Toms River Auxiliary Officers Sworn

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Eight people were sworn in this week as members of the Toms River Police Auxiliary Unit, township officials said.

The oath was administered by Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher at the Township Council meeting.

The Auxiliary Police Unit is a volunteer branch of the Office of Emergency Management, the township website states.

"During the course of their training mission, they work with the Toms River Police Department to reduce safety hazards, assist in emergency or disaster situations, and provide services as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police," the township website says.

The unit has one captain, three sergeants and 15 officers who are considered the “eyes and ears” of the police department, the website notes. Auxiliary police assist with patrols, parades, first aid calls, disabled vehicles, animal calls, funerals, emergencies, disasters, crashes, traffic direction, crowd control, DWI checkpoints, and various other township functions.

"The training and experience gained while in the organization is often a stepping stone utilized in the pursuit of becoming a full-time law enforcement officer," the website notes.

Auxiliary officers are required to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per month and must participate in 25 percent of details and callouts. They do not carry a firearm and do not have arrest powers.

The Auxiliary Police training program is run under the direction Officer Brian Jarka bjarka@trpolice.org.

Photo via Toms River municipal Facebook page