LAKEWOOD, NJ — The Lakewood Police Department has launched a new advanced drone program aimed at enhancing public safety and accelerating emergency response times, officials announced at a soft launch this week at Town Hall.
The drone, capable of operating in nearly all weather conditions, will be used for general surveillance and rapid response at crime and accident scenes. It can provide law enforcement with aerial images of suspects, license plates, and locations within seconds—well before officers can arrive on foot or by vehicle.
Lakewood is the first municipality in Central and South Jersey and one of few statewide to implement this type of drone for police use, following months of research, training, and financial planning.
“Lakewood is the largest municipality in Ocean County and the surrounding region,” said Police Chief Greg Meyer. “We will continue being proactive and leading the way to provide our residents with the most sophisticated, effective public safety systems available.”
Township officials praised the LPD for integrating the new technology. Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, the Emergency Services Liaison, said, “The initial seconds and minutes in an emergency are pivotal, and this drone will no doubt serve as a tremendous lifesaving asset for Lakewood residents.”
Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes noted the cooperation among township leaders and law enforcement, stating, “Everyone works together as a team, and the results speak for themselves once again.”
Lakewood officials say the drone will be deployed as part of routine patrols and during emergency incidents requiring fast visual assessment.
A new drone gives Lakewood police a high-tech edge in protecting New Jersey’s fastest-growing community.