NEWARK, NJ – Senior citizens in the city are taking steps to learn about crime prevention and 93 year-old Margaret Jackson and 91 year-old Egbert Emanuel Ellis are just two of the Senior Citizen Police Academy's students.
The program holds free classes for seniors ages 55 and older for 10 weeks at the Police and Fire Communications Center. Held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., the academy trains seniors on crime intervention tactics, how to detect and report criminal activity, firearms instruction and day-to-day operations of the Newark Police Department.
Seniors will also learn more about personal and home safety tactics from the Fire Department, senior health issues from the Department of Child and Family Well-Being and senior discounts and services available through NJ Transit.
While enrolled in the program, students get the chance to respond to low-priority service calls with police officers and will take part in a graduation ceremony on April 30.
"I thank our seniors for continuing to do their part to make a difference as our City's leaders," said Mayor Cory A Booker. "Together with the support of our seniors, we are building a stronger, safer, prouder city."
Booker and Deputy Police Director Niles R. Wilson welcomed the 106 members of the 7th Senior Citizen Police Academy class during a ceremony Friday, Feb. 5 at the Police/Fire Communications Center. Also in attendance were Council Member-at-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice and Public Safety Director Anthony Campos.
At the ceremony the mayor highlighted some of the accomplishments of his administration including creating the Newark Police Foundation, installation of surveillance cameras, increasing the number of police officers patrolling the streets and the success of the anonymous Crime Stoppers and Gun Stoppers tip lines.
"The Senior Citizen Police Academy is pivotal to the success of the Newark Police Department," said Wilson. "I encourage Newark's senior citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to not only learn more about the Police Department, but to help make our city safer. Only with their support can we continue to protect the community and reclaim our respective neighborhoods."
Senior Citizen Police Academy Supervisor Detective Debra Cole-Grainger said the involvement of the senior police academy students does not end with their graduation ceremony.
"We need the help of our senior police academy alumni to assist us with chaperoning youngsters at our community events, such as our Police Week and Halloween Parties," she stated. "The support of our seniors is critical to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and families."
For those interested in participating in a future Senior Citizen Police Academy Class, and are a Newark resident aged 55 or older, please contact the Office of Aging located at 94 William Street, at (973) 733-4392.
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