Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023, the Teaneck Police Department received a total of 49,558 calls and filed 8,194 reports. This includes handling 292 criminal investigations conducted by the Detective Bureau and 334 investigations by the Juvenile Bureau. The department made 306 arrests, with 41 being for DWI. Officers made 4,631 motor vehicle stops and attended to 3,419 medical emergencies.  The routine patrol activities included conducting more than 7,247 building checks, 2,209 business checks, and 6,238 house of worship checks. Furthermore, the Teaneck Police responded to over 1,569 burglar alarms, 364 fire alarms, and members of the department administered Nasal Naloxone 9 times in 2023 at overdose medical emergencies.

If you are calling from a home or a “hard” line, your call is received at the Teaneck Police Department "Dispatch Center" which is staffed 24/7.  If you are calling from a cell phone, the call could be received by the Teaneck Police Department Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or another PSAP. It all depends on the cellular system’s ability to track the position of the original call.   Either way, the calls are quickly transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction for response.

The answer is a definite, YES.   If you see something that is suspicious or just doesn’t look right, please call the police.  You can call us any time, day or night, and we will investigate all calls.  A large amount of serious incidents are solved because a concerned resident called and reported it.  If you want to remain anonymous, that is ok, but we would rather you identify yourself so we can update you on what we found out.

Call or e-mail the Teaneck Police Department Traffic or Community Policing Bureau and report the problem. For the speeding, we will put the radar trailer on the street, (for about a week) which monitors the speed of vehicles and instantly educates drivers by flashing the current speed. Usually this works well and no further action is needed.  If necessary we would follow this up with speed enforcement details (officers operating radar and issuing summons when appropriate).  You can also check the Township web site for more information.  As for cell phones usage in vehicles: we are vigorously enforcing this law. If you use a cell phone while driving, you must use a hands free device.  There were approx. 1,500 reportable accidents in Teaneck last year and driver inattention, because of unlawful cell phone usage, was a large contributing factor.

No. The streets of Teaneck are a public right of way and thus anyone can park on any street unless there are restrictions posted.  Although it might not be considerate for your neighbor to park in front of your house all the time, it is not necessarily illegal. Although, there is a local ordinance that requires no car can be parked for more than 48 hours in one spot without being moved.

The New Jersey Statutes for motor vehicles state, “ Parking means the standing or waiting on a street, road, or highway of a vehicle not actually engaged in receiving or discharging of passengers or merchandise, unless in obedience to traffic regulations or traffic signs or signals”.   It does not matter if you are in the car or not.

No.  The Township code (sec 21-15), places time restrictions on noise made by power tools (leaf blowers, lawn mowers, etc...) and construction equipment.  Operation is prohibited before the hours of 6:30am and after 8pm on weekdays and before 7:30 and after 8pm on weekends and legal holidays.   If there is a problem, call the police desk or the Community Policing Bureau and we will see if we can work out a solution.

There are two officers assigned to most calls for safety reasons. (both for you and the officers).  It is not because we think YOU are dangerous, it is just standard protocol to have two officers respond to calls, just in case.

Please be advised that the Township of Teaneck may not conduct criminal history checks for a noncriminal justice purpose.  You would be referred to the State Bureau of Identification within the New Jersey State Police.  New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 13:59-1 ET SEQ.  authorizes the dissemination of New Jersey criminal history record information (CHRI) by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), Identification & Information Technology Section (I&ITS), State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for noncriminal justice purposes.

Please see the  State of New Jersey - Motor Vehicle Commission

A restricted parking zone may be established in front of a residence occupied by a handicapped person if a windshield placard or wheelchair symbol license plates have been issued for a vehicle owned by the handicapped person, or by another occupant of the residence who is a member of the immediate family of the handicapped person, provided parking is not otherwise prohibited.

Factors that may be considered include the following:

1. Available on-site parking (driveway, garage, etc.)
2. Availability of on-street parking within close proximity to the residence.
3. Traffic conditions.

When given the opportunity, residents frequently express their concerns about illegally parked vehicles. However, most residents either never report the violation or they report it after the vehicle has left the area. If a violation is observed, contact the police department immediately to ensure that corrective action is taken.

A restricted parking zone may be established after a traffic study has been conducted and determines that a need exists for such a restriction.  Included in the request for a parking restriction should be a petition of support signed by the residents/businesses affected by the restriction.

“RESIDENT ONLY” PARKING

The Township does not have a program in place which grants residents who live on the street exclusive rights to park on-street. The Township Attorney has advised that such a restriction raises a number of Constitutional issues since general taxpayer dollars are spent to maintain all streets in Teaneck

If you believe you were undeserving of a summons, contact the Municipal Court at (201) 837-4850 and enter a plea of “Not Guilty.” You will be given a date to appear before the judge to explain you position.

New Jersey Law restricts speed humps from being used on any roadway having direct contact with any street in any other jurisdiction. They may only be used on totally self contained residential roadways under municipal jurisdiction. The roadway must have fewer than 3000 cars per day, with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less, and on one-way streets connecting to county roads.

Children under the age of 8 years and who weigh less than 80 pounds must be secured in a child passenger restraint system in the rear of the vehicle.

INFANT/CHILD CAR SEATS INSPECTIONS

The Police Department will examine your car seat, free of charge, for proper installation and make any adjustments necessary. Parents are responsible to read the owner’s manual and attempt to install the car seat prior to inspection.  To schedule an appointment, contact the Traffic Bureau at (201)833-4896.

“The “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25” signs are used only in the vicinity of parks and/or schools OR where other roadway characteristics exist

The posting of 25 MPH signs on residential streets is not required and will not be considered unless a traffic study indicates such action is warranted. Factors that may be considered include the following:

1. Road characteristics
2. Roadside development and environment (ie. Parks, Schools, etc.);
3. Parking practices and pedestrian activity; and
4. Reported crash experience for at least a 12 month period.

The Township does not use “Child At Play” signs. They are not permitted pursuant to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, promulgated by the Federal Highway Administration and is the standard manual for all traffic signs in the State of New Jersey

STOP SIGNS AND SIGNALS

Myth Versus Reality

Myth 1:  Having a stop sign is always better than no stop sign, OR, more stops signs are always safer than fewer stop signs.

Reality:  Unwarranted stop signs create problems at both the intersection and along the roadway by:

1. Encouraging motorists to drive faster between intersections in order to save time. Placing stop signs on every low-volume local street      promotes speeding as drivers view the additional delay caused by unwarranted stop signs as “lost time” to be made up by driving at higher speeds between stop signs;
2. Encouraging violations of traffic laws. As the number of stop signs increase so that nearly every intersection has one, the rate of stop sign violations tends to increase;
3. Encouraging the use of alternate routes. Placing too many stop signs in some areas often causes traffic to use other neighborhood routes to avoid a sequence of intersections that may be controlled by stop signs; and
4. Increasing the chance that drivers will disregard conflicting vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which raises the risk of collisions.

Myth 2:  Installing stop signs on all approaches (four-way stop) to an intersection will always result in fewer accidents.

Reality:  Four-way stop signs do not necessarily improve pedestrian or vehicle safety. In fact, pedestrians in stop sign-congested neighborhoods often have a false sense of security about crossing local streets with four-way stop signs, but in reality may actually increase safety risk.

Myth 3:  Installing signals always makes intersections safer.

Reality:  The installation of unwarranted signals, or signals that operate improperly, can create situations where overall intersection congestion is increased, which in turn can create aggressive driving behavior. Both drivers and pedestrians tend to become impatient and violate red lights or drivers are tempted to cut through neighborhood streets. This subjects local residents to a greater risk of collisions, worse congestion and more air and noise pollution.

Stop signs may be installed at intersections where the normal right-of-way rule would not be apparent.  Stop signs are not used to control speed, nor are they posted on the “major street” unless justified by a traffic engineering study.

MULTIWAY STOP (4-way)

    Multiway stop control is used where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads are approximately equal. The following criteria will be considered when evaluating the need for a multiway STOP intersection.

1.  A crash problem, as indicated by 5 or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multiway stop installation.
2. Minimum volumes: 

1. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and 
2. The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour.

* There are currently no intersections that meet the minimum volume requirements within the township that are not being controlled by a traffic signal.

The following requirements must be satisfied prior to considering the placement of an In-Street Pedestrian crossing sign:

1. In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs shall not be used at signalized intersections.
2. Signs shall only be installed in central business areas or other areas with significant pedestrian activity.
3. Posted speeds along the roadway shall not exceed 35 MPH.
4. There shall be a minimum clear roadway width of 24 feet (e.g. 40’ roadway with 8’ wide parallel parking lanes on either side).
5. In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs shall only be used at marked crosswalks.
6. The signs shall only be installed on sections of roadway, which have a no passing zone, approaching the sign location from each direction of travel.
7. The signs shall not be installed on one-way roadways, divided roadways, or roadways with two-way left turns.
8. The signs shall not be located where it will adversely affect the turning radius of motor vehicles.
9. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall be placed in the roadway at the crosswalk location on the center line, on a lane line, or on a median island.

…file for a Firearms ID Card / Permit to Purchase a Handgun

You can respond to Police Headquarters at any time to pick up an application packet and additional information or call to have one mailed to your residence.  Application packets are also available on this website under the “applications and permits” section.  Enclosed in this Packet are the following Forms: Information Sheet, State of New Jersey Application for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and Application to Purchase a Handgun (In duplicate), State of New Jersey Consent for Mental Health Records Search Form, and a Past Residence/Past Employer form.  Two references must be provided on the application (No Family Members).  Please note that the required State Police forms as well as the Consent for Mental Health Records form can be located, completed and printed on the internet at https://www.njsp.org/information/forms.shtml.  The completed packet must be turned in to the Identification Bureau.  The Identification Bureau hours are 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.  Please call 201-837-2573 with any questions and to schedule an appointment to complete the process.

…apply for a Liquor ID Card

This is handled by the Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau.  The identification Bureau hours are 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. You can respond to Police Headquarters (ID Bureau) during our dedicated hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between the hours of 11am and 1pmto complete and submit an application.  All new applicants must respond with identification (such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate).  Fingerprinting is required on initial application and every two years thereafter. New applicants and renewals requiring fingerprints will be provided with an” IdentoGo”referal form.  The ID card itself must be renewed yearly at a cost of $50 (cash or check made out to the Township of Teaneck).

…be Fingerprinted

In some job related and other situations the Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau handles fingerprinting for township residents.  The identification Bureau hours are 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. You can respond to Police Headquarters (ID Bureau) during our dedicated hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between the hours of 11am and 1pm.  The Township of Teaneck charges a fee of $25 per card (payable via cash or check).  You must provide your own cards.  Proper identification is required (such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of residency.  Certain jobs require that fingerprinting be performed by IdentoGo, MorphoTrust USA (877-503-5981, https://uenroll.identogo.com/.  To learn more or determine if you are eligible to be fingerprinted by the Teaneck Police Department, please call 201-837-2573.

…turn in a Firearm that I have located inside my home

The Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau handles firearms.  In many instances, a township resident will locate a firearm (handgun, rifle) that they no longer wish to maintain or store.  A request can be made to have it destroyed.  The resident should call the ID Bureau at 201-837-2573 to arrange for a pick up.  A signed letter must also be provided requesting the destruction.

…pick up a Police Report

This is handled by the Teaneck Police Department’s Record’s Bureau.  The Records Bureau is located on the right side of the front lobby of Police Headquarters.  It is staffed  Monday-Friday and is closed on holidays.  Reports can be picked up between 8:30 am - 4:15 pm at the Record's Bureau.  Please note that a report, such as an accident report, generally takes at least three days before it is available.  Please call 201-837-2551 if you have any questions.

…register my Alarm System

Ordinance #1770 provides for the registration of all burglar alarms within the Township of Teaneck. Fees are established for various types of alarm systems, and service fees are provided for false alarms in excess of three (3) per calendar year; or failure to register an alarm system. Violations may result in disconnection and/or a summons being issued. Residents must respond to the Teaneck Police Department’s Records Bureau to pick up an initial application. The initial registration fee is $25 (cash or check to the Township of Teaneck). Renewal information will be sent by mail yearly. The renewal registration fee is $10. False alarm service fee is $50 (4^th through 15^th false alarm per year) and $100 for all additional false alarms per year. The Alarm Registration form is available on the Township website.

…apply for a Temporary Handicapped Placard

Applications are available 24 hours at the Police Department, the Township website, and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website … www.njmvc.gov.

Please be advised that the following materials must be submitted to the Teaneck Police Department for issuance of a Temporary Placard:

• Application- must be completed and certified by your physician that your disability is temporary.
• CHECK in the amount of $4.00 made payable to The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).

Once submitted to the Chief of Police, the temporary placard will be issued for a six month period.  It can be renewed for an additional six month period upon completion of the application and re-certification from your doctor.

…apply for a Permanent Placard and/or Vehicle License Plates

Applications are available 24 hours at the Police Department, the Township website, and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website … www.njmvc.gov.

Permanent Placards are issued through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

…obtain a “Letter of Good Conduct”

Township residents can request a “letter of good conduct” from the Record’s Bureau.  The fee involved is $10. The form is available on the Township Website.