IRVINGTON, NJ — Building on his first term in office, Mayor Tony Vauss ended his inauguration and swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, July 1, by promising to continue making Irvington clean and safe, particularly in the summer months, when statistics show that an annual spike in crime occurs.
“I thank you for your support over the last four years and I look forward to another four years where we can continue to make Irvington a safe clean, and prosperous community,” said Vauss on Sunday, July 1.
Vauss’ predecessor, former Mayor Wayne Smith, coined the phrase “summer spike” to describe the annual increase in crime in town, but a policing strategy that specifically addressed public it was not enacted until Vauss became mayor and tapped Tracy Bowers to be his public safety director.
Bowers and Vauss agreed their summer policing plan to deal with the “summer spike” has been a success in the last four years, and they plan to build on it.
“We’re looking to have three consecutive years of no homicides during the summer months,” said Vauss on Monday, July 16.
According to township and county officials, Irvington had four homicides in 2016; the first was registered in May and three more occurred in October of that year. In 2017, Irvington had six homicides, four by May and two in the fall. Both years, the township had no homicides during the summer, in stark contrast to earlier years.
As for this year, the Bowers is guardedly optimistic.
“We have four for the year, so far,” said Bowers on Tuesday, July 17. “None for this summer. I hope I’m not jinxed by this statement.”
Vauss and Bowers agree that even one homicide is one too many, and the annual summer policing plan strategy plays an important role in keeping Irvington safe.
“The summer plan is going well,” said Bowers on Monday, July 16. “Sometimes you have to modify the strategy, depending where things are happening. That’s why it’s important that police officers know what’s going on in the township, establishing relationships with the residents and stakeholders. Those are the people that help you fight crime. It’s more like a partnership.”
Agreeing with Bowers, the mayor stressed that the Team Irvington Strong motto of “One Team One Dream” includes all Irvington residents since they have a shared stake in making Irvington as “clean and safe” as possible.
“We can make our community what we want to make it today,” said Vauss on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. “We don’t have to wait until tomorrow. Most people think that other communities are better than their own, but that’s not true. Last year, we had historic numbers. This year, we’re on pace to do even better than last year. What it means is that we are doing the right things here in Irvington, keeping our community safe.”
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