Manchester Officers Earn Traffic Safety Certifications

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two Manchester Township police officers have received certifications as traffic safety specialists, the police department announced.

The officers — Sgt. Paul Bachovchin and Patrolman Ian Bole — were among severa local officers honored by Kean University at a ceremony Oct. 18 at the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers meeting in Toms River.

Bole earned his Level 2 Traffic Safety Specialist Certification, becoming the first in the state of New Jersey to do so, and Bachovchin earned his Level 1 Traffic Safety Specialist certification.

The Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) program was first established in Maryland to recognize police officers who had attained notable experience, education, training, and proficiency in Highway Safety Enforcement methods and procedures.

Eligibility involves officers enrolling in the program and submitting documentation on employment, completion of appropriate certifications, and permission of employers. Level 1 requirements include three years of independent patrol experience, speed detection device certification, standard field sobriety certification, and 30 points of earned electives. One elective point is awarded for each year of military service. Also, points are awarded for documented college experience.

The voluntary program was first piloted through the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers Association in February 2016. There are more than 100 officers who have received certification in New Jersey.

Officers are also participating in TSS Level 2, which involves the development and implementation of a technical study to improve traffic safety conditions in the sponsoring community.

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Photos by Manchester Township Police