Outreach Trailer to Help Officers With Community Policing Program

As part of its commitment to upgrade community outreach, the Barnegat Township Police Department recently unveiled a trailer to be used for special occasions.

The public got its first chance to see the trailer at the recent Community Day, where officers were conducting educational programs as part of the festivities. The Barnegat PBA and the Van Dyk Group split the cost of the $7,000 facility. Lt. Pat Shaffery said the trailer would be present at other special events, such as Pirate's Day in September and next year's 5K benefit run.

"We can use it for conducting our child ID program and for DARE events," said Shaffery. "We can bring it to the schools. We can use it to sell T-shirts. I'm sure it will get plenty of use once it is all fixed up. It can definitely enhance our community policing program, which is something we have been working on the past couple of years."

Det. Bill Sierchio said it would also be utilized for the department's bicycle patrol unit.

"This is probably the biggest thing we've done since the DARE car," said Sierchio, referring to the spiffed up Camaro that the department uses for special events. Right now, the trailer is bare so it is going to need some carpentry work. We have to put in desks, counters and shelves. I also want to thank the Van Dyk Group for their help."

David Wyrsch, Van Dyk Group owner, said his company believes strongly in helping out community organizations. "DARE prpgrams are good because they may help steer our kids away from getting into drugs;' said Wyrsch. "Barnegat wants to improve its community policing program with the child ID and the bicycle unit, and anything like that is certainly going to benefit the town."