photos from Ridgewod Police
Community Policing Youth Ambassador Program
On Friday October 11th the Ridgewood Police Department, held the first meeting of its new Community Policing Youth Ambassador Program at B.F. Middle School. The meeting was attended by 18 young residents representing the elementary schools, middle school and the High School along with several parents, school and police officials.
photos from Ridgewod Police
The program is a community policing partnership with the Ridgewood Board of Education, focusing on leadership and youth engagement in community and public safety concerns. These young residents will be part of an active community policing advisory team consulting directly with the Chief of Police, police personnel, school officials and village personnel on public safety and community concerns.
The Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to:
• Help make our community a safer place to live, learn, play and work.
• Be a voice in matters/concerns which directly or indirectly impact the youth of our community such as anti-bullying, tolerance and respect.
• Assist the police department with community outreach andeducational programs for Crime Prevention, Community Policing, and Pedestrian/Traffic Safety etc.
• Have input and involvement in the development of and content for Public Safety/Awareness (PSA) videos which would reach varied audiences.
• Help forge a collaborative partnership between Ridgewood’s youth and various public officials and agencies which serve our community and the region.
• Learn and experience team building and project management, as well as help develop interpersonal skills of collaboration, communication, cooperation, leadership and active listening.
• Demonstrate to their peers and others that you are never too young to develop the leader within you and make a difference.
The issues and concerns they will be addressing are real and have an impact on our community and region. The solutions they help develop will make a difference for our community. They will be working with other students, police, school and other public officials to find innovative solutions to current and future challenges.
Honorary Police Chief Michael Feeney will continue his duties for the Ridgewood Police Department as a critical member of the Youth Ambassador team.
Chief John M. Ward and Gregory Wu (Assistant Principle BF Middle School) will be coordinating and serving as program advisors.
Chief John M. Ward – jward@ridgewoodnj.net Gregory Wu – gwu@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
