The Juvenile and Family Services Bureau (JFSB) is made up of compassionate and understanding members of the Police Department who understand that our goal is to work with the family in crisis as a whole to ensure we help guide them towards the services that will benefit them. The bureau consists of juvenile detectives trained in the special needs of the youth within our Township as well as School Resource Officers who are trained to identify juveniles who are suffering from some type of crisis or family issue. JFSB also attacks the issue of domestic violence with detectives who are specially trained to handle these matters. These detectives and officers understand that rehabilitating juvenile offenders when possible, in lieu of punishing, is the first step in helping the youth get back on track to be a success. Also, they focus on the family as a whole to ensure that they foster a healthy environment for children and all family members to grow.
The Juvenile Detective investigates any incidents related to juveniles along with all missing person investigations. They work closely with our School Resource Officers to investigate any incidents that occur in one of our sixteen schools. They have access to numerous programs available to assist parents with the problems affecting their children today. These tasks are accomplished through the development and implementation of programs designed to prevent and control delinquent and criminal behavior by juveniles. The detectives also work closely with the Family Court division of the Camden County Courts. Our juvenile detectives also have training in regards to Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) through the New Jersey State Police Task Force.
The Domestic Violence Detective (DV Detective) primarily responds to domestic violence incidents as an investigating officer where they will ensure that the victim receives any services that they may need at that time. The DV Detective will continue to follow-up with the victim as their case progresses through the court system. These detectives are specially trained in evaluating the safety of the residence and relationship between the victim and accused. These detectives also work closely with Family Court and are often attending court hearings concerning the parties involved. These detectives not only work with DV victims but also offenders to ensure they get the help needed to form a more healthy relationship.
The School Resource Officer (SRO) serve as the liaisons between the police department and school staff providing law enforcement services as well as ensuring a safe school atmosphere by assisting in the administration of school rules and policies. While enforcing the law is the primary concern of law enforcement, the SRO also serves a larger purpose with many responsibilities, especially to the students. Students who form and maintain healthy relationships with these officers are better able to understand the roles and responsibilities of police officers, while at the same time the SRO can serve as instructor, advisor, and role model in hopes of making a positive mark in that young person’s life. Some SROs have been trained as Community Education Officers. These officers instruct the 5th and 7th grade LEAD program (Law Enforcement Against Drugs). Every week the students get a detailed lesson based on topics such as alcohol, marijuana and tobacco education. The LEAD officers focus on building the students’ self esteem and improving their decision making skills. Recent additions to the LEAD lesson plan are: bullying prevention, internet safety and prescription pill abuse. Every Elementary School student from grades kindergarten to 4th grade in Gloucester Township will receive a SIP (Student Improvement Program) lesson. The SIP lessons are instructed by our LEAD officers. The students receive lessons about our police department, danger stranger, medicine safety, community pride and bicycle safety
The Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) is a designated and experienced officer, who is able to provide information on local resources and community-based programs available to assist juveniles and their families as well as our various diversionary programs available to divert youth from the juvenile justice system.
For information or questions on resources and programs or any other juvenile matter, please contact the Juvenile Liaison Officer at police@gtpolice.com
