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Community Services/Crime Prevention In 1987, a full time Community Services/Crime Prevention Officer position was created. The main focus of the officer's duties is to assist residents in implementing crime prevention programs such as Crime Watch throughout the community to help reduce crimes and specifically burglaries.  Its other focus is to introduce and facilitate a wide variety of crime prevention and community safety programs dealing with such topics as drug & alcohol abuse (D.A.R.E.), personal safety, home & business security surveys, as well as numerous other programs upon request. The Community Services Officer also acts as the liaison to the numerous community & business groups within Jefferson Township.  All business & residential alarm registrations are coordinated and maintain through this office. Business Index Update Community Organization - Police Registration Dark/Vacant House Program Alarm Registration Special Needs Program The department receives numerous requests for tours of Police HQ from local Scouting groups.  These tours can be arranged through the Community Services Officer as well. Community Services also coordinates the following programs within the community: Child ID/DNA LifePrint       Vial of Life  Project Lifesaver (in cooperation with the Morris County Sheriff's Office) National Night Out The Jefferson Township Police Department has been participating each year in the National Night Out program sponsored by National Association of Town Watch. The event is primarily designed to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness and to strengthen neighborhood spirit & police-community relations.   The National Night Out program is held at the Municipal Complex on the first Tuesday of August each year.  The event involves displays from all of the emergency service organizations within the municipality.  Hotdogs and refreshments and several forms of entertainment, for adults and children alike, are available, such as a petting zoo, face painting and a bounce house.  Junior Police Academy Since 2004, the Jefferson Township Police Department has operated an annual Junior Police Academy.  Held during the month of August, up to 50 students, ages 11-14, both male and female, can sign up to participate.  The Junior Police Academy is a week-long event where cadets report daily and participate in numerous police-related activities designed to give them an insight into the law enforcement profession.  At the end of the week, there is a graduation ceremony and the cadets are awarded Certificates of Commendation for their successful completion of the academy.  Cadets are introducted to physical training and drill instruction, and each day a new law enforcement topic is introduced.  To date, law enforcement related demonstrations  included New Jersey State Police Aviation and Marine Units, Morris County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad, Passaic County Sheriff's Office Mounted and Motorcycle Units, Atlantic Air One lands and cadets are given a tour of the helicopter, and cadets are taken on tours of the Morris County Correctional Facility and Police and Fire Training Academy. Officer Ivan Rodriguez is currently assigned as the Community Services / Crime Prevention / D.A.R.E. Officer, and he is also the Leader of the Junior Police Academy. Officer Rodriguez can be contacted directly at 973-208-3628, or you may email him at irodriguez@jeffersonpolice.com.