New Trenton Chief Plans to Make Police More Proactive

The is getting tougher on crime in the city said new Trenton Police Chief James Nardone in an interview with Trenton Patch Thursday.

"We're going to seek out the crime," Nardone said. "We're going to be more proactive."

New Mayor Kyle Stack named Nardone, 50, chief Tuesday morning and since he took over the reigns of the department he said he is beginning to make some changes.

"We're going to evaluate the way that we do our job and make sure that we're doing it the best to serve the public...that's my first priority," Nardone said.

Nardone said he also plans to select a deputy chief from within the department in the coming weeks. Nardone served as deputy chief under former Chief William Lilienthal, and the position became open after he was promoted to chief.

A recent FBI Report showed an increase in crime in Trenton and Nardone said the majority of the increase involves property crimes including breaking and entering, home invasion and malicious destruction.

Nardone said he plans to begin attacking the increase in property crime by looking for ways to prevent crimes before they occur.

He said minimizing property crime is a big priority for him, though, he said, it's not any more of a priority than any crime that occurs in Trenton.

any given month according to the Trenton Building Department.

Nardone said the number of vacant homes has not made a significant impact on the rise in crime with the exception of people stealing copper pipes from vacant houses.

He plans to target crime "hot spots" like property crimes and focus on those areas.

"We're working on it everyday," Nardone said. "We're focusing on certain areas of the city...we don't have a lot of problems, but we want to use our resources where they are needed."

He added he plans to work with local schools and businesses to provide the best possible service to everyone.

"They're (Trenton officers) out there 24-hours a day trying to prevent crime," Nardone said. "This police agency exists for the public."

Background of new Trenton Police Chief James Nardone

• Graduated from Taylor Center High School
• Associates degree in criminal justice from Henry Ford Community College
• Bachelor's degree in management from Kaplan University
• Graduated of the 233rd session of the FBI National Academy
• Over 21 years as a police officer at the Trenton Police Department
• Worked for law enforcement in several capacities including, but not limited to patrolman, deputy chief, a member of the Downriver Area Narcotics Organization and the Drug Enforcement Administration.