Community Outreach & Programs — Education, Safety & Awareness
About Our Programs
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office offers a wide range of community outreach programs designed to inform, educate, and empower residents of Monmouth County. From youth-focused initiatives like internet safety and anti-bullying education to adult resources like CERT, fraud protection, and our Refrigerator Card program, our programs serve everyone in the community.
Use the navigation on the right to explore individual programs, or learn about our flagship initiatives — S.T.O.R.M. and VISCOMP — below.
Two of our most impactful community programs
A program that teaches seniors the importance of planning for emergencies. Seniors receive a family disaster plan booklet covering personal, family, work, medical, insurance, emergency & evacuation information. Once completed and returned, they receive an emergency supply kit with basic necessities.
Individuals 18 years or older who have graduated from the Citizen's Police Academy / Law Enforcement Mini Academy can volunteer to assist in Sheriff's community programs and events. VISCOMP volunteers play an important role supporting outreach efforts across Monmouth County.
Youth Program — Safe Riding for Kids
About This Program
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and representatives of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey (BIANJ) travel to local schools to teach students about the importance and appropriate use of bicycle helmets. As part of a partnership between the Sheriff's Office and BIANJ, fifth grade students at participating schools will also be asked to join in a creative writing and art poster contest that reinforces the key messages of the campaign.
Over 250 students will receive free bicycle helmets for creative submissions.
This program teaches children safe bicycle riding habits, the importance of always wearing a properly fitted helmet, and how to navigate roads and trails responsibly. Officers conduct interactive presentations at schools, community events, and youth organizations.
Youth Program — Bullying, Cyberbullying & The After Effects
About This Program
This program addresses the impact of bullying and cyberbullying on students' mental health, academic performance, and social lives. We cover prevention strategies, how to recognize bullying, safe ways to intervene, and how to seek help. Special focus is given to the long-term effects bullying can have on victims and bystanders.
Who It's For
- Elementary, middle, and high school students
- Parents, teachers, and school counselors
- Youth groups and after-school programs
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule an in-school presentation or parent night
- Specify grade level and audience size
Youth Program — Stranger Awareness & Personal Safety
About This Program
This age-appropriate program teaches children to recognize potentially dangerous situations involving strangers, develop the skills to respond safely, and understand the importance of trusted adults. Officers use role-playing and interactive activities to make the lessons memorable.
Who It's For
- Pre-K through elementary school students
- Parent education sessions
- Daycare centers and after-school programs
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a presentation appropriate for your age group
- Specify class size and any specific topics to focus on
Youth Program — Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU) Education & Prevention
About the Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU)
The Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU), comprised of members from both the Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Corrections, identifies and tracks members of Security Threat Groups, such as Street and Prison Gangs and Non-traditional Organized Crime Groups. The Unit strives to recognize potential threats to the security and safety of our jurisdictional responsibilities.
The Unit is also called upon, from time to time, to assist federal, state, and local agencies as may be required in trying to control the threat to society presented by these groups. Additionally, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Gang Intelligence Unit actively trains law enforcement officers in recognizing the signs of gang activity in their particular jurisdictions, as well as the appropriate response.
The GIU is affiliated with the East Coast Gang Investigator's Association, which, in turn, is a member organization of the National Alliance of Gang Investigator's Associations.
Defining a Street Gang
A street gang is often defined as a group of young people others perceive — and perceive themselves — as a distinct group. They will often prompt a negative response from the community. Such a group is often organized, has a distinct leadership, and is involved in criminal activity.
There are various types of gangs, ranging from social or neighborhood gangs (involved only in minor community disturbances), to delinquent gangs with more frequent interaction with the police, to well-organized gangs that commit serious, violent crimes.
How Do We Know Gangs Are In Our Community?
Isolated incidents of criminal activity may not suggest gang activity. However, the following factors combined may point to the existence of gangs:
- The appearance of graffiti showing gang symbols
- Observing groups who display gang-symbolic tattoos
- Observing groups who wear the same style and/or color of clothes
- An increase in acts of vandalism
- A rise in violent crime in the area
- An increase of fighting between groups of young people
- An increase in citizen complaints concerning "gang activity"
- An increase in drug sales and use in a community
None of these warning signs, taken alone, is proof of gang activity, but all together can be indicative of possible gang activity.
What Does Gang Graffiti Mean?
Gang graffiti appears as gangs become more active and begin to define their individual territory, or turf. Graffiti is often designed to display power, send messages, and warn intruders. Most graffiti — when written upside down or crossed out — is a sign of existing rivalries and hostilities between two separate gangs.
What Are Gang Colors and Signs?
Gangs primarily use COLORS as a means of identity and to show associate membership. Colors, along with specific brands and styles of clothing worn in a specific manner, may represent membership in a particular gang. Additional indications include hairstyles, jewelry, bandanas, gang logos, sports team apparel, and clothing accessories.
HAND SIGNS and GANG SLANG are a means of communication between members of a particular gang, and even between members of rival gangs. Symbols formed with fingers, hands, and body relay information from one individual to another. Words and phrases are often used to communicate in code.
How Do Gangs Recruit Members?
Often gang members will confront young people in their neighborhood or schools, and ask them to join the gang. The individual is presented with all of the supposedly positive aspects of belonging — easy money, friends who become a new "family," and easy access to parties, alcohol, drugs and sexual activity.
Many times the gang recruiters just pester the youth into joining. In extreme cases, gang members can turn to intimidation and threats of bodily harm to force a young person to join. Once the young person has become a member, it becomes very difficult to leave — for fear of physical retaliation against the member or their family.
Why Do Young People Join Gangs?
Kids join gangs to fill a void in their lives. They find in the gangs what they cannot find in their own homes, schools, or community. The strongest incentive is just that — the need to belong.
- Gangs appear to provide protection from violence both in schools and in the neighborhood
- To gain a sense of identity and status by being accepted
- Companionship created through the sense of belonging and recognition
- Gangs provide activity and excitement — escape from boredom
- The opportunity to easily make large amounts of money through illegal activity
- Family members and friends already involved with gangs
- The gang overwhelms the neighborhood where the young person lives
What Can I, As a Parent, Do to Combat Gangs?
- Be a positive role model
- Improve communication and take seriously the responsibility of raising your children
- Take a deeper interest in your children and their activities
- Know the company your child keeps
- Monitor your child's whereabouts and activities
- Get your child involved with extracurricular activities in school and community groups
- Become aware of the signs of gang recruitment and involvement — intervene quickly
- Seek help from family, church, school administrators, and police
- Do not allow your children to wear gang clothing or styles
- Do not allow your child to "hang out" on the streets
- Be suspicious of graffiti and tattoos
- Do not allow your child to limit your access to their room
- Learn about drugs and gangs, and talk to your children about both threats
- Develop the attitude of anti-drugs and anti-gangs in your home
- Start early — the gangs do!
⚠️ GANG LIFE CAN LEAD TO A PERMANENT POSITION. HELP PREVENT GANG VIOLENCE.
Related Resources
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Gang Intelligence Unit
Youth Program — Smart Online Habits
About This Program
This program covers online predators, social media safety, password security, the permanence of digital footprints, online scams, and how to talk to a trusted adult when something doesn't feel right. Officers use real-world examples and age-appropriate content.
Who It's For
- Elementary, middle, and high school students
- Parent education nights
- Teachers, school counselors, and youth workers
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a school or community presentation
- Specify grade level and audience size
Youth Program — Recognizing & Responding to Mental Health Challenges
About This Program
This program helps students understand mental health, recognize warning signs in themselves and others, and know how to seek help. Topics include stress, anxiety, depression, the impact of social media, and the importance of reaching out to trusted adults or mental health professionals.
Who It's For
- Middle and high school students
- School staff and counselors
- Parents and community groups
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a presentation at your school or organization
- Specify any specific concerns or recent events to address sensitively
Youth Program — Understanding the Opioid Crisis
About This Program
This program covers the dangers of opioid use, how addiction develops, prescription drug safety, what to do during an overdose, and where to get help. Officers share local statistics and real stories to help students understand the impact of the crisis in our community.
Who It's For
- Middle and high school students
- Parents and caregivers
- Community groups, faith organizations
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a school assembly or community session
- Specify audience and any specific concerns
Youth Program — The Truth About Vaping
About This Program
This program addresses the growing problem of teen vaping. We cover what's actually in vape products, the health consequences (especially for developing lungs and brains), nicotine addiction, marketing tactics targeted at youth, and how to make informed choices.
Who It's For
- Middle and high school students
- Parents and educators
- Health classes & school assemblies
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a classroom or assembly presentation
- Specify grade level and audience size
Youth Program — Sheriff's Emergency Education for Kids
About the Program
In 2000, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office began the SEEK program under the direction of former Sheriff Joseph Oxley. SEEK is an acronym: Sheriff's Emergency Education for Kids.
This program is designed to educate children on the proper techniques when calling 9-1-1 during an emergency. The program, which is tailored toward children and taught throughout the school year, provides life-saving instructions, a video presentation, scenarios, and an interactive session in which the kids practice calling 9-1-1 on an actual telephone.
To date, the staff of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office — Communications Division has educated over 35,000 children ages 5-8. At the end of the program every student receives a 9-1-1 coloring and activity book which reviews everything they learned in our program.
Adult Program — Adult Citizens Emergency Services
About This Program
ACES 9-1-1 creates an emergency profile for adults with disabilities, medical conditions, or communication challenges. The information helps first responders provide appropriate care during emergencies and is securely stored for use by 9-1-1 dispatchers.
Who It's For
- Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Adults with chronic medical conditions
- Caregivers of adults with special needs
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Complete the ACES 9-1-1 enrollment forms
- Submit forms with required medical and emergency contact information
Adult Program — "Children And Restraints GO together"
About the Program
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, created the Safe C.A.R.G.O. Program to raise awareness on the importance of child/passenger safety. Established in October of 1999, SAFE C.A.R.G.O. educates and informs parents on the proper installation and use of child safety seats.
At free, voluntary safety checkpoints across Monmouth County, specially trained technicians check car seat model numbers for possible manufacturer recall, inspect car seat anchors, and stabilize seats with additional padding to prevent rocking. They also teach parents the proper installation of any child safety seat and answer questions parents may have. Updated child safety brochures are handed out to each vehicle upon entering the checkpoint.
Inspection Schedule & Location
Child safety seat inspections are scheduled monthly (check mcsonj.org for dates) at:
📍 Monmouth County Garage
240 Center Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
The inspections are free and open to the public. Trained child passenger safety technicians are available to teach parents the proper installation of any child safety seat and to answer any questions.
Program Impact
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office is a leader in providing child safety seat inspections throughout the calendar year. In 2001, the Sheriff's Office conducted 654 voluntary inspections at 22 safety checkpoints.
The Sheriff's Office also teams with the Monmouth County Highway Department to provide winter season, indoor safety inspections at heated county garages. We've also teamed with the Latino Committee of Monmouth County to train bilingual safety technicians to provide this important safety program to Spanish-speaking residents.
⚠️ DID YOU KNOW? 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of death for children over 6 months. Over 600 children die each year due to improper use of child safety seats — 50% of those children were not restrained.
Adult Program — Respectful Disposal of American Flags
About the Flag Drop Box
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office is providing a Flag Drop Box for residents to dispose of tattered or damaged American Flags. The flags will be collected by the Boy Scouts of America, Monmouth Council, who will properly honor the retirement of the national symbol.
What Can Be Dropped Off
- Worn, faded, or sun-damaged American flags
- Torn or tattered flags
- Flags no longer suitable for display
Drop Box Location
📍 Outside the front entrance of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office
2500 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
The box is accessible 24/7. No appointment necessary.
Adult Program — Protecting Yourself from Scams & Identity Theft
About This Program
This program educates residents — particularly seniors — about the most common fraud schemes: phone scams, email phishing, identity theft, romance scams, IRS impersonation, grandparent scams, and more. Officers share real examples and tips for protecting personal information.
Who It's For
- Seniors and senior centers
- Community organizations and faith groups
- Adults of all ages
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a presentation at your group or facility
- Specify audience and any specific scam types of concern
Adult Program — Safe Disposal of Unused, Unwanted & Expired Medicines
About the Medicine Drop Box
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office provides a drop-off site for residents to dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicines. It is located at the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, 2500 Kozloski Rd., Freehold.
⚠️ With the growing problem of prescription drug abuse among teens, it is critical to dispose of medicines safely and keep them out of the wrong hands.
Drop Box Location
📍 Monmouth County Sheriff's Office
2500 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Reserve for Your Community
The Medication Drop Box can be reserved for your community event or location.
Adult Program — Critical Medical Information for First Responders
About This Program
The Refrigerator Card is a free, fillable medical information card designed to be displayed on your refrigerator. When first responders arrive at your home for a medical emergency, they're trained to check the refrigerator first. The card lists your medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and physician information.
Who It's For
- Seniors living independently
- Adults with chronic medical conditions
- Anyone wanting to streamline emergency medical response
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Request a free Refrigerator Card
- Fill in your medical info and post on your refrigerator
Gold Star Medi-File — Similar to the Gold Star Senior Travel Card, this medi-file will include the same information but should stay on the person in a wallet or purse. please contact Alexa Quagliato
Adult Program — Defensive Driving & Road Safety
About This Program
The Safe Driving program covers defensive driving techniques, the dangers of distracted driving (phones, eating, etc.), driving under the influence, sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians, and updates on current traffic laws.
Who It's For
- New and teen drivers
- Senior driver refresher courses
- Workplace safety programs
- Community groups
How to Participate
- Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator
- Schedule a presentation at your group or organization
- Specify audience type and any specific topics to focus on
Shared Program — Citizen Police Academy / Law Enforcement Mini Academy
About the Program
The goal of the Monmouth County Citizen Police Academy and Law Enforcement Mini Academy is to foster and promote an understanding by high school students interested in possible careers in law enforcement, AND citizens in Monmouth County, of the services offered and challenges facing the law enforcement agencies in the county.
Graduates become "goodwill ambassadors" for the law enforcement and public safety community. This Academy is also a pre-requisite for participation as a volunteer in the VISCOMP Initiative.
Schedule
The Citizen Police Academy is held in four sessions on consecutive Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to approximately 7:30 PM, at the Monmouth County Sheriff's Public Safety Center, 2500 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ.
Basic Requirements for Enrollment
- Resident of Monmouth County
- At least 14 years of age
- Have own transportation to and from academy and other locations
- Commitment to attend all four class sessions
- Must pass background check (must have no criminal record)
What to Expect
Enrollment in this course involves a 4-week commitment. Topics may include: Analyzing a Crime Scene, Distracted Driving, Opioid Awareness, Internet Safety, Women in Law Enforcement, Career Opportunities, Tour of MCCI, CERT Team demonstration, Tour of STARS Building, K-9 team demo, Tour of Public Safety Center, Volunteer Opportunities.
⚠️ DRESS CODE — Business Casual. Shirt or blouse with collar (NO t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops). Slacks, closed toe shoes, conservative dress or skirt.
How to Submit Your Application
Download the application above, complete all fields, and submit by one of these methods:
- 📧 Email to Tfreeman@mcsonj.org
- 📞 Call Undersheriff Ted Freeman at (732) 431-6400 ext. 1110
Shared Program — Heroin / Opioid Prevention & Education
Monmouth County HOPE 1 Highlights
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Hope One Mobile Unit and our dedicated recovery specialist visit communities to assist in combatting the opioid epidemic. Since 2019, Hope One has been deployed to hundreds of events and locations to help educate residents on addiction services and provide resources to those with substance use disorder.
Useful items are distributed such as hygiene products, in addition to vouchers for free 30-day treatments. Having a routine day and time of the month reinforces our dedicated support and lets residents know they can count on us being there.
A new outreach program was initiated in 2022 partnering with Hotels/Motels where overdoses were high or had a higher population with substance abuse. An informative poster provided by the Sheriff's Office, both in English and Spanish, were distributed to targeted hotels/motels along with training services in the application of Narcan.
🌐 Community Outreach
- Monthly deployment of Hope Truck
- Brookdale Community College
- Asbury Park sites
- JBJ Soul Kitchen
- Monmouth County yearly community events
🔄 Referral to Community Services
- SUD detox + treatment (including MAT and recovery support services)
- Individual personal documentation + ID
- Assistance with GA, SNAP, etc.
- Unemployment benefits
- Expungement services
🤝 Community Collaboration
HOPE collaborates with agencies, organizations, and benefactors including:
- Asbury Park Social Services
- Emergency Housing Advocacy Program
- Garden State Equity
- 1st Baptist Church – Manasquan
- Ground ZERO Hope and Comfort
- Warming Centers
- HOPE Sheds Light
- Empower ME23
- JBJ Soul Kitchen
- League of Women Voters
- Long Branch HEARS
- MHA Monmouth County
- ACTS
- Monmouth County Prevention Coalition
- New Earth Center
- NJ ReEntry, 180 Program
- Open Door
- Parker Health Center
- Preferred Behavioral
- Recovery Centers of America
- Recover Revolution
- St. Mark's Keansburg
- St. Peter's Freehold
- Salvation Army
- Sea Change RCO
- Seacrest
- Soldier On
- United Way
- Visiting Nurses Association
🏠 Sober Housing Visits
Regular visits to sober housing and the provision of Narcan and referral to community recovery support services (see Oxford House and Sober Living attachments).
Regular visits to motels / hotels and the provision of Narcan and referral to community recovery support services.
Shared Program — Rapid Search & Rescue for Wandering Individuals
About the Program
The mission of Project Lifesaver is to use state-of-the-art technology to find people with Alzheimer's disease, other memory disorders (such as dementia), or autistic children who may be prone to wander. A wandering person with Alzheimer's disease, other memory disorders, or an autistic child represents a critical emergency. They are often unaware of their situation. They may not call out for help and sometimes do not respond to people calling out to them.
The Project Lifesaver participant wears a battery-powered bracelet which emits a radio-tracking signal 24 hours a day and weighs about one ounce. The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office can respond rapidly in the event that the participant becomes missing.
The Project Lifesaver program was developed by the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office in Virginia. Hundreds of rescues have already taken place nationwide with the use of Project Lifesaver. The average rescue time remains under 30 minutes.
How to Get an Application
For Seniors 60 & older: Call the Monmouth County Office on Aging at (732) 431-7450 and ask to be sent an application for the Project Lifesaver tracking bracelet.
All others: Call the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office at (732) 431-6400 ext. 1129.
There is no charge for the bracelet and details are sent with the application.
Ongoing Maintenance
Project Lifesaver participants will be monitored by Monmouth County Sheriff's Office personnel to ensure that the bracelet they have is well maintained and functioning properly.
Seniors 60+: Monmouth County Office on Aging
All others: Monmouth County Sheriff's Office
Shared Program — Police Academy-Style Training for Young People
About the Program
The Sheriff Youth Week program offers a unique opportunity for young people to explore interests in law enforcement through police academy-style training, drill and exercise programs, and instructional sessions at the Monmouth County Police Academy, 2000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ.
Each day's session begins with drill instruction and ends with one hour of physical training. Each recruit will receive a certificate from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office upon completion. Recruits are taught by municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Eligibility & Cost
Sheriff's Youth Week is free of charge and open to all Monmouth County residents of high school age — which means:
- Just graduated 8th grade and going into high school in September
- Already in high school
- Just graduated from high school
Students will only be asked to provide a completed physical form once their application is approved. Successful applicants will be sent a letter of acceptance.
⚠️ NOTE: All participants are responsible for their transportation to and from Sheriff Youth Week. Students must also bring their own lunch.
Shared Program — A First-Hand Look at the Realities of Incarceration
About the Program
The SPA program is a sobering look at what happens when young people sell, buy, and use illegal drugs. Showing young people the cold realities of jail proves a lasting and effective crime prevention program.
The SPA program is available to all Monmouth County junior high and high school students, and runs year-round. The message is simple: "stay in school and avoid the harmful lifestyle choices that could lead to incarceration." Inmates tell the truth about life behind bars and students learn that jail is not a friendly or exciting place to be.
National Recognition
In 2014, the Sheriff's Prison Awareness program conducted 72 tours of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, with over 1,000 junior high and high school students receiving a first-hand look at the realities of life in a correctional facility.
The SPA program received national television recognition, appearing numerous times on shows such as the Maury Povich Show, Ricki Lake, Judge Hatchett, and Anonda Lewis.
How to Participate
For additional information on participating in the Student Professional Awareness program, please contact Selina Mishkin using the contact info below, or fill out the registration form at the bottom of this section.
Selina Mishkin — SPA Program Coordinator
