The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 7 | Page 9

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2020
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parent.” The lines of communication that can be opened builds relationships that are beneficial to both. Of this
communication, Napoleon added that officers, “build great relationships with staff as they engage students.” Tom
Herman, a guidance counselor at Millville High School, also spoke to the value of officer and youth connections. “I
think law enforcement definitely benefit from these interactions. When officers work with school staff both parties
experience valuable cross training. Officers learn about the impact of trauma on student behavior and health.
They also learn about crisis intervention for youth and protections for special education students. In turn, school
staff learn valuable information from the officers, such as deescalation techniques, drug/alcohol prevention, and
crime prevention.” The proactive value of forming these early relationships can have long-term positive
effects. “”If we start upstream and ward off as much as possible, we can prevent abuse and addiction
proactively,” said Christopher Jakim, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, NY/NJ HIDTA Commander, DEA, NJ
Division.
Many departments have experienced the benefits of expanding outreach in improving resiliency and mitigating
trauma for both police and youth. “Chief Leusner has been at the forefront of Trauma Responsive Policing. He
has made this a priority as President of the NJ Association of Chiefs of Police. He has been involved in attempting
to expand the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance model to the rest of the state. His partnership with the Cape
Wellness Alliance has improved resiliency with the children of his community,” said Chief McKenna, who has
consistently implemented youth outreach for the benefit of both his officers and community. “I think it is critical
that each county establishes programs that mirror the Cape Regional Wellness Model and improve childhood
resiliency.”
Chief Chris Leusner, Chief of Police in Middle Township and President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs
of Police explains why Trauma Responsive Policing should be a priority for law enforcement. “Community Problem
Orientated Policing calls for us to develop problem solving strategies with community partners to address the
causes of crime and social disorder. We know from the research around ACEs that in a large percentage of cases
the root cause of crime and social disorder is childhood trauma. The same research gives us a roadmap to
mitigate the impact of traumatic events and help support conditions to build resiliency in our kids.”
Michael McKnight, who also works within the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance and throughout the state on similar
initiatives, speaks to how critical these efforts can be. “Intentional positive connections with extended family
members, police, teachers, coaches, neighbors can have a positive impact on young people's lives. The
intentional connection of young people with their local police participating in activities that allow positive
relationships to grow influence the resiliency in not just the kids but the officers as well.” Chief McKenna, who has
made it a point for the department to be involved in many youth programs, spoke of the lasting positive impact
he has seen, both for kids and officers. “Through the Junior Police Academy, we have come into contact with
many of our graduates who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences. I have witnessed our officers make
a concentrated effort to establish relationships with these special kids. After each graduation, our officers
comment definitely feel good about themselves and the impact they have made in these types of situations.”
Law enforcement officers enter a career “to serve and protect”. As New Jersey moves toward improving resiliency
for law enforcement and for the most vulnerable among us, perhaps working together, reciprocally, is the model
to prioritize the wellness of both. Said Scott Thompson, former Chief of Police for the City of Camden, “As a police
leader, I knew that it was crucial to enhance the opportunities for engagements where officers would have
positive contacts with the community, especially the youth. This is the key component to build trust with the
public while it is also exponentially beneficial to the well being of the officers. I have found it creates an endless
multitude of win-win-win situations as it reduces crime as well.”
The views, information, or opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers to The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those
of The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, its officers, or employees. The primary purpose of this publication is to educate and inform. This publication does not constitute legal or other
professional services or advice.
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