‘We have a problem’

By Albert J. Countryman Jr.

Back in March 2004, the first River Line passenger trains rolled down the tracks from Trenton to Camden, with stops in towns along the Delaware River like Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson and Bordentown.

It’s been a benefit for people having to get to work each day, but local police chiefs have recently noticed an increase in drug use, vagrancy and property theft at the line’s stations, much of it by people from other towns.

“The River Line is an important transportation asset, but it can create some unique challenges,” Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel said during a press conference on Aug. 26 near the Riverton station that announced county sheriff’s officers are helping to patrol areas near stations and even transport suspects to the county jail.

“Thanks for listening to us and the Riverton community,” noted Riverton Police Chief Andrew S. Beuschel Jr., adding that transients in the area are stealing packages from people’s porches and shoplifting at local stores. “There has been an influx of crime, vagrancy and drug use and our resources are strained.

“Since COVID, things have changed,” continued Beuschel, who noted that lawbreakers consider Riverton “a target-rich environment.”

“There has been an increase in the number of incidents since the cleanup of Kensington has displaced many of those in the throes of addiction,” explained Bordentown City Police Chief Shaun Lafferty, president of the county’s Association of Police Chiefs. He was referring to the long-troubled Philadelphia neighborhood that has been ravaged by the opioid epidemic.

“This marks the beginning of an important partnership that will grow to meet the needs of our communities,” Lafferty noted of the River Line patrols. “The additional resources will assist in providing much-needed attention to these areas and will send a strong message to commuters, residents and businesses that we take their safety and security seriously.”

“There have been growing concerns with crime along the River Line train stations,” remarked county Sheriff James Kostoplis, emphasizing that officers will help local police patrol the line’s “high-priority zones.”

To assist the effort, local officers assigned to the special detail will also provide efficient prisoner transport to Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly when requested, according to Kostoplis. That will free up local officers so they can devote additional time to patrols, investigations and community policing in their jurisdictions.

The special sheriff’s details started earlier this month and are being funded with a $150,000 legislative funding grant secured by State Sen. Troy Singleton – whose idea for the initiative originated after he met with Beuschel – and Assemblywoman Andrea Katz.

On a somber note, Singleton referred at the announcement to the tragic accident that took the life of 15-year-old Matthew James Dickinson on Aug. 8. He was crossing the tracks at the intersection of Chestnut and Broad streets to get to soccer practice when he was struck by a northbound River Line train headed toward Palmyra.

“I know the Dickinson family well from soccer,” offered Singleton. “I know the heartbreak they are feeling.”

The senator said the partnership with Kostoplis, the Police Chiefs Association and county commissioners will improve public safety, deter crime, and assist local police departments up and down the River Line communities.

“The River Line is the one of the only mass transit systems in South Jersey,” Singleton emphasized, “and we want to make sure those who ride it can do so safely without fear or concern, and the towns it runs through are secure as well.”

There are 11 River Line stations in Burlington County and special patrols and prisoner transport assistance will occur in the following: Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Florence, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Beverly, Delanco, Edgewater Park, Delran, Riverside, Riverton, Cinnaminson and Palmyra.