Police in the New Jersey borough of Dunellen deployed an unconventional enforcement tactic this week, stationing an officer disguised as a shrub to identify motorists using cellphones while driving.
The operation, conducted on a busy downtown stretch, resulted in 74 citations issued within a six‑hour period, demonstrating the tactic’s immediate impact.
Officials targeted the pedestrian‑heavy corridor, which has a historically high rate of traffic accidents relative to the town’s one‑square‑mile size.
The undercover officer wore a green, leaf‑covered suit and used binoculars while positioned on the sidewalk near a tree, creating the appearance of a stationary shrub.
New Jersey law prohibits talking or texting on a cellphone while operating a vehicle; first offenses carry fines of $200 to $400, with escalating penalties and possible license suspension for repeat violations.
Det. Sgt. Nicholas Goldman explained that the borough’s accident frequency prompted the department to explore a novel enforcement method, emphasizing the seriousness of the safety mission despite the unconventional approach.
Traffic safety patrolman Kevin Condis observed that many drivers were holding phones for navigation, video calls, or texting, with some even attempting to operate the device with both hands or while positioned on their knees, highlighting risky behavior.
The department’s initiative underscores a broader effort to curb distracted driving and improve road safety in the community.
