Cops in Crosswalks: Bloomfield police target drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians

Bloomfield police are looking to catch drivers who don’t stop at crosswalks in the act.

Police say they will be posing undercover as pedestrians and alerting officers further ahead to pull over those who don’t stop for them.

Operation “Cops in Crosswalks” will take place throughout the township. Police said the goal is to reduce injuries and deaths.

“A lot of people don’t stop for the walkers,” said Bloomfield resident Bryant. “They need to put more protection over there. By the park, they have a lot of children walking.”

Since 2023, News12 has reported on a fatal pedestrian accident along Bloomfield Avenue and a hit-and-run along Franklin Street in Bloomfield.

Residents who spoke with News 12 said they feel safe walking the streets, but have seen their share of distracted drivers. They said some aren’t even driving vehicles.

“I saw a guy on a scooter the other day, he’s riding the scooter in traffic and he’s literally looking down [at his phone],” said Shadeed.

New Jersey law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped while a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Violators face a $200 fine and two motor vehicle points.

Residents said they believe the program will make an impact.

“It’s going to deter them, it’s going to get around,” Bryant said.

“If I knew that I could get a ticket for doing something stupid, I might think twice,” Shadeed said.

Bloomfield police did not say how long the effort would be going on.