Bridgewater Honors Citizens Police Academy Graduates After 8-Week Program

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Township recognized graduates of the Bridgewater Police Department’s NJ Citizens’ Police Academy.

The academy is an eight-week program designed to give participants a closer look at modern policing and the department’s day-to-day work.

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The township said the program covered patrol operations, investigations, emergency response and community policing.

In remarks during the graduation event on Monday, Police Chief John Mitzak said the academy is meant to build understanding between residents and the department.

"Citizen Police Academy is designed to provide transparency, education, and open communication between the police department and the community we serve," Mitzak said.

Mitzak said participants learned about patrol operations, investigations, traffic safety, use of force, emergency response and the challenges officers face.

He pointed to one session that was interrupted when officers were called away for a SWAT standoff on May 7.

"While that interruption may have been unexpected, it actually became a real life example of exactly what this academy is designed to show," Mitzak said. "Police work is unpredictable. Situations can escalate, and officers must be prepared at any moment to respond to dangerous and rapidly evolving events."

Mitzak said the department hopes graduates leave with a better understanding of police work and the reasons behind it.

"Policing is built on trust, communication, and partnerships with the community, and programs like this helping strengthen those relationships," Mitzak said.

He also thanked Sergeant John Kennedy for coordinating the academy and recognized officers who volunteered their time to teach.

Mayor Matthew Moench also spoke at the event and said the program requires a sustained commitment from participants.

"It takes people who are dedicated enough to their community to commit eight weeks to doing this and to learning and to engaging in dialogue," Moench said.

Moench said one of his goals as mayor has been to encourage public discussion based on facts and understanding.

He said the academy gives residents a chance to meet officers, build relationships and better understand police procedures.

Moench thanked the participants for being an important part of the police department in the community.

"We hope that we will see you back engaged in any number of ways here in Bridgewater, whether you live here, work here, or in the surrounding towns, that you will continue to be an active part of our extended community," said Moench.

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