The cops here clearly have very little to do.  Whenever there are roadworks, you see policemen directing traffic.  For major roadworks, that can mean two cars, one at each end with lights flashing.  You wonder what would happen if they got called away to an emergency.  That, however, is unlikely.  As local stats show (see http://www.city-data.com/city/Hopewell-New-Jersey.html), Hopewell's crime rate is much less than the US average.

There were a total of 12 crimes in 2010, including one car theft, 4 burglaries, 1 assault and 6 thefts.  No murders, rapes etc.  Weekly news carries round-up of police activity which includes, for example, mail-box damaged by car.  The crime index is 40, compared to a US average of 319.  Not surprisingly, it is not unusual to see  bikes left out unchained, cars with doors unlocked and engine running whilst owner pops into a shop, to hear of people leaving houses unlocked etc.  We do lock ours but don't worry if we pop out and forget.

It has to be said, of course, that this is small town America - about 2,000 people in the borough, as it is called.   About 95% white and with a median household income of some $118,000 per year, as opposed to $69,000 for New Jersey as a whole.  It is heavily Democratic, with 68% having voted for Obama and, surprisingly, quite Catholic - 61%.

It would appear that there are about 30 police for the town.  Seems a lot for such an oasis of tranquility.  Or maybe it is such an oasis because of the number of cops?

Must go now - signing Joey up for boxing.