Across the country, many police departments attempt to engage with the public through various programs and events in order to create and foster a friendly community atmosphere between residents and police officers.
In Gloucester Township, shown by its various awards for its community policing initiatives and National Night Out efforts, those interactions between officers and residents are often strong.
In its continued effort to maintain the strong relationship with its residents, the Gloucester Township Police Department is hosting its annual Citizens Police Academy starting next month, with the first class beginning on Thursday, Jan 23.
The 10-week class will allow residents 16 years and older the opportunity to gain a closer view into the police department and the various operations, equipment and training scenarios that officers may undergo throughout their careers.
Public Information Officer Jason Gittens, who has been with the GTPD for 23 years, said the program aims to better connect with residents.
“The Citizens Police Academy was created to build on our relationship with the community and help our residents understand what we do and why we do things,” Gittens said. “It is an excellent opportunity to take a firsthand look inside the agency and learn about the Gloucester Township Police Department, its officers and gain insight into law enforcement.”
The class, which typically averages between 30 to 40 people per session, still has openings for its free sessions to allow residents the chances to see police officers as local community members, rather than just a badge.
“We want to build those solid relationships within the community,” Gittens said. “It gives them the opportunity to meet police officers face-to-face so you don’t just see the uniform. They’re actual people, not just a government figure.”
Over the course of the program, residents will get an in-depth overview of police communications, special operations, criminal investigations, traffic safety, its K-9 unit, equipment and more. Additionally, attendees receive certain training and get to attend demonstrations, such as being trained on how to use CPR.
Traditionally, the program brings in special guests to present on certain hot-button topics within the community each year, with this year’s group of special guests including a local pharmacist that will discuss the current state of drug problems, as well as issues related to vaping.
According to the department, the program does not seek to train an individual to be a police officer, but instead focuses on producing informed citizens that can promote community involvement.
However, graduates of the program are able to join the Volunteers to Police Service program with the department as well, which currently has approximately ten volunteers. These police volunteers, after passing a background check and interview, help assist the department by supporting its programs when needed.
“The use of police volunteers helps us achieve our goals of being a progressive community policing agency,” Gittens said. “Effective community policing entail well established partnerships and programs, efforts to address social disorder and solve problems, with an ultimate goal of tackling crime and making communities even safer.”
Interested residents can call the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations Bureau at (856) 374-5712 or email Communityrelations@gtpolice.com for more information, as well as download the application at the department’s website at https://gtpolice.com.
