parents of our community to impart upon your children the importance of wearing their required head protection for their safety, not for the reward they receive.
More importantly I want to address the increase in utilization of E-bikes within the community as well as their misuse. In our continuing effort to increase pedestrian and juvenile safety throughout the Borough, we need to remind the public of the rules and laws regarding e-bikes, motorized scooters, and similar devices. Last October, we shared a story of a juvenile nearly run over by a vehicle in the center of town, and many of us have surely seen too many near-misses to be comfortable with. We, the police, have educated juveniles as we see violations, but we need the help of parents to talk to them first, so their first time learning about the rules and how to be safe, is not coming from us when we “stop” them. Parents need to understand that juveniles can receive summonses and in many cases, parents can be held liable, even criminally, especially if a child gets hurt or killed.
The information below is a lot (and it’s actually reduced from what is available!), but users and owners should know what they own and are expected to know the rules themselves. Remember, all vehicles operated on public roadways need to follow the traffic laws – something often overlooked by bike users. This includes not riding in the middle of a road, stopping at Stop signs, following speed limits, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
E-bikes are classified as either Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 depending on whether they are pedal-assist or throttle-powered and based on their maximum assisted speed. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are considered low-speed electric bicycles and are primarily regulated like traditional bicycles. Class 3 e-bikes are more strictly regulated, and they require a license and registration to operate.
Low-speed electric scooters may be ridden on public streets, bike lanes, and paved bikeways (local laws may restrict).
Pocket bikes, dirt bikes, and other types of motorized bicycles are not permitted on public roads at any time.
Definitions
The law defines a “low-speed electric bicycle” as a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
The law further defines a “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle” as an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and a “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle” as an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle.
Class 3 electric bicycles are defined as “motorized bicycles,” which refers to a pedal bicycle having a helper motor where either the maximum piston displacement is less than 50 cc. or the motor is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, or is powered by an electric motor and the bicycle is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface, or a pedal bicycle having an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle in excess of 20 miles per hour with a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface.
The law also defines a “low-speed electric scooter” as “a scooter with a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.”
“Motorized scooter” is a miniature motor vehicle and includes pocket bikes, super pocket bikes, scooters, mini-scooters, sport scooters, mini choppers, mini motorcycles, motorized skateboards and other vehicles with motors not manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and which have no permanent Federal Safety Certification stickers affixed to the vehicle by the original manufacturer. Motorized skateboards are defined as skateboards that are propelled otherwise than by muscular power and are regulated the same as motorized scooters.
*All vehicles categorized as Motorized Scooters are illegal to operate on our roadways.
The Rules for Operation of bicycles, E-Bikes, and Low Speed Electric Scooters are detailed below. Please know that in our effort to promote communal safety for all of our residents, we will be enforcing these rules. Parents may be telephonically contacted or even asked to respond to the scene of children improperly operating their devices, failing to obey the traffic laws, or failure to wear required head protection.
Rules for Operation
Pure pedal bicycle – helmet required for under 17, allowed on public roads, must follow rules of the road and all traffic signals (lights, stops, arrows, etc.)
Class 1 e-bikes – provide electric assistance only while pedaling and max speed of 20 mph – allowed on public roads and must follow rules of the road, no license or registration needed, helmets for under 17
Class 2 e-bikes – can provide electric propulsion without having to be actively pedaling, max speed of 20 mph, allowed on public roads without registration or license, helmets needed under 17
Class 3 motorized bikes – must be 15 years old to operate; license, registration, and helmet required for all ages
Low-speed scooter – helmets required for under 17, users of these devices have the same rights and responsibilities as operators of other motor vehicles
Motorized Scooter – not allowed on public roads (except for those with mobility-limited disabilities) so no license or registration needed, only allowed on private property with owner’s permission, must be 12 years old to operate, helmets for everyone under 17
Removing speed-limiters is illegal in New Jersey (tampering) and subjects e-bikes to different requirements based on their max MPH. It is also unsafe as the machines are designed to safely handle their maximum speeds, reduces braking ability, and voids warranties. There will be zero-tolerance for machines operating faster than legally permitted as it exponentially increasing the risk of crash and injury, or violating local speed limits.
For a full comprehensive guide, please follow the link below, which was updated in May of 2025.
https://njbikeped.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Jersey-Micromobility-Guide_2025.pdf
Additionally, common bicycle laws can be found here:
https://www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/regulations.shtm
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
June 18, 2025
Notice to Residents: June 5, 2025
Residents,
I am writing this post tonight to bring our community up to speed on several traffic and pedestrian initiatives we have undertaken to date, as well as additional initiatives forthcoming throughout the year.
Many of you may already be aware of the Ordinance change regarding “No Left Turns” from Elm Street onto Columbia Turnpike, Monday through Friday, from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Our officers have been conducting several selective enforcement details, at that location, to educate the public of the Ordinance change and ensure future compliance. The educational enforcement phase will be coming to an end, in the near future, resulting in summonses being issued for violations of the No Left Turn provisions. Please assist our officers and our department in our Mission to promote communal safety by adhering to this change, as disruptive as it can be for some travel.
A Crosswalk Awareness campaign has been underway with officers being trained in how to conduct Crosswalk Enforcement Initiatives. A signboard has been present on Greenwood Road, for vehicle traffic approaching Ridgedale Avenue, for several weeks advising motorists to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. In the near future officers will be conducting an enforcement initiative and issuing summonses to motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Please be vigilant in your observance of pedestrians while driving and ensure you are yielding to the same.
Our department engaged in conversations with the Morris County Engineering Department, as well as the Florham Park Engineering Department, in regards to timed pedestrian intervals at several traffic signals along Ridgedale Avenue and Columbia Turnpike almost a year ago. After several months of conducting traffic studies and receiving traffic/pedestrian activity reports we have reached the point of implementation. Within the next two weeks the traffic signals along Ridgedale Avenue, from Greenwood Road to James Street, will have timed pedestrian intervals during which vehicle traffic in all directions will be stopped so that pedestrians can cross the streets safely. This will only occur when a pedestrian is present at the intersection and engages the pedestrian crossing buttons on the traffic signal base. The same timed pedestrian intervals will be present along Columbia Turnpike from Park Street to Crescent Road. The Police Department is asking for the community’s vigilance in being aware of this change in the traffic pattern and patience as we all grow accustomed to this change. We anticipate receiving several calls from motorists indicating the signals are not cycling properly, however; this is a deliberate change on our part to promote communal safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
Lastly, the residential crosswalks throughout the Borough will be refreshed, later in the year, with new paint, signage where necessary, and improvements to handicapped crossing pads at required intersections.
Please join our department in promoting traffic and pedestrian safety, for overall communal safety, by adhering to these updates and remaining vigilant on the roadways.
Be safe!
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
June 5, 2025
Notice to Residents: May 20, 2025
Residents,
Ordinance 25-18 was passed upon second reading, at the May 15, 2025 Council Meeting, amending Borough Code Section 238-27 regarding prohibited turns. The Ordinance amended the Code to restrict left turns from Elm Street, onto Columbia Turnpike westbound, during the hours of 7:00am to 7:00pm on Monday through Friday and exempts emergency services vehicle from the restriction.
The Borough is in the process of procuring new signage to be erected on Elm Street, prior to Columbia Turnpike, and on Columbia Turnpike directly across from Elm Street. The Borough Code will not reflect the amended verbiage until the beginning of June. In the interim, the Police Department has placed a sign board on Elm Street to inform the public of the amended restriction and officers will be conducting an educational enforcement campaign to raise the public’s awareness of the change.
The change in restriction was proposed by the Police Department in an effort to reduce speeding and transient, cut-through traffic along Elm Street, as vehicular and pedestrian traffic continues to increase along this roadway. While the Police Department understands this increased restriction will cause an inconvenience to some within the community, it was done to promote overall communal safety within the community, along Elm Street, and the intersection with Columbia Turnpike.
Please inform the driving members of your family of this increased restriction, as well as your residential visitors, and those you know who may frequent Volunteer Park during the restricted hours.
The Police Department will continue its educational enforcement campaign for the foreseeable future.
Stay safe!
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
Florham Park Police Department
Notice to Residents: August 1, 2024
Residents,
In light of the fatal pedestrian accident, in early July, our department has been exploring several initiatives to aide in pedestrian/cyclist safety as part of our overall mission of communal safety. As our community continues to grow, the number of pedestrians and cyclists on our roadways continues to increase as well. The residential complex constructed at the corner of Columbia Turnpike and Hanover Road will undoubtedly increase the number of pedestrians walking throughout our center district, along with increased vehicular volumes. In an effort to reduce the risks of pedestrian/cyclist encounters with motor vehicle traffic we have been working with the Engineering Department to adjust the timing of our traffic signals to allow for intervals of pedestrian traffic only. Therefore, when a pedestrian activates the crosswalk button, all traffic signals at the intersection would eventually turn red allowing for free flowing pedestrian traffic without the risk of flowing vehicular traffic. We suggested the timing on all of our traffic signals along Ridgedale Avenue, as well as those along Columbia Turnpike, from Crescent Road to Park Street, be adjusted in this manner. Each of those traffic signals are regulated by the County of Morris, which requires permission to adjust the timing of the same. We have begun the inquiry process and may be required to conduct traffic studies to accomplish our goals. I am asking residents to assist us in our endeavor by contacting the Morris County Engineering Department and voicing any concerns you may have for pedestrians along these roadways. The Morris County Engineering Department can be contacted at the following;
- mcdot@co.morris.nj.us
- 973-285-6750
Juvenile bicyclists have been another concern for our department. Increased utilization of electric bicycles and scooters has led to a confused motoring public and amplified public concern. The State of New Jersey added new vehicle classes to the NJ Statutes in May of 2019 which addressed electric bicycles and scooters, classifying them in the following categories;
- Class 1 Low Speed Electric Bicycles – these bicycles are equipped with a motor which provides propulsion assistance only during pedaling and has a 20mph maximum speed.
- Class 2 Low Speed Electric Bicycles – these bicycles are equipped with motors which may provide propulsion exclusively via a throttle system. This class of bicycle’s motor ceases to assist propulsion at 20mph.
- Class 1 and Class 2 Bicycles are subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles.
- They may ride on bicycle paths unless prohibited by local ordinance.
- Riders under the age of 17 must wear a helmet.
- Must be equipped with bells that can be heard for 100 feet.
- Bicyclists must keep to the right side of the road and ride in single file to allow for the safe passage and flow of vehicular traffic.
- Front lights (white), rear light (red) that can be seen for a distance of 500 feet.
- Must be equipped with brakes.
- Class 1 and Class 2 Bicycles are subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles.
- Class 3 Low Speed Electric Bicycles (Otherwise known as Motorized Bicycles)
- This class of bicycle is basically a Moped, is not subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles, and must adhere to following;
- Minimum 15-year age requirement to operate.
- Helmets are required.
- Operators must possess an operator’s license, registration and insurance.
- This class of bicycle is basically a Moped, is not subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles, and must adhere to following;
- Low-Speed Electric Scooters – Scooters equipped with an electric motor propelling the scooter at a maximum speed of 19mph.
- E-Scooters are not subject to licensing, registration or insurance requirements.
- Riders must follow the laws of traditional bicycles
- Operation on sidewalks, trails and paths are dependent upon local ordinance.
- Helmets must be worn if under the age of 17.
Some of the obvious issues we have encountered with bicycles and scooters of all varieties are failure to wear the required helmets, failure to ride on the right side of the road, failure to ride in single file for the free flow of vehicular traffic, and failure to utilize the required crosswalks.
To combat these issues our School Resource Officers teach bicycle safety during the school year, however a more robust effort on our part is being undertaken at this time.
- Our SROs are conducting a bicycle safety course at the Florham Park Day Camp.
- All personnel have been instructed to stop bicycle/scooter riders, under the age of 17, who are not wearing helmets and advise them of the law, as well as to make contact with the juvenile’s parent/guardian to inform them of the contact with their child.
- All personnel have been instructed to address violations of the bicycle/scooter laws in regards to operating in accordance with the laws;
- Riding on the right side of the street, in single file and utilizing the proper crosswalks.
- Officers assigned to the center district are monitoring crosswalks, as well as approaching juveniles whose bicycles are parked outside of stores and reminding them to adhere to all safety measures including wearing their helmets.
- Increased enforcement initiatives for vehicular traffic, to include speeding, stop sign violations and No Turn on Red violations, will be undertaken throughout the summer months and the beginning of the new school year.
I want to be clear that while we are addressing violations of these bicycle/scooter laws, we will not be issuing summonses to juveniles. However, we will be contacting parents/guardians to advise them of the violations and to seek their assistance in maintaining a safe environment for their children and all other vehicular/pedestrian traffic. This is an education and safety campaign aimed at increasing communal safety for all of our residents and visitors.
Parents/Guardians please assist our department and our officers with this endeavor by ensuring your children wear their helmets and follow the rules described in this public service announcement.
Stay safe!
Joseph Orlando
Chief of Police
August 1, 2024
Joseph J. Orlando
Chief of Police
jorlando@fppd.net
