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Juvenile Services

The Garfield Police Department’s Juvenile Services Division strives to enhance public relations with the community it serves. Under the Command of Sargeant Heath Hicks, the unit implements the DARE Program in all public and some private schools within the City. Also, a Gang Resistance Education Training program (G.R.E.A.T.) for all eighth grade students was recently implemented at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  Various other programs have also been implemented throughout the school district to educate and further enhance existing programs. They include:

• DARE program offered in the 5th grade, 11-12 years of age.
• DARE program offered in the7th grade, 12-13 years of age.
• GREAT (8^th grade), Gang Resistance Education Training, 13-14 years of age.
• Kindergarten Fingerprinting/DNA / Stranger Safety Program.
• Otto The Auto (AAA) from K-3^rd grades, 5- 8 years of age.
• Bicycle registration through out the year.
• Halloween Safe Night in partnership with the Garfield Chamber of Commerce.
• Implementation of Governor Corzine's Safe School Initiative.
• Police Station Tours, from the Public schools and YMCA.
• Community Helpers Day, Garfield Pre-School.
• School Resource Officer Program; Covering all City Public Schools and private schools.
• Participate in Read Across America campaign.
• Halloween Safe Day. Glow Sticks provided by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office & the Fairlawn Police Dept., are distributed to all of the students throughout the district from 1^st to 4^th grade.
• The Special Resource Officer delivers a Halloween Safety training class to all classes.
• School Leadership Committee members (SLC).
• Coordinating school safety patrol.
• Active participation and membership in the Garfield Municipal alliance.
• Two week summer Junior Police Academy for seventh and eighth grade level students.

In addition to school-based programs, the Special Services Division also provides educational training in car seat safety to parents. An annual coat drive is held each year from November 1st through December 15^th collecting gently used winter coats for the needy. The Division participates in Garfield Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club sponsored events.

If you have questions regarding any of the programs or wish to speak with any of the School Resource Officers, Sgt. Heath Hicks, Sgt. John Lesica, Officer James Zangara or Det. Ken Adamo, please call (973) 478-8500.

Links: to any of the above program sites: ( www.DARE.com ),

School Resource Officer ( www.NASRO.com ) , GREAT (www.atf.treas.gov/great.htm)

Juvenile Services Unit

The mission of the Garfield Police Department's Juvenile Services Unit is to reduce youth delinquency and the acceptance of delinquent behaviors.  Unit members will provide guidance, services, education, and support for the youth and families of our coummunity.  Unit members will utilize the Community Policing Concept in the attendance and function at community and special events to enhance and increase community wellness.  The Unit will take necessary corrective desciplinary actin against youthful offenders to avoid recidivism of delinquency.

Th Juvenile Services Unit strives to enhance public relations with community it serves.  Under the command of Det. Captian Dennis Lanaras, the Unit delivers the D.A.R.E. Program in the public elementary school, and Middle School.  The Gang Resistance Education And Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.), is also taught by Unit officers to all eighth grade students.  Additional programs, assemblies, and special events are offered throughout the year in schools and in the community.  Some services include:

1. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E), grades 5 & 7
2. Gang Resestance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.), grade 8
3. Kindergarten fingerprinting/DNA and Stranger Safety Program
4. School Resource Officer certified
5. Community Helpers Day
6. Otto the Auto (AAA), grade k-3, pedestrian safety
7. Bicycle registration program and safety course w/ bicycle rodeo
8. Implementation of Governor Corzine's "Safe Schools Initiative"
9. Develop, educate, and demonstrate school lockdown procedures to all teachers and students
10. Supports outside homework programs offered by YMCA and Garfield Boys' & Girls' Club
11. Active participation in the Garfield Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse
12. Community Service program for youthful offenders
13. Summer Junior Police Academy Program
14. Halloween programs including safety education, Maryanne Collura glowstick safety program, and Halloween Safe Night event
15. National Night Out against crime
16. Coordinating school safety patrol
17. School Leadership Committee
18. Read Across America Program
19. Law Enforcement Career seminar training
20. Project Graduation
21. Car seat safety program for parents and children
22. Safe Route to Schools consultant

The Juvenile Services Unit members also conduct neighborhood surveys addressing quality of life issues. The Unit coordinates the Domestic Violence Critical Response Team, and oversees emergency medical treatment response and education of officers in the field.  Grant projects implemented by Unit members have enhanced security through video surveillance of schools, and parks.  An annual coat drive for the needy, and participation in the Relay For Life are among charitable events attended.