Newark Police Department and 5th Precinct – Newark, NJ

South Ward Law Enforcement Hub

The Newark Police Department 5th Precinct operates out of a state-of-the-art facility at 480 Clinton Avenue, which also serves as the headquarters for the entire Newark Department of Public Safety. This dual-purpose complex is the nerve center for law enforcement and emergency response in the city’s South Ward. Opened in 2011, the building was designed to foster closer community interaction while providing advanced tactical capabilities for the police force. As a Law Enforcement Agency, the 5th Precinct is responsible for patrolling a diverse and densely populated area, addressing quality-of-life issues, and responding to emergency calls with speed and efficiency. The facility is shared with the Newark Fire Division administration and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), creating a unified command structure for major incidents.

Community and Patrol Services

The 5th Precinct offers a range of services aimed at maintaining public order and safety. Officers here are deeply engaged in community policing strategies.

• Patrol Operations: 24/7 uniformed patrols designated to the South Ward neighborhoods.
• Report Filing: Citizens can visit the precinct to file police reports for non-emergency incidents, accidents, or crimes.
• Command Center: Houses the central leadership for the Newark Police Division, overseeing citywide strategies.
• Emergency Management: The OEM operates from this location to coordinate disaster response and citywide safety protocols.

Facility Access

The 5th Precinct is a secure government facility. Members of the public visiting to file a report or speak with an officer must pass through a security screening area. The lobby is open to the public 24 hours a day for emergency assistance. The building is modern and wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated community meeting room used for neighborhood watch meetings and public safety seminars. Parking is available in the surrounding area, and the location is served by several NJ Transit bus routes running along Clinton Avenue. As the headquarters, this location is the primary point of contact for administrative inquiries directed to the Public Safety Director.