(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- The Board of Directors of Middlesex County Crime Stoppers elected H. James Polos as their new Chairman at the May meeting of the organization. Polos will succeed Anthony Caputo, police director from New Brunswick, who is the founding member and founding chairman of the organization since its inception 10 years ago.

“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I offer our sincerest congratulations to Jim Polos on being elected as Middlesex County Crime Stoppers’ new Chairman and thank him for his continued service to the residents of Middlesex County,” said Board of County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Polos’ commitment to the greater community and incredible array of skills, will add to an already strong board and keep Crime Stoppers a viable and effective agency.”

“It is truly an honor to now serve as chairman, and I look forward to building on the successes of this essential organization while charting new opportunities to serve our County for the next ten years. The work of Crime Stoppers in coordination with law enforcement and community-based organizations is invaluable to help solve criminal cases which makes our communities safer places to live and work,” said Chairman Polos. “I am fortunate to step into a leadership position that has been so aptly developed by Director Caputo in his 10 years of service and gratified that he has agreed to continue to serve the organization as chairman emeritus. We owe much thanks to the founding members and all members of the board for their hard work and dedication.”

“Crime Stoppers has been an outstanding program, assisting law enforcement and the people we serve across Middlesex County. It is an honor to be a founding member of this great organization and a privilege to have served as chairman for the last ten years. I wish our new Chairman Jim Polos all the best and look forward to continued success and achievements for the Crime Stoppers organization,” said Chairman Emeritus Caputo.

“Crime Stoppers helps Middlesex County as a whole and contributes to our ability to provide a safe and secure community to raise a family.  The MCIA congratulates Jim Polos on his new role. Polos' background and expertise will enhance the organization's work across our County,” said Chairman of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority James Nolan.

Polos’ extensive involvement with the community and law enforcement includes being a member of the New Jersey Police Training Commission, a member of the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association Departmental Accreditation Team, a volunteer emergency management director for Highland Park, a member of NJ Department of Homeland Security Interfaith Advisory Council, and currently serves as the executive director of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority. 

Under Caputo’s leadership, Crime Stoppers has had over 1,000 tips that have led to more than 40 arrests for various types of crimes. In 2016, funding was provided to the K-9 Search and Rescue program that utilizes highly trained bloodhounds to find missing children and adults, and have been credited with multiple saves by finding individuals who were missing and suicidal. Additionally, Caputo was instrumental in organizing fundraising events for the non-profit to provide cash incentives for anonymous tips which helped solve crimes. Crime Stoppers has developed a close working relationship with the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office to determine where tips and rewards can be helpful to solve open cases.

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.  

PHOTO: Caputo-left,-Polos-right