The City of Linden, New Jersey is a diverse community consisting of a generational family presence and a robust economy, where many major corporations and businesses are currently present and establishing. Recently, there has been a spike in violent criminal activity and incidents within the city to include homicides, shooting incidents, and weapons offenses. 

For comparison, In 2019 Linden had a total of 2 homicides for the year. So far in 2020, Linden has had at least 4 homicides, which involved a shooting, with 2 of those incidents occurring in the month of October alone. 

There also appears to be a rise in shooting incidents (unvalidated), with such incidents as two people being shot on Route 1&9 during the morning hours on a Sunday September 27, 2020, a shooting occurring on Lincoln Street where a home was struck multiple times on October 27, 2020, and a shooting on Washington Place on November 21, 2020.

Furthermore and most unsettling, Linden Police arrested two people for being illegally in possession of a firearm on November 21, 2020. According to the Chief of Police, this is the 12th incident where a firearm was recovered within the city, in 2020.

These incidents and others are a reminder of what has been happening and what can escalate further in the future. We as citizens, residents, home owners, business owners, and visitors need to join together to ensure the proper actions are being sought and applied, to stop the problem from becoming worse. These actions will promote safety among all who call Linden home and secure a safe environment for our children and loved ones. A lack of attention and caring will lead to the city becoming over ran with crime, residents leaving at a high rate, businesses deciding to operate elsewhere, and the community losing its identity. 

For this reason, we must speak up and petition the enactment of initiatives, protocols, orders, and measures needed to maintain a safe and prosperous community. To the following Elected and Appointed Officials...

Attention:

Mayor Derek Armstead 

Council President Michele Yamakaitis

1st Ward Councilwoman Lisa Ormon

2nd Ward Councilman Barry E. Javick 

3rd Ward Councilwoman Monique Caldwell

4th Ward Councilman Alfred Mohammed

5th Ward Councilwoman Rhashonna C. Cosby

6th Ward Councilman John Francis Roman

7th Ward Councilman Ralph Strano

8th Ward Councilman Garnett Blaine

9th Ward Councilman Armando Medina

10th Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey

Chief of Police David Hart

Please implement actions that will save our city !

Some thoughts on how to do so are as follows:

- Installed city cameras in problem areas

- Increased police patrols and suppression details in problem areas

- Increase enforcement of quality of life issues such a drinking in public, late night congregation in residential and public areas, loud music, parties etc...

- Mutual agreements with bordering cities/towns to conduct vehicle compliance checkpoints and spots checks at city border

- Installation of better lighting in darkened areas 

- Option of a neighborhood watch

- The implementation of a citywide voluntary Police Auxiliary Force meant to supplement the police department, so there is more focus on crime prevention, investigations, and pro-activity

- Offering of training to residents and business owners on safety considerations, crime prevention, reporting, and attention to detail. 

Please sign the petition and pass the word along to all others. Together we can make things happen!

Sincerely,

A Linden resident