Bridgewater Launches New Police Program To Improve Ties With Community

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench and Police Chief John Mitzak officially announced the launch of the BridgewaterSHIELD program, which has been designed to build and strengthen the ties between the police department and the community.

Moench said the program is part of Mitzak's "efforts to modernize the police department and be more proactive by offering the community policing programs."

Modern law enforcement relies on deep ties with the community. In order for us to serve and protect the community we have to understand it," said Mitzak in a video released by the township about the program.

"Bridgewater Police Department has worked for years to maintain our ties throughout Bridgewater but we can do better," said Mitzak.

BridgewaterSHIELD will be broken up into phases with the first phase encompassing three brand-new initiatives sponsored by the Bridgewater Police Department and the Administration.

The three initiatives include a Citizens Police Academy, Virtual Reality Training for the public, and Coffee with the Police Command Staff.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

• 10-Week Course open to residents 21+ and older
• Classes will be Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. starting April 6
• Classes will give participants an inside understanding at Bridgewater Police Department structure, organization, and operations
• Participants will learn the roles and responsibilities of different BPD bureaus, including patrol, traffic, investigations, etc.
• Will include a use of force seminar followed by specialized firearms simulation training
• Graduates will be CPR & AED certified
• Space is limited an interested individuals must fill out the application form.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CPA APPLICATION!
*Applications can be delivered to the Bridgewater Police Department or emailed to Lt. Brian Blath at BBlath@BridgewaterPD.com

VR TRAINER PUBLIC AVAILABILITY

• Participants invited to utilize modern virtual use-of-force simulator
• Briefing on use of force procedures by BPD expert precedes individual training opportunity
• Participants can experience stressful, complex situational training undertaken by BPD officers regularly
• These sessions are intended for small groups so individuals must register by using the link below. More opportunities will be available if spots fill up!

The next VR Trainer Session will be held on March 29 at the Municipal Complex. Click the sign up link - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR VR TRAINING

COFFEE WITH THE COMMAND STAFF

• Chief Mitzak, Captain Tennant and Captain Savare to appear at local diners, coffee shops and small restaurants
• BWT residents welcome to come, ask questions in an informal setting, hear about BPD operations or just get to know the command team

NEXT EVENT:
MARCH 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.
ROCK DELI
568 UNION AVENUE, SUITE B
BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807
RSVP HERE!

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