06/03/2026
STRAIGHT FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Community Friends,
The Mantua Township Police Department is hitting the ground running under the new leadership of Chief William D. Murphy.
I’m proud to announce that two major initiatives are already underway as we continue our commitment to providing the highest level of public safety services to our residents.
First, Mantua Township has engaged the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) to conduct a comprehensive Management and Operations Study of our police department. This study will provide an independent and objective in-depth review of staffing, training, operations, organizational structure and leadership, policies and procedures, efficiency and the department’s overall performance, etc.
We already have an outstanding police agency, but we are always looking for ways to strengthen our services, improve efficiency and maximize our potential as being one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the State of New Jersey.
In addition, the Township is engaging an independent contractor to assist with the NJSACOP Re-Accreditation process. Accreditation is a rigorous and time-intensive process that typically takes approximately one year to complete. It’s a progressive and proven method that also helps law enforcement agencies evaluate and enhance their overall performance through best practices and professional standards.
Accredited agencies also become eligible for insurance rate discounts. It helps to reduce liability and provides both operational and financial benefits to the Township.
I want to thank Chief Murphy and the members of the Mantua Township Police Department for their dedication and professionalism as we continue moving our community forward.
I’m also honored to announce that over the next few weeks, residents will begin to see the results of our Hometown Heroes Veterans Banner Program (HHVBP) throughout Mantua Township.
The first phase of this important program is dedicated to honoring Mantua residents throughout history who were either KIA (Killed in Action) or MIA (Missing in Action) while serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
We recently took delivery of the first 16 Hometown Heroes banners, which are now ready to be displayed. This group also includes Trooper Eli McCarson, whose banner will be placed at McCarson Park, and John Rodak, whose banner will be displayed at the Place of Reflection at Chestnut Branch Park.
As part of this initiative, the traditional American flags currently displayed along Main Street will be replaced with U.S. Flag banners featuring “Township of Mantua” at the bottom, creating a unified appearance that complements the Hometown Heroes banners.
The military banners from this first phase will be displayed at Veterans Plaza at the Township Administration Building and along both sides of Main Street heading southbound toward Chestnut Branch Park. Utility poles throughout the corridor will alternate between Hometown Heroes banners and U.S. Flag banners to create a meaningful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We are also continuing research on approximately 15 additional veterans from Mantua who meet the KIA or MIA criteria. This is a detailed and comprehensive process, and our work will continue to ensure these heroes receive the recognition they deserve. Our goal is to have this first phase of the program completed by Veterans Day.
I would also like to recognize longtime resident Gregory S. McLeer, owner of M & M Electrical, LLC in Mullica Hill for his tremendous generosity and support of this project. Gregory and his company are donating the installation of five independent posts to house banners, as well as volunteer services, equipment and manpower - including the use of a bucket truck to assist with banner installation throughout the township.
We are truly grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this program possible through their kindness, dedication and generosity. Together, we are ensuring that the sacrifices of Mantua’s heroes are remembered and honored for generations to come.
This time of year there is always an uptick in door-to-door solicitation around our township.
Last year, the Township Committee and I voted unanimously to amend our Solicitation Codes to provide Mantua with some of the most stringent regulations, fines and penalties for illegal solicitation in our area.
Under Mantua Township Ordinance No. 17-2019, residents have the opportunity to stop solicitors from approaching their homes through our “Do Not Knock” Ordinance. This program allows residents to prohibit solicitors and vendors from knocking on their doors.
To register for the program and obtain a “No Knock” decal, residents can complete an application online through our township website at www.mantuatownship.com by selecting Forms & Applications > Municipal Clerk > No Knock Application. Applications may also be completed in-person or by contacting the Clerk’s Office at the Administration Building on Main Street by calling (856) 468-1500 ext. 113.
Please also be aware that all solicitors operating within our municipality are required to register with the Township Clerk’s Office. Solicitors must undergo a police background check, pay the required solicitation fee, and carry an authorized township permit that must be visibly displayed while going door-to-door.
If you encounter illegal solicitation or suspicious activity, please contact the Mantua Township Police Department immediately by calling the non-emergency number at (856) 589-0911.
Please do not attempt to take matters into your own hands. Posting about incidents on social media after the fact is also not helpful.
The best and most effective course of action is to contact the Mantua Township Police Department while the incident is actively occurring so officers can properly investigate potential violations in real time.
On behalf of the entire Township Committee and I, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership!
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS
