VILLAS – The Administrative Staff of Lower Township Police Department, in an effort to strengthen their Community Outreach Program, met with local clergy to discuss New Jersey Attorney General Supplemental Directive 2006-05. The directive, most recently amended in July 2015, details the uniform statewide practice and procedure for investigating and reviewing police use of force incidents, as they relate to police officer involved shootings.
During this meeting many topics were covered. Primarily, the importance of maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations, mandatory review of all potential conflicts of interest, uniformity in statewide investigations and investigative and legal practices were discussed.
Chief Mastriana spoke about updating protocols that have been established for church security and the creation of emergency action plans based on unusual, emergency and critical response incidents. The discussion also involved an active shooter component, which addressed tactics to identify a potential threat, training, reporting, responding, reacting and alerting police, staff and designated security personnel, if a situation were to arise.
Once the protocols have been updated, a follow up meeting will ensue, ensuring timely and efficient implementation. The Lower Township Police Department looks forward to its continued relationship with the local clergy and the enhanced Community Outreach Program.
