In 1972 author David Franke published a book called Safe Places. The book’s description read: “First-hand research provides the basis for this selection of 110 "safe places" to live in the U.S., including a variety of communities representing all regions and featuring information on real estate values, taxes, and medical and educational facilities.” One of those 110 places named in the book was the Township of Nutley. Fifty years later, thanks to a close knit community and a police department that emphasizes relations with that community, Nutley is still regarded as one of those “Safe Places.”

“We pride ourselves on our commitment to keeping Nutley safe and sound,” says Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco. “I remember how excited and proud we all were when that book came out. It has been my and my predecessors’ goal to maintain that status.”

Nutley routinely lands in the upper half of the safest places to live in New Jersey lists. “Each and every year, our crime statistics, especially when compared to surrounding communities, are outstanding,” Petracco adds. “Since 2013, crime in Nutley has been cut by 41%.”

The Nutley Police Department is made up of just 72 officers, serving the Township of close to 30,000 residents. For recruits, the department’s standards are very high. Extensive background checks and training are crucial. “We have been very successful in finding candidates who meet those standards; that has been a key to our success,” Commissioner Petracco says.

Working with the community also plays a huge part. The department offers several community-based programs including the Junior Police Academy, the Neighborhood Watch, Coffee with a Cop, senior fraud seminars, home security surveys, a domestic violence intervention team, child car seat safety program, a fingerprint program for teachers, government employees and coaches, and much more. 

“We have a partnership with our community,” Petracco notes. “They know they can approach our officers because we try to go that extra mile. People see and appreciate that.” Many of the crimes resolved in Nutley are due to the input or help from residents, whether they're providing footage from their house cameras or observing something or calling the department when they see a suspicious car. “A lot of the success we have is with their help,” Petracco adds.  

Staying progressive in an ever-evolving world can be a challenge for the department, but Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo says that the support the department gets from the Township’s Commissioners is critical. “Commissioner Petracco and the other Commissioners have been great. They supply us with the funding to get the technology that we need in order to maintain the safety Nutley is known for. That’s the kind of stuff that makes Nutley different and why we're so successful in keeping such a safe town.”

Petracco, a lifelong resident who has been Commissioner of Public Safety for 14 years, is firm in his commitment to keeping his hometown safe. “Maintaining safety in Nutley is paramount because without safety everything else falls apart,” he says. “We live in a changed world, especially post-COVID. But there’s one constant that the residents of our town know will never change and that’s the dedication of the Nutley Police Department.”