Officials announce that the Department of Public Safety’s third Citizen/Clergy Academy will begin 6 p.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at department’s Communications Center, 311 Washington Street in Newark.
The 7-week course offers participants from the public insights into the various components of the department, namely Police, Fire and the Office of Emergency Management.
Participants will gain a glimpse into the operations and organization of the Newark Police Division and the training received by officers.
Students will learn how deployment decisions are made, how the dispatch center works and how calls for service are prioritized. They will also view a “day-in-the-life” of what it’s like to be a police officer.
The training will include presentations on crime prevention, gang awareness, and domestic violence issues. It may include ride-a-longs and firearm instruction through the department's Firearm Training System.
The Fire Division will offer classes on fire escape plans, arson investigations, demonstrations on how to properly use a fire extinguisher and a “show and tell” of some of the Fire Division’s most intricate and sophisticated equipment.
The Office of Emergency Management will tout its best equipment while offering participants a detailed insight into what the OEM’s primary function is during catastrophic emergency situations.
Academies of this sort are instrumental in fostering better community-police relations while offering students an overview of the department’s three divisions and the entire operation.
“The Citizen/Clergy Academy is a great tool for engaging our community and presenting the different facets of the Office of Public Safety,” Director Ambrose said. “The course virtually allows citizens to become active partners in our efforts to eliminate crime while inviting them into the world of police officers, firefighters, and emergency management personnel.”
Those interested in participating may sign-up online at NewarkPDonline.org by clicking on the forms and reports tab or by contacting the Department’s Community/ Clergy Affairs Unit at (973) 877-9552 or (973) 877-9550. For email, contact Detective Febus at FebusD@Ci.Newark.NJ.US.
Because seating is limited, we advise everyone to sign-up as soon as possible. For those interested in attending an academy class at a later date in 2017, please contact us with your name and phone number.