Senator Sean T. Kean

April 10, 2008

Contact: Brad Schnure / 609-292-5199
Senator Sean T. Kean (R-11)

Kean Requests Information on Closure from State Police Superintendent

Senator Sean Kean is requesting information detailing the effects of the closing of the Allenwood Barracks will have on the surrounding area.

In a letter to State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph Fuentes, Kean asked for information related to the impact this closure would have on the region as well as any efforts the state police have taken to address the possible consequences of this decision.

In the letters Kean said, “As you can imagine, this has caused anxiety among many of my constituents who are concerned about the impact this closure will have on the region’s safety. They are particularly worried about the possibility that this closure will dramatically increase police response times and put a strain on already overburdened local police forces.”

Within the last 20 years, Central Jersey has faced the closure of eight state police barracks; nine including Allenwood.

Kean also stated in the letter to Fuentes, “I believe providing this information will go a long way toward assuring the public that the region will have an adequate police presence that can effectively safeguard this and surrounding communities.”

Senator Kean recently introduce legislation, S-1458, in response to Allenwood’s closure which would require a study be conducted by the Superintendent of the State Police before any state police road station is shut down. This would determine the effects the closure would have on public safety and the welfare of citizens. It would also examine the impact the closure would have on response times, efficiency of costs, as well as the effect on other local law enforcement.

Kean and Assemblyman Dave Rible previously met with the Colonel regarding this possible closure. Kean also has submitted a request for information related to other state police leases.

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