LAKEWOOD — Police in Lakewood are being enlisted to perform tasks such as turning off light switches and running errands on Sabbath for members of the township's large Orthodox Jewish community, a published report said.

There are nearly 60,000 Orthodox Jews in Lakewood, none of whom are permitted to drive or use modern devices from sunset Friday until one hour after sunset on Saturday.

Police chief Robert Lawson said officers are now more "culturally sensitive," to the unique needs of the most devout members of that religion, according to APP.com.

Police from Lakewood and Brick as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office met with members of the Orthodox Jewish community last week to discuss how they could interact more positively, the report said.

Police have gone to drug stores to obtain medicine for sick children, changed batteries in hearing aids and been asked to turn on heaters and air conditioners, the report said.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.