Policing Increases for Summer Holiday

Toms River Police have stepped up patrols for the previous and coming weekends, as the Fourth of July fell midweek.

"Is the big weekend last or is it this weekend, or is everyone celebrating Wednesday?" said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. "That's what we're watching for."

Whether the larger influx of visitors to Toms River will come this weekend or not, Mastronardy said there is an increased traffic patrol officer presence with the holiday for both weekends and midweek.

"With the coordination of our traffic safety captain we have stepped things up," said the police chief.

Though not different than previous years, the township is also using its police boat to patrol the Barnegat Bay and the Toms River.

Patrols along the Toms River are paticularly essential during the fireworks on the Toms River. At that time, a large amount of boats are in the river, where spectators view the fireworks from their boats and other marine vessels.

The township police employs its own police boat to patrol the Toms River, watching for intoxicated boaters and responded to crashes or boats in distress.

In addition, Mastronardy said the summer's increased traffic on the barrier island will again mean crossing guards at key intersections.

Crossing guards will be stationed throughout Ortley Beach, Normandy and Chadwick beaches and other portions of the barrier island on bouth Route 35 north and south.

The last week has seen a and in Toms River, multiple motor vehicle , and Wednesday night saw a 12 year-old struck by a car.