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Police Department

A full-service, 24/7 law enforcement agency serving nearly 18,000 residents under the leadership of Chief Darren White. Our department is guided by PRIDE—Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Education—and works alongside the community as partners in public safety.

Police Department Initiatives and Programs: We offer body cameras for transparency, child safety seat installations, and a Youth Leadership Program. Our Citizen Services Portal provides convenient online access to file reports, submit anonymous tips, request services, and more.

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Mission Statement

The Mantua Township Police Department is a full service Law Enforcement Agency. Its members are dedicated to providing the highest quality Police services to the public in order to enhance community safety, protect life, property, and the Constitutional rights of all. In doing this, we will strengthen our relationship with the community, promote a partnership of mutual respect, and enhance the quality of life for our community.

Values Statement

  • Professionalism: We are committed to service, pride in our performance, appearance, and community. We will strive to set an example by exceeding the standard.
  • Respect: Our employees are our most valuable resource.  We will treat them with dignity and equality, and expect that they treat everyone that they encounter as such.
  • Integrity: We will hold our employees accountable to the highest standards of honesty, truthfulness, and ethical conduct.
  • Dedication: Above all else, we are committed to protect and preserve human life, public service, and ever-improving the quality of life in our community.
  • Education: We will continue to train to meet the ever-changing needs of our profession while promoting solidarity with our community to better solve problems.

 

Today's Department

Today, the Mantua Township Police Department consists of 28 full-time Officers, four full-time SLEO III Officers, three part-time SLEO I Officers, and two civilian Police Clerks. Our staffing levels are adjusted as needed to best serve our community.

The department services a mostly rural community that is home to 15,283 residents and over 5,600 homes as of the 2020 census. In 2018, Mantua Township proudly took over policing responsibilities for the Borough of Wenonah, adding an additional 2,248 residents to our community and strengthening our regional partnership.

Over the decades, Mantua has evolved from rural farmland to a highly desirable residential community without an overabundance of commercial development. We are proud of what we have accomplished over the years and remain committed to continuing to improve our efforts to serve all of our residents.

Large group photo of police department officers and staff outdoors with Township of Mantua sign Streets of Mantua with a patrolman directing traffic Officer working at desk with typewriter in vintage office Police officer standing in front of another officers desk Male officer in dress uniform posing with American flag Officer in dress uniform conducting classroom presentation with children seated at tables Officer in uniform standing in a doorway Male officer in white dress uniform at outdoor community event Officer posing for portrait with german shepherd police dog Officer in dress uniform standing against wood paneled wall Historic portrait photo of male police officer in light blue uniform with mustache Police officer standing beside patrol car outdoors Vintage patrol car with a SWAT van parked beside it in a parking lot Mantua Township patrol car parked in front of New Jersey skyline
Officer working at desk with typewriter in vintage office Police dispatch or communications center with equipment and monitors Historic black and white photo of officer with patrol car on residential street Over 10 police cars lined with with their officers standing beside them in a parking lot in evening with flag pole Officer in uniform posing for photo getting out of their squad car Male officer in tactical uniform with sunglasses Male officer in uniform standing for photo against wall with clock Two officers in a corridor or walkway of a building Officer working at desk with filing cabinets in background Historic portrait photo of young male police officer in light blue uniform Police officer at desk with computer and book in office Tan stripe patrol car parked on residential street with trees Vintage patrol car with American flag design parked outdoors Vintage white patrol car with flat tires parked in wooded area
Large group photo of police department officers and staff outdoors with Township of Mantua sign Officer working at desk with typewriter in vintage office Streets of Mantua with a patrolman directing traffic Police dispatch or communications center with equipment and monitors Officer working at desk with typewriter in vintage office Historic black and white photo of officer with patrol car on residential street Police officer standing in front of another officers desk Over 10 police cars lined with with their officers standing beside them in a parking lot in evening with flag pole Male officer in dress uniform posing with American flag Officer in uniform posing for photo getting out of their squad car Officer in dress uniform conducting classroom presentation with children seated at tables Male officer in tactical uniform with sunglasses Officer in uniform standing in a doorway Male officer in uniform standing for photo against wall with clock Male officer in white dress uniform at outdoor community event Two officers in a corridor or walkway of a building Officer posing for portrait with german shepherd police dog Officer working at desk with filing cabinets in background Officer in dress uniform standing against wood paneled wall Historic portrait photo of young male police officer in light blue uniform Historic portrait photo of male police officer in light blue uniform with mustache Police officer at desk with computer and book in office Police officer standing beside patrol car outdoors Tan stripe patrol car parked on residential street with trees Vintage patrol car with a SWAT van parked beside it in a parking lot Vintage patrol car with American flag design parked outdoors Mantua Township patrol car parked in front of New Jersey skyline Vintage white patrol car with flat tires parked in wooded area

Police Department History

Mantua Township is located in the heart of Gloucester County, just south of the County Seat of Woodbury, spanning nearly 16 square miles. The township is situated on an elevated bluff overlooking Mantua Creek, from which it is believed to have derived its name. Mantua Creek is thought to be named after the Native American word “Manta,” meaning frog, and served as the chief source of navigation and transportation for both the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans and early settlers.

Mantua Township was officially incorporated on February 23rd, 1853 at the Union Street school house. The first town meeting was held on March 9th, 1853, where Joseph Norris, John Haines, and Elijah Chew were appointed to the positions of “Overseer of the Poor and Constables.”

In the early 1900s, the state passed legislation enabling municipalities to appoint special officers. On March 22nd, 1917, the Township Committee organized a temporary special police department using members of the Township Fire Departments. The Police Chief at that time was often the current Fire Chief or Company President.

The Mantua Township Police Department was established as a full-time department in 1968. Thomas Connell was selected as the first Chief, serving with distinction until 1980. Since then, the department has been led by Chiefs Ronnie Walker, Graham Land, Rodney Sawyer, and Darren White, who has served since 2017.

Officer Requirements

The Mantua Township Police Department maintains rigorous standards for officer candidates to ensure we serve our community with professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication, and education. Our comprehensive application and examination process is designed to identify individuals who will uphold our values and serve the residents of Mantua Township with excellence.

Application Process
New Mantua Township police officers being sworn in at Township Committee meeting with dignitaries

Internal Affairs

The members of the Mantua Township Police Department are committed to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective, and impartially applied. Citizens can file complaints in person, by phone at (856) 468-1920, or by email at mantuaia@mantuatownship.com. All complaints are thoroughly investigated, and complainants are advised in writing of the outcome.

Reporting Process

Programs & Initiatives

Citizen Services Program

Access our online portal to report non-emergent incidents, request house checks, obtain crash reports, and submit anonymous tips. Some services require creating an account.

Firearms Services

We process all firearm applications for Mantua and Wenonah residents, including Firearms ID Cards, Handgun Permits, and Concealed Carry Permits. Apply through our online portal.

Project Medicine Drop

Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at our 24/7 lobby drop box—no questions asked. This program helps halt the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs.

Project Safe Deal Zone

Conduct online or face-to-face transactions at our well-lit, video-monitored location. Officers may be available to stand by if you have any concerns about a transaction.

Megan's Law

Megan’s Law requires convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement and establishes notification procedures to alert communities about individuals who may pose a risk.

Immigrant Trust Directive

This directive strengthens trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, ensuring victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes to local authorities.

Child Safety Seat Program

Our certified technicians provide free car seat installation and education. Monthly inspections are held at the Mantua Firehouse—available to anyone, resident or not.

Youth Leadership Program

Developed by the New Jersey State Police, this K-8 curriculum focuses on safety awareness, communication skills, respect, responsibility, and decision-making for students.

Explorer Program

Since 1991, our Explorer Program has connected young people ages 14-20 with law enforcement careers through hands-on instruction, observation, and real-world participation.

Body Cameras

All patrol officers wear Axon Body 2 cameras positioned to capture an unobstructed forward view, ensuring transparency and accountability in every interaction with the public.
Mantua Township