Somerset County Prosecutor's Office

Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Somerset County law enforcement agency

The Somerset Prosecutor’s Office presented the Second Annual Champion for Children Award to Barbara Costlow, Mental Heal...
05/26/2026

The Somerset Prosecutor’s Office presented the Second Annual Champion for Children Award to Barbara Costlow, Mental Health Clinician at Better Life Behavioral Health Care LLC

Barbara was born in NJ and raised throughout much of her childhood in Taiwan. Returning to the US, she attended college and graduate school at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. This is where Barbara developed her love of family and marital therapy. After graduate school, Barbara became a Clinical Psychotherapist where she provided individual, family, marital and child therapy. Barbara is now the founder/owner of the Better Life Behavioral Health Care, LLC. She offers individual, family and couples counseling. She is a dedicated member to the Somerset County Multi-disciplinary team and is integral in ensuring our most vulnerable children have access to comprehensive trauma-informed mental health services.

“In recognition of your unwavering dedication and compassionate service to children and families affected by abuse and neglect.
Your tireless efforts have brought hope and healing to those in need.
With heartfelt appreciation, we honor your commitment to making a difference in Somerset County.”

K9 Liam enjoying his lake day!
05/26/2026

K9 Liam enjoying his lake day!

The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office would like to congratulate Officer Joanna Coppola of the Branchburg Township Pol...
05/26/2026

The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office would like to congratulate Officer Joanna Coppola of the Branchburg Township Police Department on being recognized as the first 2026 honoree in Congressman Kean’s districtwide First Responders Hometown Heroes Program.

Officer Coppola continues to distinguish herself through her dedication to public safety and service to the community. In 2025, Officer Coppola led the Branchburg Township Police Department in both total arrests and DWI arrests, earning the “Rising Star Award” at the 2026 New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Conference, along with recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for her efforts in combating impaired driving.

Additionally, Officer Coppola is committed to mentoring youth by serving as one of our Somerset County Police Youth Week instructors. Prior to joining the Branchburg Township Police Department, Officer Coppola served as an intern with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Congratulations, Officer Coppola, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for your continued dedication to protecting and serving the residents of Somerset County.

Join us for the Running for Recovery 5K on September 12, 2026 at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, NJ. This community eve...
05/20/2026

Join us for the Running for Recovery 5K on September 12, 2026 at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, NJ. This community event is held in support of Somerset County Operation Helping Hand, a program dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and connecting individuals and families with treatment, recovery, and support services.



Whether you run or walk, your participation helps spread hope, healing, and awareness throughout our community. Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8bf3f314/_AGRkvBZh02_Cs2Il46zyg?u=http://www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH.

SOMERVILLE, NJ — As the nation honors those who have fallen this Memorial Day Weekend, the U.S. Department of Transporta...
05/20/2026

SOMERVILLE, NJ — As the nation honors those who have fallen this Memorial Day Weekend, the
U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is
warning drivers about the dangers of impaired driving. Please join the NHTSA and law enforcement agencies throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in sharing this important message:

If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
“Driving impaired is never acceptable. For some people, even the slightest indulgence is too much to drive safely. As everyone makes plans with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend, it is crucial to also plan for a safe ride home,” said Prosecutor John McDonald. “The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is partnering with the NHTSA and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to remind drivers that impaired driving is a choice, and it is unacceptable.”
Drivers should stay safe this holiday weekend by planning ahead if they intend to drink alcohol. Do
not wait until after drinking to decide how you will get home safely. Impaired drivers put everyone at
risk. Impairment clouds a person’s judgement and reaction time. Drivers should secure a designated
sober driver or use a taxi or rideshare service to ensure a safe ride home.

If an individual finds they are unable to drive safely, they should give their keys to a sober driver who can assist in getting them home safely. When a friend is impaired and considering driving, be proactive by taking their keys and helping them find a sober ride home. If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.

Law enforcement throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties will be on the lookout and doing their part to help ensure a safe holiday weekend. We ask that you also do your part by driving safely, staying sober, and avoiding distractions while behind the wheel. Working together, we can help keep our roads
safe this weekend.

Somerset County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Impaired Driving.
For more information on impaired
driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving and Dr

Although delayed, The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center recognized National Child Abuse Awarenes...
05/19/2026

Although delayed, The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center recognized National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, by sponsoring the Somerset Patriots game on May 17th , 2026 while also using this opportunity to raise awareness, take action, and strengthen efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. As part of our 2026 Child Awareness Campaign, you may notice billboards throughout the county featuring our slogan: “Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse—Speak Up, Be Their Voice.” This initiative encourages everyone to take a stand and speak up for those who cannot.

In 2021, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office established a Child Advocacy Center (also referred to as CAC), which is a physically and psychologically safe environment for victims of sexual and physical abuse. The child interview room located in the CAC has been designed to put young victims at ease. A Child Advocacy Center is the ONE place that provides a safe, child-focused environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals share information and develop a coordinated strategy that seeks justice while also working to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Thank you to everyone that took their time and came to support!

Join us in congratulating Sergeant Will Perez of The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, who has completed this year’s ...
05/13/2026

Join us in congratulating Sergeant Will Perez of The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, who has completed this year’s Police Unity Tour.

The police Unity Tour honors Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty and raises funds to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. The tour started in 1997 with 18 riders who set out on a four-day bicycle ride and now consists of nearly 2,100 members nationwide who make the trip to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C annually.

Congratulations Sergeant Perez we are very proud of your accomplishment!

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urgin...
05/13/2026

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the national Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 18 through May 31, 2026. “Wearing a seat belt should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, law enforcement agencies throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties will be working to ensure the message reaches all motorists and passengers. Not buckling up could mean receiving a ticket, or worse, risking your life.”

In 2024, 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants were killed in traffic crashes across the country.The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, a strong number, but one that can still improve.The remaining 8.8% of motorists and passengers need to be reminded that seat belts save lives.

Participating law enforcement agencies will take a “no excuse” approach to seat belt enforcement, issuing citations both day and night.

One of the key focuses of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities occur at night, with 56% occurring between the hours of 6:00 PM and 5:59 AM. Among males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were not restrained. Among females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

“We are asking friends and family to remind one another to buckle up and encourage safer habits for anyone who does not regularly wear a seat belt,” said Prosecutor McDonald, “Seat belts save lives,and every occupant, child or adult, whether seated in the front or back seat, needs to remember to buckle up, every trip, every time.”

Buckle Up the Right Way:

Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.

Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.

NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign, please visit

NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

This National Police Week 2026, we honor the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Law Enforcement officers across the n...
05/12/2026

This National Police Week 2026, we honor the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Law Enforcement officers across the nation.

We remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty and thank the officers who continue to serve and protect our communities every day.

A special thank you to all the Law Enforcement officers from The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, who serve and protect our community. Your service and sacrifice are greatly appreciated.

05/12/2026

Rain or shine, nothing stops these incredible athletes from showing up and giving their all. On Saturday, May 9, 2026 , the Somerset County Special Olympics Track & Field Meet was hosted at Manville High School, bringing together athletes, families, volunteers and law enforcement partners from across the county for a truly inspiring day of competition and community. The athletes demonstrated incredible determination, perseverance, and dedication throughout the day. Every race, jump, and event showcased not only their athletic ability but also their resilience, positive attitude, and commitment to never giving up.

Members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Manville Police Department were honored to present medals to the athletes. It was a great day celebrating these athletes and the community that supports them!

Address

North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ
08876

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19085753300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Somerset County Prosecutor's Office posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Somerset County Prosecutor's Office:

Shortcuts

Share

Category