Patrol Bureau

The Patrol Bureau consists of four (4) squads of officers on a rotating "Pitman Schedule" to provide 24-hour coverage to the Burlington Township community.  Each squad is comprised of 1 Patrol Sergeant (supervisor), approximately 6+ patrol officers, and 1 civilian Police Services Officer (PSO).  Shift times start at 7:00 AM for day shift and 7:00 PM for night shift.  Officers switch between day shift and night shift every 4 weeks.

Additionally, 2 officers are assigned to a steady power shift during peak hours from 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM.  One of these officers covers the rotation for Squads 1 and 2, while the other covers Squads 3 and 4.  During their shifts, officers are given zone assignments.  These zones are broken down by geographical area based generally on size and activity level.  Officers are also assigned areas of patrol during certain times based upon data obtained via crash and crime analysis.  These target areas are developed to address hot spots.  Aside from handling calls for service from the community, officers conduct visible patrols in an effort to address the safety, security, and well-being of the community.

Squad 1 Supervisor – Sergeant Matthew Jones #93

Sgt. Matthew Jones has been a member of the Burlington Township Police Department since 2012.  Sgt. Jones grew up in Burlington Township.  He began his law enforcement career as a Class I and Class II Special Officer down the shore for the Sea Girt Police Department in 2008. In 2009, Sgt. Jones became a Class II Special Officer for the Mount Holly Police Department and worked there until 2012. 

In 2012, he became a member of the Burlington Township Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Sgt. Jones worked in the Patrol Bureau for 6 years.  During his time, he served on the Bicycle Patrol Unit, Adopt-A-Cop, Honor Guard Unit and was a Field Training Officer. In 2017, Sgt. Jones served as a Task Force Officer for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gangs, Guns, & Narcotics Task Force, where he assisted and lead narcotic related investigations.   In 2018, Sgt. Jones was assigned to the Investigations Bureau and served as a Detective.  In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Patrol Bureau.  Sgt. Jones is currently the supervisor of Patrol Squad 1.  He is also the supervisor of the department’s Honor Guard Unit, which is very active in police & first responder ceremonies, along with presenting the colors for local and professional sporting events.  In his off time, Sgt. Jones enjoys working out, going down the shore, and  spending time with his wife and golden retriever Boston.  

Fun Fact: Koala bears have fingerprints almost identical to humans. 

Honor Guard Unit

The Honor Guard Unit is comprised of six active members and is headed by Sgt. Jones, who are all specially trained in traditional military ceremony and drill.  The unit serves the community by representing the values of the Police Department: Integrity, Service and Respect.  The Honor Guard Unit is the official ceremonial unit of the police department, which participates in funerals, parades, school events, police and first responder ceremonies, and other ceremonial events.  The unit has presented the nation’s colors for the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, NY Giants, 200 Club Dinners, and the Burlington County Fallen Officers Memorial Annual Ceremony.  

 

Squad 2 Supervisor – Sergeant James Conway #82

Sgt. James Conway has been a member of the Burlington Township Police Department since 2005. Sgt. Conway grew up in Northern New Jersey and moved to Burlington Township after studying at William Paterson University. He began his career in the Patrol Division until becoming a School Resource Officer in 2018, where he was first assigned to Fountain Woods School. In September 2021, he was reassigned to the Burlington Township Middle School, and then the High School in January 2022. In addition to being a School Resource Officer, Sgt. Conway was also a member of the Community Resource Bureau, is a Field Training Officer, an auxiliary member on the Bicycle Patrol Unit, and a member of the Burlington Township Honor Guard Unit. On his off time, Sgt. Conway enjoys spending time with family and friends, coaching, remaining active in any sports activity, and reminiscing better times for his beloved NY Giants.

EMS Function

As the EMS Coordinator, Sgt. Conway is responsible for fulfilling the EMS function and needs of the police department.  These duties include:

• Maintaining training records of all officers in reference to their first responders/EMT certifications
• Maintenance and acquisition of EMS supplies & equipment
• Acting as liaison between local, county, state, and federal agencies that sponsor or regulate EMS activity

For questions related to Patrol Squad 2 or the EMS Function, please contact Sgt. Conway via email at jconway82@burltwppd.com.

 

Squad 3 Supervisor – Sergeant Michael Casella #90

Sgt. Mike Casella began his law enforcement career in 2001 at the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In 2008 he became a member of the Burlington Township Police Department.  Sgt. Casella was assigned to the Patrol Bureau from 2008 to 2016.  While in patrol he was a member of the Bicycle Patrol Unit and the Adopt a Cop Program. Additionally, he served as a Field Training Officer training many of our current officers.

In 2016, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau working several major cases in and around Burlington Township. In 2018, while assigned to the Detective Bureau he was selected as the Burlington Township Officer of the Year. In 2019, Sgt. Casella joined the Community Resource Bureau as a School Resource Officer where he was assigned to the B. Bernice Young School, Fountain Woods School, and BTMS. As a member of the Community Resource Bureau and School Resource Officer, he has taught the Great Program, the Citizens Police Academy, and also helped with the Youth Emergency Services Academy.

At the end of 2022, Sgt. Casella was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and is currently the Patrol Bureau Squad 3 Supervisor.  In addition to his patrol duties, Sgt. Casella is a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor, and supervises the Bicycle Patrol Unit. In his off time, Sgt. Casella enjoys spending time with his family, vacationing, and riding motorcycles. 

Bicycle Patrol Unit

The Bicycle Patrol Unit is comprised of 1 Patrol Sergeant (supervisor) and 7 active patrol officers.  The bicycle patrol unit’s mission is to promote bicycle safety and enhance police-community relations.  The use of bicycles enables the officers to have more personal contact with the public, and allows the officers to reach areas inaccessible by other vehicles. In addition to supplementing traditional patrol functions, the unit participates in community events and deploys the bicycles within Burlington Township's neighborhoods.  The unit also participates in community events such as Bike with a Cop, , Safe Rider & Bike Rodeo, National Night Out, and various bicycle registration events.  The bicycle patrol unit also participates in school functions such as the homecoming parade and can be seen at various football games throughout the season.  For more information about Bicycle Safety, the unit, or to register your bicycle with BTPD, please follow the link above!

 

Squad 4 Supervisor – Sergeant Eric Pew #100

Sergeant Eric Pew 8 year veteran of the Burlington Township Police Department.  He was hired as a full-time Police Officer in August 2014.  For 2 years prior, he worked for Wildwood City Police Department as a Class II Police Officer.  Sgt. Pew is a graduate of Burlington Township High School, Class of 2007.  He attended Rutgers University from 2007-2012, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.  Sgt. Pew worked in the Patrol Bureau for 4 years.  During this time, he served on the Traffic Safety Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, and was a department Field Training Officer. He is also a certified Radar Instructor.  

In June 2018, Sergeant Pew was assigned to the position of Community Resource Officer (CRO).  He served in this position for over 4 years, coordinating and facilitating the department's community relations and crime prevention programs.  In recognition of his dedication and service to the Burlington Community, Sgt. Pew was selected to receive a 2023 Community Hero Award by The Beloved Project of NJ.  He was also presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by U.S. Congressman Andy Kim. 

In November 2022, Sgt. Pew was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Bureau.  He is currently the supervisor of Squad #4.  Sgt. Pew also serves as the Burlington Township Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer (MHLEO).  The MHLEO is responsible for the welfare of animals in our community.  More specifically, ensuring the proper investigation of all complaints of animal neglect and cruelty.  He also manages the department's website.  In his off-time, Sgt. Pew enjoys spending time with his dogs and boating in Maryland.

 For questions related to Patrol Squad 4, please contact Sgt. Pew via email at epew100@burltwppd.com.