TRENTON POLICE MUSEUM
1980-PRESENT
Historic Synopsis
Perhaps the most singularly significant occurrence of the 1980’s was the insurgence of Crack Cocaine. The low price and highly addictive nature of Crack devastated cities of all sizes and strained police resources , the criminal courts system and the prison system. The arrival of Crack marked an increase in gang activity and the level of violence used by the Crack dealers became more and more ruthless. Trenton was not immune from the Crack epidemic and in the early 1980’s the Trenton Police Division formed the Pro-Active unit in an attempt to stem the flow of drugs and take back the streets. Pro-Active policing was a shift from the standard method of "reactive" policing. The officers of the Pro-Active units were free from answering complaint calls and instead focused their efforts on areas where open air drug markets ran amok. In addition to drug enforcement, the Pro-Active units also conduct regular prostitution investigations.
As the 1980’s came to a close, the Trenton Police Division switched from the use of Smith & Wesson .38 Revolvers to Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistols. A few years later, the department switched to the Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols.
With the start of the 1990’s, came a new chief. After serving 20 years as Chief, John R. Prihoda retired and Frank M. Brady took his place. In 1992, Chief Brady retired and Chief Ernest Williams moved to the top post. Chief Williams, became the first African-American promoted to the rank.
In 1991, Trenton became one of two cities to be chosen for the Weed & Seed Program. A federal program, Weed & Seed addresses both the enforcement and prevention of violent crime. The "Weed" section incorporates a multi-jurisdictional task force, of local, county, state and federal agencies. The "Seed" section involved the establishing of "Safe Havens" places where youths can go to interact in a safe environment.
In the middle 1990’s, an emphasis was placed on community policing, in an effort to get "in touch" with the citizens. Part of the community policing tactic incorporates the use of Bicycle Patrol.
It is not known what the future will bring for the Trenton Police Department, but as it has done for over 200 years, it is sure to evolve to meet the new needs of law enforcement. |
Gallery
| Anything May Happen |
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| Early 1980's |
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A long running tradition in the department was the holding of live variety shows featuring Police Officers. The Blonde Bombshell pictured is Patrolman George Muschal. |
| Pro-Active |
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| Mid 1980's |
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Two Pro-Active officers struggle with a suspect. Formed to search out criminals, the unit has done so for 15 years. |
| Promoted |
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| Mid 1980's |
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Dave Johnson (middle) is promoted to Sergeant. Others pictured are (l-r) Director of Public Safety Lucherini, Deputy Chief Ernest Williams, Chief John Prihoda and Deputy Chief Frank Brady. |
| Pistol Team |
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| Mid 1980's |
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Members of the Pistol shooting competition team are(l-r) Don Phillinger, Rich Lucherini, Sgt. Rich Groth, Bob Miktus, Jim Ragazzo and Bob Kelly. |
| Crack epidemic |
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| 1987 |
| Housing Unit officers (L-R: Josh Burgess, Ed Kownacki, Moe Crosby) are seen with a seizure of Crack and an ever present tool of the Crack trade, a revolver. Pictured are vials of crack, a method of packaging which is almost non-existent in Trenton nowadays. |
| Patrolman Henry Ellis & Chief John Prihoda |
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| Late 1980's |
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This photo was taken shortly before both men retired from the force. For years Patrolman Ellis acted as "Officer Friendly . |
| Police Cycle |
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| Late 1980's |
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Patrolman William Rafferty operates a department Harley Davidson. |
| Detective Bob Lizzano, Honored. |
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| Mid 1990's |
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Detective Bob Lizzano (center) receives a "Gold" PBA retirement card. Issued for his determination and work establishing the Trenton Police Museum. Much of the materials on display at the museum are from Lizzano's personal collection. Also pictured are PBA officers Bob Smith and Gary Guear, Chief Ernest Williams and Sgt. John Schroeder. |
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