Burlington County Sheriff’s Department hosts second Police and Teens Together session Oct. 20

Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield announced that her department along with Faith In Action! Inc. will host the second session of Police and Teens Together (P.A.T.T.) after incredible feedback and a great turnout from the first session.

“One of the goals of the program is to open up lines of communication between law enforcement and teenagers,” said Stanfield. “This helps our officers understand the concerns and perceptions of teenagers concerning stereotypes and experiences with law enforcement.”

The first class will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Emergency Services Training Center, located at 53 Academy Drive, Westampton, N.J. 08060.

“During the first class, the officers and teens will discuss the teens’ views on law enforcement,” said Stanfield. “The teens will get to act out scenarios complete with uniforms and radios where they are law enforcement officers.”

The second class will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, located at 1 Academy Drive, Westampton, N.J. 08060.

“During the second class, teens will play the role of law enforcement using lifelike video technology Firearms Automated Training System (F.A.T.S) so they can experience the split-second decision-making required by police officers,” said Stanfield. “This activity will educate youth on why law enforcement officers use certain tactics.”

“This program is just one of the many innovative ways in which our department is assisting our teens in finding ways to connect with our police force,” added Stanfield. “The program will help reduce tension and increase respect between law enforcement and youth.”

To register or for more information, please call the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department at (609) 265–3788 or Faith in Action! at (609) 835–7000.