Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department

The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police (PIPPD), is a New Jersey state law enforcement agency, the duties of which are to protect and to enforce state and local laws within New Jersey on all facilities owned or operated by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, a New Jersey state government agency responsible for protecting the Palisades Interstate Park as well as the Palisades Interstate Parkway in New Jersey.[1]

Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department
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AbbreviationPIPPD
Agency overview
Formed1908
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionNew York & New Jersey, U.S.
Legal jurisdictionNew York and New Jersey
General nature
Operational structure
Headquarters1 Alpine Approach Rd. Alpine, NJ 07620
Police Officers36
Agency executive
  • Steven Shallop, Chief
Units
List
  • Detective Bureau
  • Criminal Interdiction Unit
  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Marine Services Bureau
  • Traffic Safety Unit
  • High Angle Rescue
  • Bicycle Unit
Facilities
Stations2
Website
Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department

Controversies

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In May 2018, State Assemblyman Gordon Johnson suggested instituting state oversight of the department.[2]

After a number of press reports of misconduct, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office conducted an investigation that led to Chief Michael Coppola being suspended for ninety days starting in mid-July 2018. The prosecutor found the department had an incentive program to encourage officers to write more traffic tickets.[3]

The investigation also showed that most of the department's high-speed chases were in violation of the State Attorney General's policy on such pursuits. At least one of these resulted in a fatal crash.[4]

In August 2018, Coppola resigned after he was arrested for allegedly buying cocaine and having it shipped to his post office box.[5] [6] He was replaced by Steven Shallop.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Palisades Parkway Police". parkwaypolice.org. Retrieved June 30, 2017. Increasing the safety of the motoring public and park patrons through proactive enforcement of motor vehicle, criminal, maritime statutes as well as the rules and regulations of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
  2. ^ Janoski, Steve (May 10, 2018). "Assemblyman wants public safety director to oversee Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department". northjersey.com. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
  3. ^ "Woes Continue For Palisades Parkway Police As Chief Arrested On Drug Charges". Vos Iz Neias?. August 10, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  4. ^ Sheldon, Chris (July 13, 2018). "Chief who ran ticket incentive program suspended after report shreds his one-highway department". NJ.com. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Janoski, Steve. "Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Chief Michael Coppola resigns following drug arrest". North Jersey. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  6. ^ Janoski, Steve. "Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Chief Michael Coppola arrested on drug charges". North Jersey. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  7. ^ Olohan, Michael (July 3, 2019). "New Chief Takes Lead at Troubled Park Police Agency". Pascack Press & Northern Valley Press. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
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