Police chief helps lift veil of mystery for writers

It was a beautiful day, July 31, when a group of 18 mystery writers and readers descended upon the Jamesburg police station at the invitation of Police Commissioner Barbara Carpenter and Police Chief David Lester.

The generous offer was made to assist the members of Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey with a firsthand look at a small-town police operation, from its weapons and evidence room to the holding cell and dispatching center.

Chief Lester walked the group through the booking procedure, response procedure and the operation of delivering prisoners upstairs to the courtroom located in the town hall.

In addition to offering information on firepower of various sizes, flak vests, jackets and radios, the chief explained a current addition to the force — very expensive bicycles. Of the current officers on the force, eight are fully trained in bicycle patrol, an effective program in a small town, especially during events like the town street fair or the local fireworks celebration every Fourth of July.

Chief Lester’s 22 years’ experience in the police field are evident in the pride and easy way he spoke of the commitment he and his men have to the community. In addition to law enforcement, the officers are active in community service and events to build a bond with the citizens. They are always willing to help out a worthy cause, as exhibited by the chief’s invitation to the police station.

Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey is a chapter of the national organization, committed to promoting and supporting women mystery authors. Despite the name, membership is open to both men and women with a passion for the mystery genre.

For more information on Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey, interested individuals may visit the Web site at http://members.aol.com/sinccj, or e-mail sinccjersey@yahoo.com.

Nancy Quatrano

President

Sisters in Crime-

Central Jersey