Egg Harbor Township, NJ – On Wednesday, July 3, recruits at the Atlantic County Police Academy received comprehensive training on domestic violence from Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy and Forensic Nurse Examiner Coordinator Sarah McGaffney of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office (ACPO). The training session, held at the Anthony Canale Training Center, focused on the victimology response, investigation, and prosecution of domestic violence cases.
Domestic violence is a prevalent issue encountered by police officers and often a precursor to future violent crimes. The recruits were educated on the cycle of violence within abusive relationships, various response strategies, and essential resources available to victims.
Ed Thornton, Director of the Atlantic County Police Training Center, highlighted the importance of the collaboration with ACPO, stating, “The Atlantic County Police Training Center, in its effort to provide the latest training concepts to the police recruits, has forged partnerships with agencies throughout the county and state. One such partnership with Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds has provided the Training Center with Subject Matter Experts like Joe Remy and Sarah McGaffney. These professionals gave the recruits insights into domestic violence laws and incidents that will benefit them as they take their places in policing.”
The presentation also covered nonfatal strangulation and the activation of BREATHE (Breathing/Blood flow Restriction Event: Advocacy, Treatment, Help, and Empowerment) Teams. This multidisciplinary initiative is led by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and aims to provide a comprehensive response to incidents of nonfatal strangulation.
The training is part of ongoing efforts to equip future police officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle domestic violence cases and support victims in the community.