The Manchester Township Police Department is once again seeking volunteers for its special Auxiliary Police Unit. 

Manchester Police
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Each year, dozens of residents join the program whether they're interested in law enforcement as a possible career or if they just want to serve their community.

It's comprised of volunteer adults who are trained to assist the Police Division during a disaster or local emergency. In addition, auxiliary officers perform various duties, including but not limited to, traffic/crowd control at civic events, uniformed patrols in the community, community policing activities and staffing of the Township's Emergency Operations Center. Auxiliary officers are also called upon during severe storms and/or major Township events.

The department offers valuable real life experiences as well as excellent training opportunities. Many former auxiliary officers have become full time police officers throughout the State.  Police Chief Brian Klimakowski says those individuals are required to serve 10 hours each month with a variety of tasks.

He says "this is a great way to not only learn what we do but give back to the town.  These people are very committed and we are happy to have them on board with the program."  There's also financial considerations to keep in mind.  With the economy slowly recovering, many police forces around New Jersey have seen budgets slashed.  Klimakowski says "we can now have an extra pair of eyes and ears when needed and it's volunteering at it's best."

The Department is currently accepting applications for the January 2013 Auxiliary Police Training Academy. Applications can be picked up at police headquarters or downloaded from the department's site.  Completed applications can be dropped off at headquarters.

For more information, contact Sergeant James Komsa at 732-657-2009 ext. 6357.

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