If you’re driving down 16th Avenue in Newark, you might pass a brick building at number 247 without thinking much of it. That’s the 4th Precinct Newark NJ, and honestly, it’s one of the busiest spots in the city. It isn't just a place where cops fill out paperwork. For the people living in the West Ward and parts of the Central Ward, this precinct is basically the nerve center for everything involving public safety, community tension, and—believe it or not—a lot of grassroots healing.
People talk about the "Four" with a mix of grit and respect. It has a history that's kind of heavy. But if you actually spend time looking at how it operates today, especially in 2026, you'll see a department trying to balance old-school policing with some pretty modern community-first ideas.
Where Exactly is the 4th Precinct Newark NJ?
The geography here is a little confusing if you aren't from the area. The 4th Precinct handles a massive chunk of the West Ward. We’re talking about neighborhoods like Fairmount and parts of the West Side.
- Main Address: 247 16th Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
- Phone Number: (973) 733-6060
- The Substation: There’s also a spot at 10 17th Avenue.
The "Substation" is home to the Office of Violence Prevention. That’s a big deal. It’s where the city tries to stop the cycle of "eye for an eye" before it even starts. They don’t just send a squad car; they send social workers and "interrupters."
The Leadership: Who’s Running the Show?
Right now, Captain Neil Laurie is the Commanding Officer at the 4th Precinct. He isn't some ghost in an office. You’ll usually see his name attached to community meetings and local outreach events. Alongside him, you’ve got Sergeant Gilbert Hernandez and a team of Community Service Officers (CSOs) like Troy Frye and Keyonna Eley.
The CSOs are kind of the secret sauce. Their whole job is to be the bridge. If a block association is mad about double-parking or if there’s a shopkeeper worried about foot traffic, these are the folks who show up. They try to fix things without always reaching for the handcuffs.
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A History That Still Echoes
You can't talk about the 4th Precinct Newark NJ without mentioning the 1967 Newark Rebellion. This is where it gets real. Back then, the precinct was located on Seventh Avenue. The whole thing started when a Black cab driver named John Smith was arrested and, according to witnesses, beaten by police.
A crowd gathered. Rumors spread that he had died in custody.
What followed were six days of rioting that changed Newark forever. 26 people died. Thousands were injured. When people today talk about "distrust" of the police in Newark, they aren't just being difficult. They’re remembering a history that’s baked into the soil of the West Ward.
But here’s the thing: Newark has been under a Federal Consent Decree since 2016. That means the Department of Justice has been watching them like a hawk. The 4th Precinct has had to change its entire culture. They have to report every stop, every search, and every use of force. It’s been a long, slow road, but the data shows it’s actually working.
What’s it Like Today? (2025-2026 Updates)
Walking into the 4th Precinct today feels different than it did ten years ago. It’s still intense. It’s Newark, after all. But there’s a massive focus on "de-escalation."
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In 2025, Newark reported some of its lowest gun violence numbers in decades. The 4th Precinct played a huge role in that by focusing on "hotspot" policing—meaning they don't just harass everyone on the street; they focus on the very small percentage of people actually causing the trouble.
Community Programs You Should Know About
The precinct does more than just patrol. They have a bunch of initiatives that most people don't realize are run by the cops:
- Youth Engagements: They do career days at local schools like Weequahic High.
- Food Distributions: They often partner with local churches for grocery giveaways.
- Code Blue Shelters: When it gets freezing in Newark, the precinct helps coordinate getting the homeless to safety.
- Victim Assistance: They have dedicated outreach for people who have been through trauma.
Misconceptions About the "Four"
"The 4th Precinct is dangerous."
Actually, the precinct building itself is one of the safest spots in the ward. The surrounding neighborhood has its challenges, sure, but the idea that it's a "no-go zone" is just suburban myth-making.
"They don't care about the community."
Honestly? Some officers might be burnt out. It’s a hard job. But the shift toward Community-Based Public Safety means the city is literally paying people to care. The partnership between the 4th Precinct and groups like the Newark Community Street Team (NCST) is a national model.
Real-World Action Steps
If you live in the West Ward or you're moving there, you need to know how to navigate the 4th Precinct Newark NJ system.
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Join the Community Meetings
The 4th Precinct holds regular community meetings. Go. Seriously. It’s the only way to get your voice heard by the people who actually make the patrol schedules. If there’s a noisy bar or a dark alleyway that needs a streetlamp, tell Captain Laurie or the CSOs directly.
Use the Non-Emergency Line
Don’t call 911 because someone is playing loud music at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday. Use (973) 733-6060. It keeps the emergency lines clear for actual life-or-death situations.
Know Your Rights
Newark police are required to give you a "business card" during certain interactions that includes their name, badge number, and the reason for the stop. This is part of the post-Consent Decree transparency. If they don't give you one, you're allowed to ask for it.
Report Issues Properly
If you have a bad experience, the Internal Affairs Bureau is located at 494 Broad Street. You can also file a complaint through the Office of Professional Standards. The city takes this way more seriously than they used to because the Feds are still watching.
The 4th Precinct isn't perfect. No police department is. But in the heart of Newark's West Ward, it's a place that is actively trying to rewrite its own story—from a symbol of conflict to a partner in the neighborhood’s future.