CRANBURY — Police had their first run-in with the New Jersey Safe Haven program after an anonymous woman dropped off her baby at police headquarters in early May.

   Under the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, which was enacted in New Jersey in August 2000, parents, or someone acting on their behalf, can bring a baby less than 30 days old to any hospital, emergency room or police station, according to www.njsafehaven.org.

   The Division of Youth and Family Services took the child into custody and will place the infant in a foster or pre-adoptive home, as the intent of the program is to protect unwanted babies from being hurt or killed because they were abandoned, the Web site states

   Around 4 p.m. on May 2, a woman driving on the N.J. Turnpike exited into Cranbury and found the police station, Police Chief Ed Kahler said.

   Although the baby boy was about 6 months old, police still proceeded to contact DYFS, he said.

   Police did not ask the mother any questions as the Safe Haven program allows a parent to drop off an infant without providing a name or any records.

   The mother waited there until DYFS workers arrived and proceeded to speak to their representative, Chief Kahler said.

   No medical treatment for either the child or the mother was required at that time, he said.

   Along with her baby, the woman dropped off a blanket, diaper bag, a carrier, a bottle and a stroller, Chief Kahler said.

   ”The bottom line is at least she had enough forethought to take advantage of Safe Haven and knows that the baby will be taken care of,” Chief Kahler said. “The baby’s safe and that’s the main thing.”