Harrison Police Conclude Summer of Pizza With A Cop Events

The Harrison Police Department wrapped up its Pizza With A Cop summer series last Wednesday, August 27, with a community gathering at the Pocket Park in the Riverbend District. Families, children, and neighbors shared pizza and refreshments while engaging in conversations with officers in a relaxed and friendly setting.

This sixth and final Pizza With A Cop event of 2025 marked the culmination of a busy season of outreach organized by the department’s Community Policing Unit.

A Summer of Engagement

Over the past two months, officers visited neighborhoods across town to connect with residents:

• July 17 – Firehouse Playground at 7th Street and Wilhelm Street
• July 24 – Kingsland Courts, 740 William Street
• July 28 – 300 Somerset, between South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard and South 3rd Street
• August 14 – Dey Street and Bergen Street
• August 27 – Riverbend District Pocket Park

These gatherings came on the heels of the department’s successful National Night Out at Library Park on August 5, which drew families, local organizations, and merchants for an evening of activities, community spirit, and a movie under the stars. Read more in our article about Harrison’s National Night Out.

Community Policing in Action

Pizza With A Cop is more than a chance to grab a slice—it is a reflection of Community Policing principles championed by the U.S. Department of Justice. The philosophy emphasizes partnerships between officers and residents to identify local concerns, enhance safety, and improve overall quality of life.

Harrison has a long tradition of such initiatives. In the 1990s and 2000s, retired Deputy Chief Patrick Minutillo spearheaded programs like Naturalization Drives, helping residents complete citizenship applications and fingerprinting with the support of groups such as the Harrison Fest Committee and Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center. These efforts built trust and showed that policing is not only about enforcement but also about service.

Today, Chief Titterington continues the legacy of former Chief David Strumolo, who launched the Pizza With A Cop series four years ago. What began as an experiment has now become a hallmark of Harrison’s community-building, with officers gaining connections that their day-to-day duties rarely allow.

Continuing the Tradition

Events like these help bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents. The relationships made at these events bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. Officers walk away with contacts they wouldn’t have made otherwise, and residents realize that police are part of the fabric of Harrison.

By fostering trust in informal, family-friendly settings, Pizza With A Cop has strengthened ties across distinct neighborhoods, making Harrison safer and more unified.

An Invitation Beyond Pizza

The final event of the summer, held in the Riverbend District, took place across from the remediated PSE&G property where the EPA has proposed building a Toxic Sludge Plant and Debris facility. Community members are encouraged not only to continue engaging with local police but also to stay involved in civic issues that affect Harrison’s future.

Residents can learn more about the EPA proposal—and why many argue for a better plan—in our related coverage. By coming together, neighbors can help protect the town’s quality of life

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