Throwback Thursday: When Paterson Cops Dressed as Hippies and Beatniks to Nab Purse Snatchers and Muggers

PATERSON, NJ – The Paterson Police Department recently highlighted an innovative strategy from 1970 aimed at combating muggings and other street crimes in the city. During that era, the department deployed an Anti-Mugging Squad, wherein officers adopted unconventional disguises, including dressing as hippies and elderly women. This creative approach was designed to catch criminals like purse-snatchers and vandals red-handed.

Photos provided by Paterson Police Dept./Facebook

Charlie Dwyer
Charlie Dwyer is our New Jersey area news reporter. Dwyer reports on New Jersey news and events at the shore and beyond. Charlie covers New Jersey regional news. Charlie is a freelancer.

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