Safety In Numbers: Examining The Security Of North Brunswick

North Brunswick, New Jersey has a C+ grade for safety, meaning that its crime rate is about the same as the average US city. North Brunswick has a crime rate of 12.75 per 1,000 residents, with a crime occurring every 15 hours and 26 minutes on average. The south part of the city is considered the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime as low as 1 in 110. Violent crime rates are considered moderate, and property crimes, including vandalism, are ranked as moderate. North Brunswick has good air quality 91% of the time and a water quality index of 100 out of 100.

Crime rates

North Brunswick, New Jersey, has a crime rate of 12.75 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. This means that a crime occurs every 15 hours and 26 minutes, on average. The rate of crime in North Brunswick is about the same as the average US city, with a C+ grade. North Brunswick is in the 53rd percentile for safety, meaning 47% of cities are safer, and 53% of cities are more dangerous.

The chance of being a victim of crime in North Brunswick varies across the city. In the northeast neighbourhoods, the chance is as high as 1 in 57, whereas in the south part of the city, the chance is as low as 1 in 110. The south part of the city is generally considered the safest by its residents.

North Brunswick's violent crime rate is considered moderate, and property crimes, including vandalism, are ranked as moderate. The overall crime rate is driven up by property crime, with burglary, larceny over $50, motor vehicle theft, and arson being common. The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 36, which is a rate of 28 per 1,000 population.

The police presence in North Brunswick is described as visible and responsive by its residents.

Safety tips

To stay safe in North Brunswick, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with higher crime rates, such as the northeast neighbourhoods. While the police are generally responsive, staying alert can help you identify and avoid potentially unsafe situations.

To protect your home, consider installing a security system. According to statistics, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be robbed. Additionally, keep yourself informed about crime hotspots in the area by referring to crime maps and statistics. This knowledge can help you plan your movements and take extra precautions when necessary.

When it comes to personal safety, follow basic safety guidelines such as locking your doors, avoiding isolated areas, and staying in well-lit places at night. Keep yourself informed about fraud and other types of crimes that may not be immediately obvious, as knowledge is a powerful tool for staying safe.

In terms of environmental hazards, North Brunswick boasts good air quality most of the time, and the water quality is excellent. Cancer instances are considered low, and substance abuse is almost non-existent. However, be mindful of the risk of natural disasters, as this can impact your safety.

Lastly, North Brunswick prohibits smoking in workplaces and has banned the use of e-cigarettes. Understanding and adhering to local laws can help create a safer environment for everyone.

Police effectiveness

To begin with, police effectiveness is closely tied to crime rates in the area. North Brunswick experiences a range of crimes, including violent and property offences. According to one source, North Brunswick has a crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average. Violent crimes, such as rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, occur in North Brunswick, with a one in 110 chance of an individual becoming a victim. Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also prevalent, with a one in 36 chance of an individual being affected. These statistics highlight the significance of effective policing in the area.

The visibility and responsiveness of law enforcement officers play a crucial role in police effectiveness. In North Brunswick, varying opinions exist regarding police presence and response times. Some residents feel that the police are "very visible and very responsive," while others believe that they "respond slowly when needed." The perception of police effectiveness may vary depending on individual experiences and the specific circumstances of each situation.

Community perceptions of safety and police effectiveness in North Brunswick are mixed. While some individuals feel "pretty safe" and consider the area to have "no safety concerns", others acknowledge "some safety concerns." These concerns may be influenced by the crime rates in the area, as well as the effectiveness of police in addressing those issues.

To enhance police effectiveness in North Brunswick, it is essential to consider the allocation of resources, training, and community engagement strategies. By investing in additional personnel, equipment, and technology, the police department can improve response times and increase visibility in the community. Additionally, implementing community policing strategies, such as neighbourhood watch programmes and collaborative partnerships with residents, can help to improve police effectiveness and overall community safety.

In summary, police effectiveness in North Brunswick is influenced by a combination of factors, including crime statistics, police visibility, and community perceptions. By addressing these factors through strategic resource allocation, training initiatives, and community engagement, the police can work towards enhancing their effectiveness and ensuring the safety and well-being of North Brunswick residents.

Environmental hazards

The Dwellics analytics team gave North Brunswick, New Jersey a score of 73.2 out of 100 for safety. This score was calculated by analysing factors such as air quality, water quality, crime rates, natural disaster frequency, substance abuse rates, and cancer instances.

North Brunswick has good air quality 91% of the time, or 332 days per year. The water quality index is 100 out of 100, based on the number of acute health-based violations for every water utility in the last 5 years.

Cancer instances in North Brunswick are considered low, and substance abuse rates are the lowest in the United States.

In 2015, a massive fire broke out in a North Brunswick warehouse, causing hundreds of people to be evacuated. The fire was in a building that housed plastics, automotive parts, linoleum, rugs, and other goods. An invisible plume of dangerous chemicals, including chlorine, phosgene, and hydrogen cyanide, drifted up into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that there was no environmental hazard, and the chemicals did not affect the water runoff.

Water quality

• Bacterial Contaminationwater supplies in North Brunswick were often contaminated with harmful bacteria, making it unsafe for drinking. While the situation has improved, bacterial contamination still poses a challenge. According to a survey, 35.6% of wells sampled were contaminated with total coliform bacteria, and 4.4% had E. coli bacteria.
• Chemistry of Groundwater: Elevated levels of arsenic, manganese, sodium, fluoride, iron, lead, and chloride have been detected in groundwater samples. These contaminants are associated with various health issues. Approximately 2% of wells sampled had uranium concentrations above the acceptable limit, indicating a potential radioactivity concern.
• Methane in Groundwater: While not considered a direct health hazard, methane has been detected in groundwater samples, and its presence can be objectionable due to odours.
• Leachate from Regional Landfills: There are concerns about the potential impact of leachate from regional landfills on water quality. Leachate can contain a range of toxic contaminants, and its treatment and disposal methods have raised questions about possible effects on the environment and water sources.
• Lead in Drinking Water: While North Brunswick's water utility has been found to be in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards, there are still concerns about lead levels. According to the EPA, 10% of samples from the North Brunswick water system had lead levels above 0.001 mg/L, which can accumulate in the body over time and pose health risks.
• PFAS in Drinking Water: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are not routinely tested for in drinking water, but they are persistent chemicals that can have serious health effects. There is a suspected leak of PFAS at the Franklin NG Site, a military base near North Brunswick.
• Other Contaminants: Other contaminants that may be present in source water include microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria), inorganic contaminants (salts and metals), pesticides, herbicides, organic chemical contaminants (synthetic and volatile organic chemicals), and radioactive contaminants.

The Township of North Brunswick has taken steps to improve water quality and ensure the safety of its water supply:

• Water Treatment Plant: North Brunswick operates a water treatment plant that provides water to over 41,000 customers. Upgrades to the plant, including new filters and control systems, were completed in 2009, and Phase III plant upgrades began in 2019.
• Water Sampling and Testing: North Brunswick regularly conducts various tests to ensure the water meets state and federal guidelines. This includes lead and copper testing in customers' homes, with the participation of homeowners.
• Water Quality Reports: North Brunswick Water LLC has issued a water quality report, as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), assuring customers that the water produced meets all primary and secondary drinking water standard parameters.

In summary, while North Brunswick has made efforts to improve water quality and ensure compliance with health standards, there are still concerns about contamination and the potential impact on public health. Residents are advised to stay informed about water quality reports and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their drinking water.

Frequently asked questions