CLEAR Program set to Start - Partner with County Police Chiefs

County's C.L.E.A.R. program kicking off Monday

Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald Newton Medical Center recently presented a check for $7,500 to the Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery Program, known as C.L.E.A.R. From left: Newton Police Chief Michael Richards; Newton Medical Center President Joseph DiPaolo; Katie Calvacca from the Center for Prevention and Counseling; and Becky Carlson, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling.

By Joe Carlson New Jersey Herald http://www.njherald.com/20160717/countys-clear-program-kicking-off-monday

Posted: Jul. 17, 2016 12:01 am

NEWTON -- After months of preparation and training, the Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery Program kicks off Monday at 8 a.m.

The collaborative programs will offer assistance to persons with substance use disorders by providing a safe place to voluntarily turn in illegal substances and paraphernalia and by connecting individuals and family members to certified volunteer recovery coaches.

Walk-in hours for screening for participation in the program are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newton Police Department on Trinity Street.

"We want to encourage people to come and seek help," Newton Police Chief Michael Richards said, adding that having addicts hear from people who have overcome their addictions will be "positive" and uplifting."

People who seek recovery by going to the Newton Police Department will be escorted by police to the Center for Prevention and Counseling, where they will be able to meet with a recovery coach who will help guide them on their road to recovery.

"When I was going through this (addiction), I felt like I couldn't talk to anyone, my family or friends, because they'd think I was a horrible person. So I didn't ask for help" said Chris Ennis, who volunteered to be a recovery coach. "I needed someone to talk to, and I want to be that person that I needed. I'm not there to judge. I'm there to talk and help guide."

Ennis said he began battling his addiction when he was 18. He moved out west and got clean, but after becoming a single father he returned to New Jersey and began using again.

Now in recovery for five years, Ennis said the two biggest factors in his sobriety are his son and his love of fitness. He goes to the gym and competes in Spartan and Tough Mudder races with his girlfriend.

"It's about having a healthy body and healthy mind and keeping it clean," he said.

The program has about 15 volunteers said Katie Calvacca, recovery support coordinator for the Center for Prevention and Counseling.

In addition to coaches to work with individuals, recovery coaches are also available to work with families, said Annmarie Shafer, a coalition coordinator for the Center for Prevention and Counseling.

"We have moms, dads, siblings, loved ones who know how to help," Shafer said.

Devin Kennedy, who also volunteered to be a recovery coach, and has been sober 21/2 years, said she believes peer counseling would have helped her while she was trying to beat her addiction to alcohol.

"I never had this option," Kennedy said.

She said she believes it will be good to be able to sit and discuss her experiences and journey and how it is related to the people she will meet with.

Richards said though the program is starting off small, with people seeking recovery able to show up only at the Newton Police Department, he said in time the program hopes to spread to all departments in the county.

"We also hope to have coaches be able to go to Newton Medical Center to speak with people who overdose," Richards said. "But for now we just want to get the ball rolling."

Since its inception in November 2015, the program has gotten the support of many municipalities in the county as well as the Board of Chosen Freeholders in the form of resolutions.

The Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police Chiefs recently donated $1,000 toward the program, and several treatment centers have committed scholarships to help those who want to recover.

In recovery for the last 13 years, recovery coach Kelly LaBar said that while she was using drugs she never saw anyone get any better and beat their addictions.

"I get it. I've been there and I'm not there anymore," LaBar said. "And my life is so much better because I'm not."

She added, "No one is a lost cause. Everyone can get better."

For more information visit www.clearprogram.org.

Joe Carlson also can be contacted on Twitter: @JoeCarlsonNJH or by phone: 973-383-1292.

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EDITORIAL http://www.njherald.com/20160717/community-response-to-addiction-epidemic

Our Opinion

Community response to addiction epidemic

Posted: Jul. 17, 2016 12:01 am

An ambitious and much-needed program to address the area's growing drug addiction problem -- announced just four months ago -- is in place and ready to start Monday.

The Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery Program, in the making since November and formally introduced to the public in March, will provide a safe place to voluntarily turn in illegal substances, but more than that, will provide a process to connect addicts with help.

The program's mission statement, delivered at a press conference in March by Newton Police Chief Mike Richards, one of the program's founders, "is to form a collaborative network of professionals in our community who will facilitate medical intervention, improved access to treatment, and recovery support for those struggling with drug addiction who seek assistance, without fear of arrest or prosecution, in order to make a positive difference in the quality of life for individuals, families and our entire community."

Partners in the CLEAR endeavor include the Newton Police Department, the Center for Prevention and Counseling, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Newton Medical Center, the Sussex County Police Chiefs Association and the Sussex County Department of Human Services, along with support from local and state government officials.

A key to the recovery efforts and the CLEAR initiative is the role of certified volunteer recovery coaches -- persons who have overcome their own addictions and have been trained to assist those trying to get clean.

The program has about 15 coaches ready to provide insight into what addicts are experiencing and who will be among the first people to make contacts with addicts who want treatment.

In announcing the program in March, Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch said his hope was that people addicted to drugs could take advantage of the program and seek help prior to becoming caught up in the criminal justice system.

"This program is a rebirth in our county for people seeking recovery," Koch said. "The program is an exciting start for Sussex County in its fight against addiction."

He cited statistics showing that since 2014, Sussex County has had more than 45 overdose deaths.

Starting Monday, persons seeking treatment can walk in for screening for participation in the program from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newton Police Department on Trinity Street. They will then be escorted by police to the Center for Prevention and Counseling to meet with a recovery coach.

Later the program hopes to have coaches be able to go to Newton Medical Center to meet with overdose victims. "But for now we just want to get the ball rolling," Richards said.

Likewise, the program is anticipated to spread beyond the Newton Police Department to other law enforcement agencies in the county.

"There's no easy solution to complicated problems," Richards said previously. "But the Sussex County CLEAR program has a very proactive and collaborative approach that I believe can be more effective because we're working together. This approach is hopeful."

Rachel Wallace, director of clinical services at the Center for Prevention and Counseling, echoed that sentiment.

"We believe in the individual's ability to recover, absolutely," Wallace has said. "It simply starts with someone asking for help, and the Sussex County CLEAR initiative is here to offer that help."

She explained that "increasing access to treatment without consequences is key to engaging those addicted in the treatment they so desperately need and deserve. Every life is worth saving."

As the program was designed and is being put into action, it is apparent that a community problem needs a community solution, clearly.

Stanhope Police - Positive Community Relations

Stanhope Police offer ice cream coupons to kids doing good things

Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald - Stanhope Police Sgt. Ryan Hickman, left, and Officer Chris Bork pose with Martin Osborn, center, owner of Martys Ice Cream, on Thursday in Stanhope.

By Joe Carlson New Jersey Herald http://www.njherald.com/20160717/stanhope-police-offer-ice-cream-coupons-to-kids-doing-good-things

Posted: Jul. 17, 2016 12:01 am

STANHOPE -- Borough police officers are on the lookout this summer for local kids who are on their best behavior.

If an officer spots one, the child may just get a coupon for a free ice cream from Martys Ice Cream, a local ice cream truck that makes rounds in the borough.

The initiative is an effort at reaching out to the public, getting to know the children of the borough and allowing them to get to know borough police.

"Most of the time when we arrive at a call or have an interaction with anyone it's not the best," said Sgt. Ryan Hickman, who came up with the idea. "You get a ticket or we're coming to your house and one of your parents is coming with us. We want the kids to know they can trust us. They can call on us when they need help and we'll be there for them."

Police Chief Steven Pittigher echoed Hickman regarding the typical interaction with borough children, but added that his officers enjoy being out in the community and interacting with the borough's citizens.

"Any time we can interact with them on a happier level, that's a good thing," Pittigher said.

The goal, Hickman said, is to find kids who are doing the right things, whether it's looking both ways before using the crosswalk, riding their bike with a helmet or even just staying out of trouble while at the park playing basketball.

"The other day I gave them to a group of kids I saw helping their mom bring the groceries in," Hickman said. "I'll just stop and make sure they have their bike helmets, that they're looking both ways and tell them nice job, and to call us if you ever need us and we'll be there to help you."

Since doing a slow rollout of the coupons last week, the department had given out about 25 as of Thursday afternoon, Hickman said.

Hickman said one boy was so excited he told his mother he was going to faint.

He said teenagers he has given cards to have been taken aback a little since the interaction is different than they are used to.

"Most of the time when we interact with them we're telling them they can't go there, can't do this or they have to go home, so now they're saying this guy is kind of cool," Hickman said.

Hickman even gave coupons to a group of kids playing the new "Pokemon Go" game since they understood to stay out of the borough parks that closed at night and were staying out of the roadway.

Martin Osborn, the owner of Martys Ice Cream, said when he was told about the department's desire, he agreed as "I think we need to realize most of the police are really good people and do more to support them."

Osborne also said it was a way for his truck to get more exposure into the borough, which is an area he had not covered in many years.

The coupons are good for anything on the truck, Hickman said, adding that while the focus of the ice cream is on the kids, it extends to parents as well.

"If the parents know we care about their children, then they'll know we care about them, too and we really do," he said.

Joe Carlson also can be contacted on Twitter: @JoeCarlsonNJH or by phone: 973-383-1292.

County police chiefs donate to C.L.E.A.R.

The Sussex County Police Chiefs Association recently presented a check of $1,000 to the county C.L.E.A.R. program. From left, front, are Francis Koch, Sussex County prosecutor; Bret Alemy, association president and Hardyston police chief; Eugene McInerney, Franklin police chief; Katie Calvacca, Center for Prevention and Counseling; Becky Carlson, executive director for the Center for Prevention and Counseling; and Mike Strada, Sussex County sheriff. Back row, Eric Danielson, Andover police chief; Tom Hauck, FBI; Steve Pittegher, Stanhope police chief; Michael Richards, Newton police chief; Tom McCormick, Sussex County Sheriff's Department chief of detectives; Peter Zabita, Byram police chief; and Randy Mills, Vernon police chief.

http://www.njherald.com/article/20160524/ARTICLE/305249980

Sussex County Law Enforcement Officers Receive Latest Active Shooter Response Training

The Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police recently partnered with the Sussex County Community College to co-host an important in-service training for 30 law enforcement officers from across Sussex County.

On Thursday May 19, 2016, Officers representing 13 different agencies attended a full day of training by the National Center for Security Preparedness for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care or TECC.  TECC is designed to teach and reinforce basic skills that would assist law enforcement in caring for themselves, other officers and civilian victims in a direct threat and indirect threat environment.

As a follow up to the active shooter in-service training entitled Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) that occurred last year which focused on “stopping the shooting”, the purpose of this training is to “stop the dying”.  The course focuses on actions that law enforcement can take to reduce preventable causes of death in serious threat situations.

This ongoing training will help to best prepare Law Enforcement Officers in Sussex County to work together mutually in a manner that is consistent with nationally recognized best practices and standards.

http://sussexcountyacop.org/

Police Chiefs Offer College Scholarships to Graduating Sussex County Seniors Pursuing Criminal Justice

ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS

The Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police is pleased to announce that we will be offering two (2) $500.00 scholarships to seniors graduating from a Sussex County high school who are enrolling in college programs leading to degrees in criminal justice, police science, law enforcement or similar academic study.  The scholarships will be awarded to one female and to one male in Sussex County.  Children of members of the Association are ineligible.

Criteria to determine awardees will be based on students’ demonstrated academic ability, participation in extracurricular and/or community service activities, leadership, achievements, teacher recommendations, career objectives and financial need.  Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, creed, national origin or religious affiliation.  

Download the SCHOLARSHIP LETTER that is addressed to high school seniors.

Download the SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

All applications must be submitted by May 15, 2016.

Program to combat drug addiction introduced

Program to combat drug addiction introduced [ http://clearprogram.org/ ]

Buy Photo

Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald - Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch speaks to a crowd outside Newton Police Department on Friday March 11, 2016, announcing the official start of the CLEAR Program (Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery).

By David Danzis New Jersey Herald

Posted: Mar. 13, 2016 12:01 am

NEWTON -- The county's new collaborative effort in fighting back against the opiate epidemic was officially introduced to the public Friday afternoon.

The C.L.E.A.R., or Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery, program is a coalition of like-minded agencies in Sussex County that are committed to improving prevention, education, outreach and enforcement in the fight to save lives afflicted by drug addiction.

At a press conference in front of the municipal building, Newton Police Chief Michael Richards said the C.L.E.A.R. program was "posed to be a vehicle to make a difference."

"There's no easy solution to complicated problems," Richards said. "But the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. program has a very proactive and collaborative approach that I believe can be more effective because we're working together. This approach is hopeful."

Working with the Newton Police Department in introducing the new program were the Center for Prevention and Counseling, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Newton Medical Center, the Sussex County Police Chiefs Association and the Sussex County Department of Human Services, along with support from local and state government officials.

In reading the program's mission statement, Richards said, "The mission of the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. program is to form a collaborative network of professionals in our community who will facilitate medical intervention, improved access to treatment and recovery support for those struggling with drug addiction who seek assistance, without fear of arrest or prosecution, in order to make a positive difference in the quality of life for individuals, families and our entire community."

Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch said his hope was that people addicted to drugs could take advantage of the program and seek help prior to becoming caught up in the criminal justice system.

"This program is a rebirth in our county for people seeking recovery," Koch said. "The program is an exciting start for Sussex County in its fight against addiction."

Koch said the county has "been long affected by the disease of addiction."

"We also have to learn to accept the fact that addiction can affect anyone," he said. "It knows no economic, education, geographic, racial or age discrimination. There is none. Who is the face of addiction? The face of addiction is anyone."

Koch detailed the county's use of Narcan -- the life-saving antidote that counteracts a drug overdose -- and said he believed Sussex County was the only county in the whole state where "every single police department volunteers" to participate in administering it.

Since 2014, Koch said, there have been more than 60 deployments -- 17 this year alone -- of Narcan in the county. Yet, even with Narcan, Koch said there have been over 45 overdose deaths since 2014-- four in 2016 already -- in Sussex County.

Rachel Wallace, director of clinical services at the Center for Prevention and Counseling, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled the prescription drug and heroin problem in the United States an epidemic, which "is a word they do not use lightly."

"We need to do more to assist those who need to access treatment," Wallace said, "and that is one of the goals of the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. initiative."

In New Jersey, 47 percent of those seeking treatment are doing so for addiction to prescription medication or heroin, Wallace said. In Sussex County, that number jumps to over 60 percent of people who identify opiates as their primary drug of choice, she said.

"We might be smaller and more rural than other areas, but we're effected equally by the devastation of this epidemic," Wallace said. "Opioid addiction permeates every town in this county. It's imperative that we continue to educate the public about addiction and substance-abuse disorders."

Wallace said research shows that additional support, such as social, emotional, spiritual and recreational opportunities, demonstrate that sustained recovery is possible.

"We believe in the individual's ability to recover, absolutely," Wallace said. "It simply starts with someone asking for help, and the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. initiative is here to offer that help. We stand before you with that hope that the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. initiative will have an exponential impact on our community. Increasing access to treatment without consequences is key to engaging those addicted in the treatment they so desperately need and deserve. Every life is worth saving."

Wallace said support and volunteers are needed to make the program viable.

"This community problem needs a community solution," Wallace said, "and we believe C.L.E.A.R. is the answer we've all been looking for."

Becky Carlson, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, announced the launch of the program's new website where volunteers can fill out an application to become a certified recovery coach or people can donate money to help the initiative.

Richards told the gathered crowd that Newton Medical Center had donated $7,500 to help launch the C.L.E.A.R. initiative.

Joseph DiPaolo, president of Newton Medical Center, said the hospital was very excited to participate in the new program.

"This (program) is an example of how collaboration have been able to piece together something that will be truly innovative," DiPaolo said.

Carlson introduced a young woman named Katie Calvacca who had recently been hired by the Center for Prevention and Counseling to be a part-time employee and full-time advocate for the recovery coach academy.

Calvacca told the crowd that she had 71/2 years of long-term recovery, meaning she had abstained from alcohol or drugs completely during that time.

She told the story of how recovery has offered her a chance to have a full, rewarding life.

"I've been able to just become me," Calvacca said of her recovery. "I'm living proof that change is possible. As members of society, we need to be able to foster that change in our community, and that is exactly what the C.L.E.A.R. program is all about."

Richards concluded the announcement by simply saying, "We're going to need your help."

For more information about the program, to learn how to become a recovery coach or to donate, visit clearprogram.org.

David Danzis can also be contacted on Twitter: @ddanzisNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1274.

http://www.njherald.com/article/20160313/ARTICLE/303139959

New program intended to combat drug epidemic

Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald - Newton Police Chief Michael Richards and Becky Carlson, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, talk about launching a new program called C.L.E.A.R., Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery, on Wednesday in Newton.

By David Danzis New Jersey Herald

Posted: Mar. 11, 2016 12:01 am

NEWTON -- Officials representing several Sussex County professional organizations are forming a coalition in an effort to combat the ongoing drug epidemic.

A press conference is scheduled for noon today at the Newton Municipal Building to announce C.L.E.A.R., or Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery. The public is welcome to attend.

Newton Police Chief Michael Richards and Becky Carlson, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, outlined plans for the program with the Herald on Wednesday.

Richards and Carlson said they have support from the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Newton Medical Center, local law enforcement and legislators.

The program seeks to find new ways to aid those who are struggling with addiction. C.L.E.A.R. will focus on education, outreach, prevention and enforcement.

Richards noted his department's implementation of Narcan, the life-saving antidote that counteracts opiate overdoses. The problem, Richards said, is what happens after the police save someone's life.

"A lot of times, what's missing is follow-up," Richards said. "We saved your life -- now what?"

C.L.E.A.R. seeks to find an answer to that question.

Richards said the goal is to include "like-minded" people throughout the county who have a stake in the fight against opiates and the effects the drug are having on communities. The group behind C.L.E.A.R. has been meeting monthly since October to put together a program that is tailored toward the issues specific to Sussex County.

"What we found was that each of these entities was fighting the same problem, but we weren't really communicating each other," Richards said.

In their first few meetings, Carlson said she realized that people who had been admitted to the hospital after receiving a dose of Narcan would leave and not know where to turn.

To help with that issue, the Center for Prevention and Counseling created a pamphlet specifically for hospital staff and law enforcement to give to those who are seeking addiction services but don't know where to start.

"From that very first meeting, we had something happen just by all of us connecting and talking to each other," Carlson said.

Carlson said her goal is to involve volunteers who have firsthand knowledge of drug addiction. These recovery coaches will take part in 30 hours of training to standardize a method of helping those who are fighting for their lives. Some of those volunteers will include drug court alumni and other people with personal experience in dealing with drug addiction, Carlson said.

C.L.E.A.R. is modeled after a similar program known as P.A.A.R.I., or Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, that has been implented with success in Massachusetts and other areas.

David Danzis can also be contacted on Twitter: @ddanzisNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1274.

(NJ HERALD- http://www.njherald.com/article/20160311/ARTICLE/303119996 )

NEWTON (NJ) POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPLOYS BODY-WORN CAMERAS

NEWTON (NJ) POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPLOYS BODY-WORN CAMERAS

PRESS RELEASE DATE:  March 7, 2016

 

            The Newton Police Department will begin using body-worn cameras today.  Funding for purchase of this new equipment was sought by Chief Michael Richards and approved by the Newton Town Council in the 2015 capital budget.  After an extensive review of various manufacturers, L3 Mobile-Vision’s “BodyVision” cameras were selected by the department. 

The cameras cost approximately $1200 each, which incorporates costs for increasing our data storage capacity and installing related equipment.  The new body-worn cameras integrate with our current patrol car video recording system, which is also a product of L3 Mobile-Vision. This helped reduce the expense of deploying this new technology.

The department also received a $4,245.83 grant from the Town’s insurer, the Statewide Insurance Fund, to offset costs, and the department also applied for and received $11,000 from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Body-Worn Camera Assistance Program.

            Every Officer in the department, a total of 25 which includes our three Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers, has been assigned their own camera and each of the cameras’ recordings will be identified as belonging to the Officer so assigned.  The body-worn cameras will be worn by all uniformed Officers responsible for performing patrol duties.  Generally, video and audio recording will be activated when responding to an emergency or other call for service as well as during Officer initiated enforcement activities.  All Officers have received training in procedures that are consistent with the directive of the New Jersey Attorney General, which promotes uniformity and best practices in using the devices.

            The cameras do not deploy any special audio or video capabilities.  They do not see or hear any more than an Officer can.  Designed to be mounted to each Officer’s uniform in the area of their chest, the devices will significantly improve an Officer’s ability to document evidence and statements made during an emergency, a call for service or a criminal investigation.  A photo of the body-worn camera as worn by an Officer has been posted to our website www.newtonpolice.org and is included with this announcement.

            Since the Department began using in-car cameras in patrol cars in 1999, Officers have become accustomed to their use and they have proven to be indispensable as evidence.  The use of body-worn cameras will prove particularly valuable for Officers who are on foot patrol or bike patrol, who in the past were unable to benefit from recording units only installed in patrol cars.  Patrol car recording systems are also limited to audio only up to a certain distance from the vehicle, which often times was insufficient once an Officer is inside a building.

            Deploying body-worn cameras represents the Police Department’s commitment to utilize best practices and the latest technology, most cost effectively, to improve police services.  It is also expected to help improve Officer training and performance.  Where body-worn cameras have been used elsewhere, they have also shown to prevent, reduce and more quickly resolve citizen complaints.  This will help maintain our outstanding relationship with those we serve, help strengthen our accountability and continue to build public trust.

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ANDOVER PD- Warrant / CDS Arrest

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP POLICE

Date of Incident:  02/16/2016

Time:  10:30 AM

Type of Incident:  Warrant / CDS Arrest

The Andover Township Police Department arrested Jassan Stoeckel, age 38 of Sparta for outstanding warrants and CDS offenses.  Officers responded to the Econo Lodge located on Route 206 after receiving information that a subject staying there had active arrest warrants.     

While attempting to serve a $2000 warrant issued by Sparta Municipal Court on Jassan Stoeckel, he refused to open the door to his room. A very strong odor of marijuana was coming from the area. An officer positioned outside the rear of the motel observed the window to the same room open and a male subject discard an item. The officer recovered a partially smoked marijuana cigarette. After opening the door to speak with the officers he was immediately arrested on the outstanding warrants. He was taken to HQ and additionally charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of justice. He was released after posting $2000 cash bail.

Investigating Officers:

Officer Puccio
Officer Then
Detective Youngs

Newton PD: Coffee with a Cop on Campus @ Sussex County Community College 2/9 10:30 AM

 

 

 

The Newton Police Department will host

 

Coffee with a Cop – on Campus

Tuesday February 9, 2016 10:30am-12noon

 

Sussex County Community College

Student Center by the Cafeteria

 

Program offers opportunity to meet local officers, discuss issues

 

On Tuesday February 9, 2016, officers from the Newton Police Department, students, staff and faculty members will come together to informally discuss issues, build relationships, and drink some coffee.  All college community members are invited to attend.  The event will take place from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon at the Sussex County Community College by their student center.

 

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work on campus.  The event also coincides with the Department’s Park, Walk & Talk program on campus in which Officers park their vehicle and briefly walk around, visiting with students, faculty and staff each day.

 

Together, these programs foster positive interaction between local law enforcement and the college community, allowing students and staff to see Officers in a different perspective.  We encourage students and faculty to stop by and chat as their time permits.

 

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.  Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

 

For more information, please contact Sgt. Frank Philhower or Chief Michael Richards (973) 383-2525 or visit www.NewtonPolice.org .

 

Police Chiefs' new website and logo

The Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police has developed a new logo which will be used for their website and for promoting the Association's goals. The new image is the first logo that the Association has used since the organization was established over 42 years ago.