Cops In N.J. Town Given Keys To Homes

It’s a novel program designed to improve the safety of senior citizens in New Jersey.

The program would allow police quick access into a home to help anyone having a medical emergency – without having the break down the door.

Marilyn Chesner is a retired music teacher and a widow. Living alone, the 79-year-old recently had a close call.

“I was standing there, and next thing I know I was on the floor,” Chesner said.

That moment – passing out in the bathroom – made her think about things.

“I wondered what would happen if something happened, and I couldn’t get out of bed or move. How could someone get into the house?” Chesner said.

That’s why the grandmother was the first person to join “Operation Blue Angel” run by the Franklin Township Police Department.

Now Chesner has a lockbox with a spare key inside, similar to the one realtors use, which allows police to get into her home in the event of an emergency.

“Hopefully I will never need them, but it does give me an extra sense of security,” Chesner said.

The lockbox has a combination that opens up the compartment with the spare key. Police first knock on the door, and if they don’t get a response, they unlock the door and go in.

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