Domestic Preparedness
The Newton Police Department recognizes the threats posed by terrorism, natural disasters, and catastrophic events, large scale threats to domestic security and pandemics that require a proactive approach as well as a well coordinated commitment to advanced preparation. In furtherance of this objective, the Newton Police Department has assigned Ptl. Kenneth Teets as the Domestic Preparedness Officer. The Domestic Preparedness Officer falls under the supervision of the Detective Sergeant. Anyone with questions regarding these matters may contact Ptl. Kenneth Teets at or 973-383-2525.
Functions of the Domestic Preparedness Officer
- Training and Intelligence Sharing
- Regularly attend training programs offered by the OHSP and similar organizations.
- Conduct or arrange for all required and appropriate training of Newton Police Department personnel.
- Review Emails, Newsletters and bulletins from State,Federal and similar organizations which are then analyzed and distributed to appropriate personnel when considered relevant or important.
Investigations
- Provide assistance to members of the Newton Police Department with investigations and police response related to potential terrorist activities.
- Provide assistance to members of the Newton Police Department with investigations and police response related to suspicious packages, bomb threats, active shooters on school grounds or other public facilities, hazardous materials releases and other related investigations.
Liaison Responsibilities
- Shall serve as liaison with the Emergency Management Coordinator.
- Maintain a list of resources accessible by to members of the department that can be utilized in the event of an emergency.
- Shall meet regularly with the EMC to coordinate efforts.
- Shall serve as liaison and meet appropriately with the following:
- Sussex County Domestic Preparedness Task Force
- Sussex County Counter Terrorism Coordinator
- New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness
- Shall serve as liaison with the EMC or Domestic Preparedness Officers from neighboring municipalities and formulate mutual aid agreements.
Preparation, Protection and Prevention
- Develop a list of any public or private critical infrastructure facilities and utilities within the Town of Newton
- Maintain an updated list of contact information for each facility
- Maintain a professional liaison relationship with representatives from such facilities, occasionally meeting with representatives to review procedures.
- Assist with the development of emergency response plans for facilities and maintain copies of the plans for access during an emergency.
- Continually assess the threat vulnerability of critical infrastructure facilities.
- Develop and execute appropriate drills, exercises and simulations annually to test emergency action plans, assess and prepare or improve responses to all incidents.
- Work cooperatively with schools in the Town of Newton including the Sussex County Community College to assist them with the establishment and maintenance of a school safety and security plan that addresses all hazards and follows the phases of crisis management planning (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery).
- Assist the Police Department to locally implement plans from the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness during elevated threat advisories.
Funding and Equipment
- Ensure that Newton Police Department personnel receive proper protective equipment and any other equipment to assist with homeland security, infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness responsibilities.
- Research and identify funding sources for acquiring additional equipment and training for members of the Newton Police Department.
- Prepare grant applications upon approval of the Chief of Police.
Public Education
- Shall combine efforts with other members of the Police Department in educating the public about homeland security issues and emergency preparedness through meeting with community groups, schools, residents and business owners.
- Cooperatively develop and implement programs to raise community awareness and emergency preparedness.
- Advise the Department's Public Information Officer of any information that needs to be publicly disseminated.
Community Information and Alerting
The Domestic Preparedness Officer utilizes several different methods to disseminate important information. Please visit our Community Alerts page for information on each method.