BORDENTOWN CITY, NJ — Special details of Burlington County Sheriff's Officers will continue to patrol in towns along the River Line light-rail in December and into 2025, Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis announced this week.

The patrols, which were announced in August, are a proactive law enforcement initiative aimed at providing a consistent police presence in order to improve public safety, deter crime and assist local police departments in towns in which the light-rail system has stations, including Bordentown City. 

“It’s been just over four months since the launch of our special details in River Line communities and we are pleased with the results to date,” said Sheriff Kostoplis, a former Bordentown Township Committeeman. “Residents, commuters and business owners are seeing our officers in these communities and so are would-be lawbreakers. Their presence is creating a strong deterrence against property crimes like shoplifting, burglaries and package theft that often increase around the holidays.”

Kostoplis provided specific numbers about the initiative, in which Sheriff's officers were deployed for special details in River Line communities 44 times between mid-August and late November. The patrols resulted in 395 property checks, 3 arrests and 34 assists and 7 prison transports to the Burlington County Detention Center in Mount Holly. 

“The early numbers are consistent with our objective to provide a visible police presence and cooperate with local police departments to assist them whenever possible,” Sheriff Kostoplis said.

While the details are being funded with a $150,000 legislative grant in the FY2025 State Budget, which was secured with help from Senator Troy Singleton, Kostoplis said that there is sufficient money remaining to continue the details “well into 2025.” 

“This unique partnership is addressing concerns we heard about safety and the need for a more visible presence along the River Line,” said Senator Singleton. “The early results from the Sheriff’s details are promising and we will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement, Sheriff Kostoplis and NJ Transit to further improve safety in these communities.”

Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said the cooperation between Sheriff’s officers and local police departments are an example for other counties to emulate. 

“The Sheriff’s Office is proving once more how it can be a difference-maker for our residents and communities,” said Hopson. “In just four months, these officers have had a positive impact on our River Line communities and brought greater peace of mind to commuters and residents. We look forward to hearing more results from this initiative in 2025.”

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