EXCLUSIVE: In light of the near-tragic incidents which have occurred in Lakewood over the last few days, renowned Lakewood Posek Harav Yaakov Forscheimer has issued a clear Psak in regards to calling authorities on Shabbos and Yom Tov, TLS has learned.
After researching the recent incidents, and personally conferring with Law Enforcement Officials, Harav Forscheimer has stated that one who witnesses an attempted luring or abduction during Shabbos or Yom Tov should immediately contact police.
Besides for Tuesday’s shocking incidents, there have been multiple other cases reported to both Law Enforcement and Askonim over the last several weeks – which are currently being investigated.
The number to call in Lakewood, is 732-363-0200, and pressing ‘0’ when you hear the machine. Calling 911 delays the process, as calls get routed through the County. [TLS]
Calls to the county 911 are more reliable! There is accountability and pd has to answer up to and they must respond
You will get a quicker response if u dial 911 and if there is a issue LPD will have to answer up
I recently witness a thief robbing a home and I decided to call the police direct number hoping it would speed up the call as the thief was still in the area.. it took at least 10-15minutes for a officer to show up , the guy was probably at his “next job” by then
I have to go with “direct connect” , they know our town and they know the people.
Known fact that if you call 363-0200 you will connected to the dispatcher much faster than the 911 system . The 911 operator has to take the info then transfer it to the Lakewood dispatcher which can add time. All calls are recorded and stored for a period of time in case of a dispute.
As for how long it takes a patrol car to show up is another issues. Lakewood’s a busy place so its very possible that it can take 15 minutes to arrive. Calling the county has no effect on speeding up the response time of a local officer.
If you call 911 or the police directly it doesn’t matter if there is no police officer ready to respond. The shortage of police officers is at an all time high. The police department is short about 40 officers.
i am a Transportion service provider here in Lakewood, I see little children alone on bus corners waiting for there buss to arrive. in the afternoon they are dropped off also with no parent at the arrival point. yesterday we waited 15 minutes with the 5 year old girl till the parent arrived. this is a very serious situation in this town and the parents should be responsible for there little children. and yes there are many service vans and vehicles in our town for construction with many types of employees. Thanks have a Safe Day.
What if the driver is fuun unzara would there be a shayla of masira ??
Why not call both?
OK.. TLS says call Lakewood police direct first and other anonymous people say call 911. TLS, please let us know where you got your information to call lakewood before 911. How are any of us to know for sure. too many conflicting comments. What do the police say to do? I would prefer to call who they say, Not some nameless commenters and a nameless TLS writer.
Of course it took PD 10-15 minutes to arrive! They 1st had to finish ticketing all the cars by BMG & Then Satmar. Revenue FIRST — SAFETY LAST!!
To curious and confused # 9,
You sound like you’re quite troubled there. If you truly want to seek the proper guidance on your issue – you should contact the police directly and ask them all your questions.
You have 3 options;
(1) Walk into the police station on Third St.
(2) Call the police at 732-363-0200
(3) Call the police at 911 and immediately state that you have a non-emergency police related question.
I hope I haven’t confused you even more now..
If you call Shomrim you get a police officer much faster!
I see way to many children left unattended by a parent in this town, we live in a dangerous world that feeds on opportuneities by parents who are negligent
What is so confusing and what could calling both possibly do??? You’re still put in touch with the same department in the end. If you call Lakewood Police directly instead of 911 think of it as cutting out the middleman. If you call direct there is still a record, PD still responds in the same amount of time, the acountability does not change. It only cuts down YOUR time of having to be on the phone to make the report, which in turn gets sent to an officer in the field that much quicker…it may seem like mere seconds to some but if it was your child every second counts.
Sure advise people not to call 911. Great idea
The main difference between calling 911 or calling your local PD directly is this:
911 is a FULLY STAFFED emergency CALL CENTER with trained professionals capable of providing immediate proper assistance for myriad emergency situations.
On the other hand, the local PD phone line can get tied up due to the one or maybe two officers staffing the line being busy with a different emergency.
In addition, 911 is a universal number that is very easy to remember – for ANY type of emergency (Police, Fire, Medical)
So, if you’re absolutely sure yours is a police issue then you can save a few seconds by dialing direct – provided you remember the number and they’re available to answer your call.
Personally, being that I have the local PD number saved on my cellphone – in this situation I would’ve first called direct.
Call Dunkin’ Donuts… you’ll get a cop instantly.
The main message of this article to call the police rather than a volunteer group, friend, Religious Leader or politician. Whether you call 911 or the LPD direct is not important. A child’s well being depends on contacting the police.