MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Police Department is recruiting volunteers to serve on the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT).
In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the Middletown Police Department continues to make this service available to victims of domestic violence during the initial stages of an emotional and traumatic experience, according to a press release from the township.
180 will be conducting a 40-hour mandatory training course for DVRT volunteers from Oct. 6-29 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., via Zoom). Applications are currently being accepted.
The volunteer advocates with 180’s DVRT program are civilian members of the community who work with law enforcement to provide confidential support, information and referrals to victims of domestic violence at Middletown police headquarters, according to the press release.
Advocates also discuss safety planning and the victim’s legal rights in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order, according to the press release.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training.
The police department and 180 are committed to a culturally diverse team to better serve the community, so bilingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous, according to the press release.
Contact Sgt. Kevin Gardiner at 732 615-2075 to obtain an application or for additional information.
