Franklin Township Police Department

09/14/2026

🚨 DWI Checkpoint Results 🚨

A DWI Checkpoint was conducted on Saturday, September 12th which resulted in the following:

🚗 127 vehicles checked
🍺 5 DWI arrests
📋 50 motor vehicle tickets issued
🛴 Disorderly juvenile arrested on a scooter

During the course of the checkpoint a female driver who was arrested for DWI was also criminally charged for operating a motor vehicle while being intoxicated with two young children in the vehicle. The children were not harmed and were released to a family member.

See press release for additional information.

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 Never Forget 9-11 🇺🇸

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day 🇺🇸

09/02/2026

🚨 Legal Notice- DWI Checkpoint 🚨

08/31/2026

🎒 Welcome Back to School 📚

As the summer comes to an end, the Franklin Township Police Department wants to extend a warm welcome back to all of our incredible students, teachers, administrators, and school staff as we kick off the new school year! 👮 ☀️

To help make the first week smooth and safe for everyone, we ask our community to keep a few quick tips in mind:

⏰ Give Yourself Extra Time: Expect delays during your morning and afternoon commutes for the first couple of days.

🚍 Watch for New Bus Routes: Be patient as drivers navigate updated routes, and remember to never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

🚶 Stay Alert for Pedestrians: Expect higher foot and bicycle traffic around neighborhood crosswalks and school zones. Keep your eyes on the road and put away all distractions.

⚠️ Observe School Zone Speed Limits: Slow down and drive with extra caution near every school building.

🚨 We’re Out There With You! 🚨

As always, officers from the Franklin Township Police Department will be highly visible in and around our local schools during the first few days of class. We’ll be there directing traffic, keeping school zones safe, and—most importantly—wishing our students a great first week back! 👮 🚔 😀

If you see us out front, give us a wave! Let’s work together to make this school year safe, successful, and fun.

Have a fantastic first day! 🚓🍎✨

08/21/2026

🚨 Now Hiring 🚨

08/20/2026

The Franklin Township Police Department is deeply saddened by the loss of former Mayor and Fire Chief Joseph Petsch. Chief Petsch was always a huge supporter of the police department and advocate for public safety in Franklin Township. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they go through this difficult time.

It is with heavy hearts that Star Cross Fire Department announces the passing of Joseph Petsch, a lifelong and dedicated member of our department.

Joe joined the Star Cross Fire Department in June of 1968 and devoted decades of service to our department and community. Throughout the years, Joe helped our department by holding numerous positions, including serving as our Chief for 30 years.

Joe’s dedication to helping others did not stop with our department. He also served as President of our County Chiefs Association for several years, along with serving as the Mayor of our great community in Franklin Township.

His dedication, leadership, knowledge, and friendship touched countless members of our department deeply. Joe’s legacy will live on among us, as well as in the lives of those he impacted throughout his lifetime of service to others.

We ask that you keep Joe’s family, friends, and his Star Cross Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

May you rest easy, Chief. Thank you for a lifetime of service with us.

__________________________________________
Funeral service will be held on

Tuesday 8/25/2026 from 6:00pm- 09:00pm
Wednesday 8/26/2026 from 09:30-10:30am
Followed by church and burial services.

Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home Inc., 420 S Main St, Williamstown, NJ 08094

08/19/2026

🚨 Now Hiring 🚨

We are now accepting applications for the position of full time patrolman. Applicants with a Class 2 certification and lateral transfers are welcome to apply.

08/17/2026

‼️ Now Hiring ‼️