Press release from Deputy Chief Stephen Dollinger, Middletown Township Police Department
The Middletown Police Department is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on its Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around, and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the Middletown Police Department continues to make available this service to victims of domestic violence during the initial stages of a highly emotional and traumatic experience.
The Monmouth County-based nonprofit 180 will be conducting an intensive 40-hour mandatory training course for DVRT volunteers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, October 6-29. Scheduled from 6 pm-9:30 pm, the training sessions will be held at Wall Township Police Headquarters, 2700 Allaire Road. Applications are currently being accepted, with the deadline to submit an application September 25.
The volunteer advocates with 180’s DVRT Program are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide support, information, and referrals to victims of domestic violence at Middletown Police Headquarters. Advocates also discuss with victims safety planning and their legal rights in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. By providing support and crucial perspective of the situation, these highly-trained advocates help to empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be eighteen years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training.
The Middletown Police Department and 180 are committed to a culturally diverse team to better serve the community, so bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not requires. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. Please contact Sgt. Kevin Gardiner, Middletown Police Department, DVRT DVLO, at (732)615-2075, to obtain an application or for additional information.
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For thirty-nine years, 180 Turning Lives Around has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, support, prevention, education, and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence and sexual violence. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, you can call the 180 Turning Lives Around Confidential Hotline at (732)264-4111 or (888)843-9262; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.180nj.org. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
