Police
Meet The Chief Of Police
Chief Christopher Longo was born and raised in Lawrence Township. He attended Lawrence Township Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1993. He has earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Longo has over two decades of law enforcement and leadership experience with the Lawrence Township Police Department. In September 1999, Chief Longo began his career as a police dispatcher. A year later, he graduated from the police academy and was assigned to the patrol division where he quickly became a role model for other police officers. He achieved the rank of detective in 2004 prior to rising to a supervisory role as a sergeant, in 2008. In October 2018, Chief Longo was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. His exemplary work as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, and Police Lieutenant have contributed to the depth of his insight into the organizational complexities of law enforcement. Through his service in many different capacities at the Lawrence Township Police Department, Chief Longo has a proven track record of developing new methods and processes to ensure community policing helps build a better, stronger Lawrence. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous Department Awards over the years, notably: 2016 Supervisor of the Year Award, five Commendable Service Awards, one Meritorious Service Award, and one Life Saving Award. Throughout his career Longo has pursued professional development opportunities to stay informed of best policing practices; graduating from the FBI – Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Program, and the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police – Police Executive Institute.
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About Us
The police department is comprised of sworn officers and civilian employees dedicated to achieving the mission and vision of the department while displaying the core values of the department. It is comprised of a command staff and two divisions with bureaus serving the specialized needs of the community.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lawrence Township Police Department is to improve the community by practicing problem-solving strategies against crime and quality of life issues. We are committed to conducting pro-active policing strategies to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our town. We believe in and are committed to, developing partnerships within the community to improve the quality of life within Lawrence Township.
Core Values: Honor-Integrity-Knowledge
Honor: We will honor our police powers. We understand that our police powers are derived from the community in which we serve.
Integrity: We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, which are the cornerstones of our profession. We are dedicated to upholding the highest moral and ethical standards.
Diversity in Recruiting and Hiring
The Lawrence Township Police Department is commitment to and strives for a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. The press release Promoting Diversity in Law Enforcement Recruiting and Hiring Program Goals details the efforts that have been made to accomplish this objective.
Documents for Public Review
New Jersey Attorney General's Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy - The illegal use of drugs is incompatible with service in law enforcement. This agency is committed to ensuring that sworn law enforcement personnel are physically and mentally capable of performing their duties and fulfilling their responsibilities. Officers are required to obey all laws and ordinances, including those concerning the illegal use of drugs. Violations of these laws are intolerable. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard this agency from sworn law enforcement personnel who may engage in the illegal use of drugs. This Police Department will maintain a zero tolerance stance of illegal drug use by sworn law enforcement personnel. General Order Number 2.05 - Drug Screening.
New Jersey Attorney General's Early Warning System - The early warning (EW) system is designed to detect patterns and trends before the conduct escalates into more serious problems. The primary intent of an early warning system is to address potential problems through the use of appropriate management and supervisory strategies before formal discipline is warranted. 2.04 Early Warning System.pdf
Internal Affairs Unit
The goal of the Lawrence Township Police Department is to provide the most professional police services possible to the citizens of Lawrence Township and the State of New Jersey. Honesty and integrity are paramount to that goal. The mission of the Internal Affairs Unit is to fully and impartially investigate all complaints about police officer conduct. Complaints about police officer conduct are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from all persons. During normal business hours, contact the Internal Affairs Unit at 609-896-1111. After hours you can call 609-896-1111 and ask to speak with the Shift Commander or use this email.
Annual Internal Affairs Summary
Annual Major Discipline Reporting Forms
For more details on the complaint policy and procedures click here.
Officer Commendation
Citizens are able to commend a Department employee as a way of saying thanks for exemplary service or to let the employee know you appreciate their efforts in handling a problem. You may telephone the Chief’s Office at 609-896-1111, send an e-mail or complete the commendation form which can be downloaded here. The message or form will be forwarded to the employee and included in their personnel file. Please include the employee’s name, date, time and the location of the incident as well as the circumstances surrounding the event. Printable commendation form can be downloaded from here.
| Police Department Launches Body Worn Camera Program |
| The Lawrence Township Police Department has implemented body worn cameras for their officers. All uniform officers will be wearing the body worn camera pictured below. |
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Law Enforcement Resources
Mercer County Prosecutor
New Jersey Attorney General
New Jersey Commission of Investigation
New Jersey State Police Investigations Branch