RUPD—Newark has been busy with events both on and off campus. They partnered with the Health Promotions Division of Rutgers University-Newark for RU-N Field Day. At the RUPD exhibit, officers hosted a fitness challenge with exercises that mirrored police academy physical assessment tests. Officers also provided alcohol and substance abuse education through interactive activities.

RUPD had a blast with an intergalactic send-off for our students at Destress Fest. The event, organized by the Office of Student Life and Leadership, provides fun interactions for students as they complete finals. Officer Ralph Parone’s Star Wars-themed display was a hit with this year’s Outer Space theme.

During the second RUPD Reads event of 2024, police officers, security officers, and community service officers provided a customized reading and public safety education event for young students at Camden Street School in Newark. This event also featured sensory-based activities for autistic children, who also received sensory friendly goodie bags. 

RUPD participated in the Girls Scouts Heart of New Jersey See Her, Be Her event at Stevens Institute of Technology. Officers engaged hundreds of current Girl Scouts in the responsibilities of being a police officer. Police Officer Shania Stanley provided a presentation about her personal journey to becoming a police officer. RUPD also facilitated an activity centered on self-esteem, identity, and leadership for each girl who visited the exhibit. Those who participated received a memento for completing the activity. 

Sgt. Todd Housell was proud to represent RUPD at a Special Olympics event in Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Sgt. Housell cheered on participants and presented medals alongside law enforcement throughout the state of New Jersey. 

This year, the Newark division launched RUPD Reads at partner locations. This initiative allows our sworn and nonsworn department members to support early childhood reading efforts at local schools while focusing on childhood safety. Rutgers University Students, staff, and faculty are also invited to participate in our RUPD Reads events. First stop this year was Dr. E. Alma Flagg School in Newark. This event featured bi-lingual readings in English and Spanish. 

To commemorate National Police Week, the Newark Division of RUPD participated in Police Week events throughout the city of Newark, alongside the Newark Department of Public Safety. Members of RUPD engaged citizens by providing public safety education and great conversation during the multi-day celebration.

To close out National Police Week, the Newark Division of RUPD participated in Career Day at Roberto Clemente School. Officers discussed childhood safety and encouraged some of our future police officers!

Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, July 2024.