Photo credit and article by Steve Lenox | October 27, 2025
PATERSON, NJ –The city will deploy $1.8 million in Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funds to place off-duty police officers in its commercial corridors, aiming to boost public safety and improve quality of life. The program, funded for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, is designed to provide a visible police presence along Paterson’s business districts, addressing loitering, vandalism, theft, and other quality-of-life issues.
Officers will patrol on foot and interact with residents, business owners, and customers to improve both perception and reality of safety in the city’s commercial areas. Sixteen off-duty officers will be deployed to eight designated posts, supervised by two officers, and will work Thursday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The program also covers maintenance of cameras and other equipment purchased under prior UEZ funding.
“The funding allocation includes $1,648,640 for personnel costs, covering hourly wages for officers and supervisors, and $169,836.96 for equipment maintenance,” the resolution states. Officers are required to complete detailed log sheets documenting interactions, traffic enforcement, and other quality-of-life activities during their shifts.
Patrol locations include Union Avenue, 21st Avenue, 10th Avenue, Main Street, Park Avenue/Market Street, Belmont Avenue, Totowa Avenue, and Bunker Hill, with adjustments possible based on crime patterns. During the holiday season in December, patrols will run daily to address heightened activity and potential safety concerns.
Council members expressed differing perspectives during the vote. First Ward Councilman Mike Jackson criticized the program as ineffective and questioned the administration’s use of funds.
“Last year, $1.6 million was invested, and we wrote 1,100 parking tickets at $90 each, that’s $103,500,” Jackson said. “We spent $1.6 million to make back $100,000. The proof is not in what you talk about. The proof is in your vote, and my vote is no.”
Other council members supported the measure, emphasizing its potential to improve safety in commercial corridors and support local businesses.
“This is extra help for our police department,” Second Ward Councilman Shahin Khalique said. “We already know that we don’t have enough police officers. This money from UEZ grants will allow officers to patrol our commercial corridors and make them safer for the community.”
Supporters highlighted the dual benefit of increasing public safety while enhancing the city’s appeal to businesses and visitors.
“The presence of police is needed,” Fifth Ward Councilman Luis Velez said. “Back in 2020, we had around 490 officers. Now, with more than 160,000 residents, we have only 402 officers. We need more cops and more funding. This program is part of that effort.”
According to officials, the initiative reflects a broader push to strengthen community engagement, increase foot traffic, and foster a safer, more inviting environment for both residents and businesses in Paterson’s UEZ districts.
