Welcome to the BridgewaterSHIELD Homepage.  This is program has been designed by the Bridgewater Police Department (BPD) and the Township Administration to build and strengthen the ties between the BPD and the community that it protects and serves.  BridgewaterSHIELD will be broken up into phases throughout the coming months and years and will continue to build upon its foundation.  Our ultimate goal is to provide a revolutionary style of community policing that will be the envy of our neighbors and beyond.

Phase 1 of BridgewaterSHIELD encompasses three brand-new initiatives sponsored by the BPD and the Administration.  Programs are limited to Bridgewater residents only and space is limited so sign up today!

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY 

The Citizens Police Academy will begin it’s third class in April of 2024.

Any resident wishing to apply should complete an application and return it to the Bridgewater Police Department by Friday, March 29, 2024.

• 10-Week Course open to residents 21+ and older 
• Class will give participants inside understanding at BPD structure, organization, and operations
• Participants will learn roles and responsibilities of different BPD bureaus, including patrol, traffic, investigations, etc.
• Will include a use of force seminar followed by specialized firearms simulation training
• Graduates will be CPR & AED certified
• Space is limited an interested individuals must fill out the application form.
• Please fill out the application form by clicking this link BPD CPA APPLICATION FORM 2024
• Return application form to the Bridgewater Police Department at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater NJ 08807 OR email it to Lieutenant Joseph Dolinski – jdolinski@bridgewaterpd.com

VR TRAINER PUBLIC AVAILABILITY 

• Participants invited to utilize modern virtual use-of-force simulator
• Briefing on use of force procedures by BPD expert precedes individual training opportunity
• Participants can experience stressful, complex situational training undertaken by BPD officers regularly

The next VR Trainer Session will be held in early Fall at the Municipal Complex.  Please check back here for a specific dates and a sign-up link.

COFFEE WITH THE COMMAND STAFF

• Chief Mitzak, Captain Tennant and Captain Savare to appear at local diners, coffee shops and small restaurants
• BWT residents welcome to come, ask questions in an informal setting, hear about BPD operations or just get to know the command team

The next Coffee with the Command Staff will be held in early Fall. Check back here for updates!