SHERIFF’S PRISON AWARENESS PROGRAM

Students from Marlboro High School were able to see firsthand how the criminal justice system works in Monmouth County, as part of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Prison Awareness (SPA) program. Twenty six students from the Specialized Business Learning Center/Business Law Class toured several law enforcement facilities on March 15th to observe and learn about day to day operations. “This is an eye opening experience for these students,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “By seeing what goes on and speaking directly to law enforcement officials provides students with insight into the criminal justice system.”

SPA program coordinators Captain Daniel Baker and Lt. Shawn Althouse guided the students on a tour of the Police Academy to see the type of training that is required of law enforcement officers. The students also visited the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center and observed public safety telecommunicators handle emergency calls and radio transmissions. They then toured the courthouse and met with a Superior Court Judge who explained court proceedings and the way the judicial system functions. The final phase of the program was a tour of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution where Sheriff Golden answered questions about the facility. “This has been a great experience,” said Ben Biran, a senior from Marlboro High School. “It has given us an incredible understanding of how the criminal justice system works, which you can’t always learn from a textbook.”

The SPA program has been run through the Monmouth County Correctional Institution for 20 years and conducts approximately 25 tours annually.

“I commend the schools, such as Marlboro High School, that includes the Sheriff’s Prison Awareness program as part of their curriculum, and, I welcome all high schools to participate in this valuable program,” said Sheriff Golden.