FROM THE DESK OF POLICE CHIEF LISA D. PARKER
about the program by visiting www.ManchesterPoliceNJ.com/Not-
Even-Once.
As for the intervention component, we’ve partnered with the
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to launch Blue HART (Heroin
Addiction Recovery and Treatment), a free program available for
those struggling with addiction. We work directly with treatment
providers so those struggling with addiction have options for
treatment. This program is available to anyone who voluntarily
comes into police headquarters on any Wednesday between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m.
On the enforcement front, our Narcotics Enforcement Team
continues their sustained effort to clean our streets of drugs. Last year,
there were 263 drug arrests made within the Township. If drug trends
remain the same, we are projecting that we will exceed that number
for 2017. Residents play a critical role in this process, as numerous
tips come from members of the community. Should you witness any
suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please don’t hesitate to
contact us at 732-657-6111 or leave an anonymous tip by clicking the
“Tip Line” link on our website, www.ManchesterPoliceNJ.com.
Combating the heroin epidemic is a tremendous challenge that
we must approach together as a community. I, as well as the many
men and women of the Manchester Township Police Department,
would like to thank our residents, Mayor Kenneth Palmer, and the
Township Council, for their continued support in advancing towards
our common goal; to keep Manchester Township a safe and pleasant
community to live in.
11
Over the past year, we have continued our multi-faceted approach
to combating the current opiate epidemic affecting Ocean County,
including Manchester Township. This three-pronged approach
involves three critical elements; Prevention, Intervention and
Enforcement. On the prevention front, the Manchester Township
Police Department created #NotEvenOnce, a comprehensive drug
awareness program for 12th grade students. Created in 2016, this
cutting edge, highly interactive program is the first of its kind in the
State of New Jersey.
The program’s name touches on a common theme that officers
often hear when they speak with a person addicted to opiates—if
they had not experimented with opiates, “not even once”, then they
would have never become addicted and, therefore, would have never
been saddled with the numerous health, legal, and social issues that
are associated with opiate addiction. Our primary focus is to educate
students about the dangers of abusing opiates such as prescription
medications and heroin and then help them make informed decisions
before they leave for college or enter the work force.
After teaching many successful classes at Manchester Township
High School, we offered to share #NotEvenOnce with other school
systems and police departments throughout the State in the spirit of
cooperation. The response to these “train-the-trainer” sessions has
been overwhelmingly positive and incredibly encouraging.
To date, more than 330 police officers and educators from all
over New Jersey have successfully completed our “train-the-trainer”
classes, which have largely been hosted here in Manchester Township.
However, in order to make sure that the word got out,
members of the agency traveled to Bergen County
earlier this spring to train approximately 100 officers
and educators from that area of the State. More
training sessions are planned, and we are optimistic
that #NotEvenOnce will benefit students all over
New Jersey. We invite our residents to learn more
The Manchester Township Recreation Department
The Manchester Township Recreation Department sponsors special events throughout the year. Please be sure to check our website
for the latest information on seasonal events.
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
Ring in the holiday season by
celebrating with Santa at our
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Friday, December 8, 2017
Don’t miss our 2018 Events:
Go to www.ManchesterTwp.com; visit Manchester Recreation on Facebook at ManchesterNJRecreation
or Call 732-657-8121 ext. 5101 or 5102
Memorial Day Parade
Manchester Day
Summer Concert Series
Luau & Movies at the Lake
Veterans Day Ceremony
Chili Cook-off/Bonfire
HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING CONTEST
Manchester Township is alive with holiday spirit!
E-mail: Recreation@ManchesterTwp.com
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Children will have loads of fun as they hunt for
prize-filled eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny.
Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Pine Lake Park (rain or shine)
Ages 2 – 10 Pre-registration is required
You MUST be registered by Monday, March 19, 2018 (250 children max).