February - March 2003 Edition

Arrests in 2002   Fair Lawn News analyzed last year's arrest data from the Police Department. 515 people were arrested in Fair Lawn last year, most of them for driving while intoxicated, assault, theft, shoplifting, and possession of various controlled substances (drugs, alcohol, weapons).   Where Those Arrested Are From:  Two thirds of all those arrested were from either Fair Lawn or Paterson. 41% of those arrested were from Fair  Lawn and another 26% were from Paterson.   Home # Arrested Percentage Fair Lawn 212 41% Paterson 133 26% Hawthorne 16 3% New York City 15 3% Elmwood Park 12 2% Clifton 11 2% Passaic 7 1% Garfield 6 1% Saddle Brook 6 1% Other 97 19% Total 515 100%   Age: The average person arrested was about 30 years old. 169 people (about 32%) of those arrested were under 21 years old.   The youngest arrested were two 8 year old boys and a 9 year old boy from Paterson. They were charged with theft on a late August afternoon by Police Officer Scott. An alert Grunauer Place resident observed the kids stealing a scooter and notified the police. The children were released to their parents after being taken to headquarters.   The oldest person arrested in Fair Lawn last year was an 81 year old Fair Lawn man who was arrested on Saddle River Road for assault. He was arrested for assault (domestic abuse) after allegedly punching the victim in the face and causing an injury. It was a mandatory arrest situation under the New Jersey State Domestic Violence Act. The suspect was processed at headquarters and then released on his own recognizance.   Gender: Of those arrested, not surprisingly most were men. But, 18% of them were women.   For More Information:  To see complete listing of everyone arrested, click here