The Summer Initiative returns after a productive 2023 campaign.
June 14, 2024
Trenton, NJ (MERCER) – This morning, Mayor Reed Gusciora joined Police Director Steve Wilson, First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis, New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan, and multiple members of TPD and NJSP to announce the 2024 Summer Initiative Task Force.
The Task Force will feature an increase in law enforcement and resources with help from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and NJSP. This year’s task force will feature new endeavors such as the Criminal Investigation Crime Suppression Units and Arrive Together.
The newly created Criminal Investigation Crime Suppression Units will act as an enhancement tool to investigations resulting in real time arrests. Arrive Together, is a program focused on sending a certified mental health screener and crisis specialist, to respond to 9-1-1 calls involving behavioral health incidents.
“Following a successful 2023, we are excited to bring back the Summer Initiative Task Force.” Mayor Gusciora said. “It is vitally important that our children and residents are able to have a safe and enjoyable summer.”
“The Prosecutor’s Office is dedicated to the Summer Initiative, we will be dedicating resources as well our investigative staff and other staff,” said First Assistant Prosecutor Downing-Mathis. “Trenton is one of the many municipalities’ that the County is entrusted with but we care deeply about this City and we hope that we can have a terrific summer.”
After last year’s success of keeping shootings under 1,000 in the state, this year’s goal is to get that number under 900 with the New Jersey State Police U9C operation.
“So far shooting victims in Trenton are down 9% and in Mercer County down 25% and its because of those partnerships and meetings we have with federal, state, and local agencies,” said Colonel Callahan. “It is our hope that we keep shootings down.”
In addition to the the increase in law enforcement, there will also be an increase in summer time events to help keep the community engaged in safe activities. Residents can expect to see over 70 events, multiple summer camps including the Junior Public Safety Program, TPD’s Summer Youth Camp, and the Summer Youth Camps hosted at Sam Naples and the West Ward Recreation Centers, and over 30 sites with more than 280 employees for our free Summer Food Program.
“It’s not all about arresting people and police work, it’s about reaching out and being apart of a movement to help make Trenton a safer place,” Director Wilson said.
L-R: Mayor Reed Gusciora, Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson, and First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis