NJ Transit Police expands community outreach

The New Jersey Transit Police Department yesterday announced it will expand its community outreach unit from two to five officers.

The community outreach unit is a community-based policing approach that helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and social services to improve the health and well-being of those in need who frequent mass transit facilities, NJ Transit officials said in a press release.

The unit will help create a safer and healthier environment for NJ Transit riders as they gradually return to service during the COVID-19 pandemic, agency officials said.

The unit officers work with state and local social services organizations and the judicial system to help connect at-risk individuals with the services they need, they said.