Wildwoods’ Cops Urge Vigilance On Storms, Scams

WILDWOOD ─ “At the end of the day, we are all on the same team,” said Chief Robert Regalbuto of the Wildwood Police Department.
Regalbuto and fellow law enforcement officers presented this year’s triumphs and challenges faced by island departments, keeping law and order literally on the edge. Though presented to members of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Oct. 11 at Duffinetti’s Restaurant, the initiatives and difficulties are a message for all who call the Wildwoods home.
Strategizing for inclement weather events is no stranger to residents of West Wildwood as shared by Sgt. James Dodd. According to Dodd, an “action plan” is a must, especially if elderly, ill family members and pets are involved. Waiting for a flood siren to blow cannot be a last resort.
“Minimal effort goes a long way,” said Dodd. Preparing for a weather event will take on different forms for each individual and family, but “achieving preparedness” requires the same mindset.
Dodd, also a sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard, recently returned home from Florida where he and his unit helped victims after Hurricane Irma.
Borough administration has obtained several military surplus vehicles to assist residents during storms. Borough police conduct rescue operations as well, adding to their other duties. Dodd urges borough residents and all island residents to pay attention to social media for updates during storms in order to better plan.
“Riding it (storms) out is the worst thing you can do,” Dodd concluded. “Have a plan in place for us to help you.”
Chief Joseph McGrath of Wildwood Crest, who also serves as emergency management coordinator for the borough, concurred with storm awareness.
“We need the general public to take some action,” McGrath said. Crest residents are urged to have a 72-hour plan to survive on their own before help can arrive or move to another shelter location.
Also requiring vigilance is scams, as explained by Chief Matthew Gallagher of North Wildwood. According to Gallagher, a virtual kidnapping took place in North Wildwood. Virtual kidnapping is when a perpetrator uses an app to steal a phone number and personal information and then calls a family member from the number demanding ransom money. Unfortunately, the number cannot be traced because the perpetrator is out of the country.
Gallagher highlighted the department’s recent accreditation. “It’s a necessary evil,” said Gallagher who added that the accreditation lasts for three years before another inspection is warranted. Accreditation helps protect the department against lawsuits, ensures professional procedures are followed, and defines lines of authority and objective self-assessments and inspections.
Common themes between island law enforcement include not only emergency awareness but also drug prevention. Regalbuto introduced Officer Christopher Katz and the force’s new canine, Vera who is instrumental in detecting narcotics and other threats. 
According to Regalbuto, Wildwood has reinstated its bicycle patrol and street crimes unit, increasing safety along city streets.
“At the end of the day, we all support each other,” Regalbuto said, referring to island departments.
Cape Assist is also partnering with Wildwoods’ police departments in providing a counselor in the courtroom and implementing a prescription drug drop box at police stations.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.