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You won't believe what this 'shrub' was really doing on a NJ road

Source: NJ 101.5 · Jul 31, 2026, 10:47 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Dunellen police officer conducting distracted driving enforcement operation

A Dunellen police officer used an unconventional enforcement tactic by disguising himself as a shrub along a roadway to catch distracted drivers during a focused enforcement operation on Wednesday.

The creative approach resulted in 74 citations being issued to drivers who were not paying attention to the road. The initiative highlights law enforcement's innovative methods to combat distracted driving, a persistent traffic safety concern in New Jersey communities.

Key points

  • Dunellen officer disguised himself as a shrub to conduct distracted driving enforcement
  • 74 citations were issued during Wednesday's enforcement operation
  • The creative tactic demonstrates police innovation in traffic safety initiatives
  • Distracted driving remains a significant public safety concern in New Jersey

FAQ

Why would an officer dress as a shrub for traffic enforcement?
By disguising himself as a roadside shrub, the officer was able to observe drivers without being noticed, making it easier to spot violations like texting or other forms of distracted driving before stepping out to make a stop.
How many drivers were cited in this operation?
The Dunellen Police Department issued 74 citations to distracted drivers during the Wednesday enforcement operation.
Is disguised enforcement legal in New Jersey?
Yes, law enforcement agencies use various undercover and creative enforcement tactics as part of their traffic safety operations. These methods are designed to catch dangerous violations and improve public safety.

Briefing prepared for NJ News Hub. Verify details on the original story. See our editorial policy.

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