Middle Township
Police Department
The Middle Township Police
Department consists of (46) sworn officers, (12) Communications Operators, and
(5) secretaries. Every Middle Township
Police Officer undergoes intensive initial training to become an officer. This training occurs at either the Cape May
County Police Academy or at another State certified Police Academy. This initial training takes upwards to 24
weeks to complete. Once graduated from
the Police Academy, each officer still undergoes extensive recurring training
on a regular basis throughout that Officers entire career. This is an effort to stay on top of the ever-changing
laws, procedures and advances in technology.
The Police Department is comprised
of a Chief of Police, a Captain and (3) Lieutenants in the Administrative
Section. A Detective Sergeant and (4)
Detectives are assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit. A School Liaison Officer Unit includes a
Sergeant who oversees the unit and is also the Departments Training Officer,
(2) Officers, with one being assigned at the Middle Township High School and
the other assigned via a contract at the Cape May County Vocational Technical
High School. A newly formed Street
Crimes Unit made up of (4) Patrol Officers come under the command of the
Detective Division. These Officers work
in a undercover capacity targeting crimes against person and property,
narcotics and other issues that affect the quality of life of our residents in
all areas of the Township. The largest
part of the Police Department is the Patrol Division, which is comprised of
(28) Patrol Officers and Sergeants.
This year (2004) we anticipate hiring (2) additional officers that will
be added to the Patrol Division. One
additional Officer (a Detective) is temporarily assigned to the Cape May County
Prosecutors Office Narcotics Strike Force.
The Police Department also maintains
other units within the Police Department.
The members of these units undergo additional extensive training to be
proficient in the duties and assignments within the units. These duties are above and beyond the
assigned Officers normal assignments such as Patrol Officers, Detectives,
etc. These units include:
o
A
fully equipped SWAT team, with (8) team members
o
A
fully equipped DIVE team, with (5) team members utilizing 2 boats
o
A
Police Motorcycle Unit, with (3) motorcycles and one 4 WD Quad
o
A
Police Honor Guard, made up of (5) Officers
o
A
Police Explorers Post, under the direction of (3)
Officers
o
A
Community Neighborhood Watch Program, in effect in several areas of the Township
of Middle
o
A
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, made up of some (5) trained
officers
o
A
Hostage Negotiation Team, made up of (5) members
The Communications Division is comprised of some
(12) full time Communication Operators and (2) part time Operators. These operators handle all Police, Fire,
Rescue, 911 and other miscellaneous type calls that come into Police
Headquarters. They are the link between
the public and the Officers. In
addition to handling calls for service for Middle Township, they also hand via
a contract all 911 calls and calls for Fire and Rescue services for Dennis
Township and the Borough of Woodbine.