Department of Law & Public Safety Releases Latest Crime Data; Murder and Rape Cases on the Rise

TRENTON – The Department of Law & Public Safety today released the 2012 Uniform Crime Report (UCR), which shows that the overall crime rate and violent crime dropped four percent compared to 2011.

Robberies decreased six percent from 12,128 to 11,382, and aggravated assaults decreased four percent from 13,489 to 12,938.  While overall the news is positive, the murder rate edged up slightly, from 375 reported incidents to 387, and rape increased from 917 to 969.

“While the latest crime data shows a decrease in the overall crime rate in New Jersey, there is still considerable room for improvement.” said Acting Attorney General Hoffman.  “Reducing the number of shootings and murders in our urban areas continues to be a priority for the Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey State Police.  The State Police will continue to support our cities in reducing senseless shootings and murders.”  

Atlantic City Man Charged with Murder and Weapons Offenses for 2012 Shooting

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic City man has been charged with the murder of a man who was caught in the crossfire of Stanley Holmes Village shooting in 2012, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

On Jan. 2, 2014, Rodney Smiley, 24, was charged with murder, conspiracy and weapons offenses for his involvement in the shooting which claimed the life of Jose Oritz, 59, of Atlantic City.

UPDATED: Who will be Galloway's next Mayor & Deputy Mayor?

UPDATED: Don Purdy has been re-elected as Mayor with a 4-2 vote. Gargione and Maldonado cast the dissenting votes. Tony Coppola was unanimously re-elected as Deputy Mayor. 

Who would you pick as Galloway's next Mayor or Deputy Mayor?  Purdy, Coppola, Tyrrell, Gargione, Maldonado, Meadows or Gorman?

Galloway Township Council is scheduled to have their annual re-organization meeting tonight (Jan 2nd) at 6:30 p.m. located at the Municipal Complex.  Council-elect Frank Gargione, Robert Maldonado, Timothy Meadows and incumbent-elect Don Purdy will all be sworn in to start their four year (4) term on Galloway Council.

Absecon Man Arrested for Attempted Car Jacking; Simple Assault at Hamilton Mall

On December 31, 2013 at approximately 5:45 p.m., the Township of Hamilton Police responded to the Hamilton Mall parking lot area for a report of a man that was attempting to push a victim into a van and had also entered the van himself. 

While responding, police units were updated that a witness had interceded and was now chasing the suspect on foot. Another witness updated police over the phone where the suspect was running and gave a description. 

Regulation in Galloway May Prohibit Chief of Police Patrick Moran to Serve in Dual Capacity as Township Manager

Chief Patrick Moran, Credit GTPD.org

Galloway Township will be losing another Township Manager leaving that four (4) Managers is just three (3) years that would have worked for Galloway Township. 

Township Manager Arch Liston has been nominated by Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian to serve as their City Administrator. If Liston's nomination is confirmed by Atlantic City Council, Liston will serve in that capacity and move to Atlantic City, according to the Press of Atlantic City. 

The vacancy will leave Galloway Township Officials to immediately search for a replacement. Mayor Don Purdy publicly announced to Galloway Patch that Galloway Chief of Police Patrick Moran will serve as Township Manager and Chief of Police while it transitions to a new Manager.