Community Outreach Unit
The Sheriff's Community Outreach Unit is working every day to maintain a solid relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Bergen County as well as fostering a greater understanding of the duties and functions of the law enforcement community.
The following is a listing of the programs and seminars offered by the Community Outreach Unit. To obtain further information about bringing a program to your school, community or civic organization please contact us at (201) 646-3020.
Sheriff’s Safety Presentation – Drawing on more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Sheriff McGuire conducts presentations for citizens and students on topics such as Identity Theft, Internet Safety as well as many others.
S.A.I.D. – The Sheriff’s Alcohol Impaired Driving program’s Fatal Vision Goggles simulate a blood alcohol content of .17 by altering the depth perception and hand eye coordination. This unique learning tool offers kids a safe example of how severely alcohol can impair a person’s ability to conduct routine tasks.
H.I.T. Team- High Intensity Talks are special presentations made by adults who are presently incarcerated for minor, non-violent crimes. The inmates discuss with students how alcohol, drugs and crime affected their lives.
Career Days - Officers from the Sheriff’s Community Outreach Unit offer kids an overview of the more than 17 career paths available today in the Sheriff’s Office.
K-9 Division - Demonstrates the functions and capabilities of our highly trained and sophisticated dogs. K-9 demonstrations are among our most popular presentations.
Bureau of Criminal Investigations- Informative presentation on the day to day operations of this Bureau as well as how it uses cutting edge forensics and advanced investigative techniques to combat crime in Bergen County.
Bergen County Jail Tour- A visual tour of the different housing units as well as an explanation of the operation of this 1,250 bed facility and the jobs performed by its 320 corrections officers.
Gang Awareness- An educational presentation on the growing dangers of gangs in Bergen County as well as the signs of gang activity to look for in your community.
Prom Presentations- Officers from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Community Outreach Unit speak with parents on ways to make prom weekend a safe one.
Youth Academy- An intensive two week course bringing kids from around Bergen County together and familiarizing them with the activities of officers at all levels of law enforcement. To download the application form click here.
Project Lifesaver - The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce its participation in Project Lifesaver, an innovative rapid-response program to aid victims and families suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism or Down Syndrome. The program is a rescue service that trains, equips, and deploys members of the Sheriff’s Office to assist local police agencies in locating individuals who may wander from home and become lost due to confusion and memory loss. To download the application form click here.
Explorers-Explorer Post 2160 is sponsored by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office as a community-based policing program. This successful program is designed to educate and involve young men and women in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement functions whether they enter the law enforcement field or not.As an Explorer, young adults have the opportunity to assist the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Explorers can broaden their understanding and firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up their community’s police service. In addition to gaining a working knowledge of police work, the participants have the opportunity to give of themselves to their community. Although Post 2160 is law enforcement oriented, Explorers are volunteers and do not serve as police employees, sworn or civilian. To download the application form click here.
Gold Star Program- The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the Gold Star Identification Card program. This program, offered to Bergen County Seniors and autistic children provides first responders with vital medical information in the event of an emergency. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office 24 Hour Operations Unit will maintain all data provided and will make it available should you or a loved one become incapacitated during a medical emergency. Members are issued a photo identification card on behalf of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. The card will correspond to their personal file maintained by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office that will include a list of family or emergency contacts, current or prior medical conditions, a complete list of medications and allergies, a physician’s contact information and hospital location. To download the application form click here.
Citizens Police Academy- The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy is designed to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the values, goals, objectives and operations of our organization. This comprehensive instruction covers different areas routinely addressed by law enforcement. The classes have been formulated to incorporate an interactive format, providing the participants with a “hands-on” experience whenever practical. Instructors are Officers, Supervisors and other personnel with special expertise in various areas of law enforcement. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to provide a forum to improve lines of communication and build a positive relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the community members we serve. The classes produce informed citizens. During classes, participants are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback concerning the operation of the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, citizens bring a wealth of knowledge about their community and particularly the problems in the neighborhoods, in this way, officers learn first hand the concerns of its citizens by interacting with them in a positive, non-confrontational manner. To download the application form click here.
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