D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. D.A.R.E. was originally was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and was introduced to the Kinnelon Borough school system in 1991 by D.A.R.E

D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

The D.A.R.E. program is taught by Kinnelon Police Officers Sean Patalita and Sgt. Joseph Napoletano. For any questions about the D.A.R.E. program call Kinnelon Police Headquarters at (973) 838-5400, or check the official D.A.R.E. website listed below.

• D.A.R.E. Official Website

Nationally, more than 80% of all child safety seats are improperly installed or used. Members of our department, who are nationally certified as child passenger safety technicians, will inspect your child's seat free of charge. The seat will be checked to ensure that is appropriate for your child, that it is installed properly, that it is being used properly and that it has not been recalled.

The Kinnelon Police Department has specially trained officers that are certified in child safety seat installation. Sgt. Joseph Napoletano, Ptl. Melissa Huizenga, Ptl. Nicholas Cifelli, and Ptl. Sean Patalita are the certified officers who can properly install, or inspect a child safety seat. If you would like to have a child safety seat inspected, or properly installed you need to make an appointment through the Kinnelon Police Department. You can reach the Kinnelon Police Department 7 days a week between the hours of 8:00 AM - 11:59PM at (973) 838-5400.

For more tips on how to keep your children safe visit the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety website.

Project Childsafe is a nationwide firearms safety education program aimed at ensuring safe and responsible firearm storage. We encourage all residents who own a firearm to pick up a free gun safety kit.

The Project Childsafe Gunlock Kit is free of charge and include a safety brochure that covers a variety of options for firearms storage and a free cable-style gun lock. If you own a gun and want a Project Childsafe lock you can call the Kinnelon Police Department, or walk in 7 days a week 8:00AM - 11:59PM

REMEMBER:

No firearm's safety or lock can be a substitute for safe, careful gun handling and storage. This lock is intended to discourage unauthorized access to a firearm, particularly by young children. This lock may be cut or defeated by a determined individual and may not prevent intentional misuse of a firearm.

For more information check out the Project Childsafe website

The Project Lifesaver program has been implemented by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to provide enhanced support and assistance to Morris County residents who are primary caregivers for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments.

These individuals might be prone to wander away from home and become confused or lost. Project Lifesaver allows for a proactive response by law enforcement if this happens. This not only saves time and manpower but also, gives caregivers and families peace of mind and reassurance that all possible resources will be utilized in the effort to locate and return their loved one home safely.

For more information about Project Lifesaver and how to apply, visit the Project Lifesaver website at Http://www.mcsheriff.org/main/cp_lifesaver

(Information retrieved from the Project Lifesavers website on September 16th 2009.

The Internal Affairs Unit is supervised by Lieutenant John Schwartz and is responsible for the receipt, investigation and resolution of citizen complaints of police misconduct. All inquiries or questions should be directed to Lieutenant Schwartz at 973-838-5400 x245.

The Kinnelon Police Department annually holds a Junior Police Academy program. Participants, which must be between the ages of 11 and 14 years old, experience the responsibilities of a Police Officer. Various presentations from state and county agencies such as:

• Morris County Sheriff's K-9 Unit
• Morris County Park Police Mounted Unit
• Kinnelon Fire Department
• Tri-boro First Aid Squad

The recruits will also take a tour of the Morris County Police Academy, Criminal Identification Unit, and the Morris County Jail. The recruits will experience first hand what police recruits undergo while attending the Morris County Police Academy such as:

• Physical Training
• Marching
• Saluting
• Motor Vehicle Stops
• Responsibities of the Detective Bureau
• Traffic Safety
• and First Aid

In the last few years, the Black Bear population has grown. With that, Bear sightings have also risen. In light of that fact, the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service, Kinnelon Police Department, and Animal Control Officer Lysa DeLaurentis wants to inform the residents of Kinnelon on how to deal with the rising bear population and sightings. Below is just a glimpse of the topics covered at the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Bear Facts web site History of Black Bear in NJ Black Bear Biology and Behavior Research and Management How to Aviod Attracting Bears Facts for Homeowners Facts for Outdoor Enthusiasts Facts for Kids Bear Safety Tips Know the Bear Facts Program and Publications