February 16. 2023, Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench and Bridgewater Chief of Police John Mitzak released a video announcing Bridgewater Shield.  

“BridgewaterSHIELD is a joint initiative between the Police Department and the Municipal government. Its purpose is to take tangible, productive steps to strengthen and expand the ties between the Bridgewater Police Department and the community it serves,” said Mayor Moench. 

Chief Mitzak added: “Modern law enforcement depends on deep ties with the community. In order for us to serve and protect a community, we have to understand it and the people who live, work and visit in it…. We can proactively work to strengthen the ties we have, and we can also seek out and build new ones. I think this is the right direction for our department and our community." 

As announced in the video, Phase 1 of BridgewaterSHIELD encompasses three brand-new initiatives sponsored by the BPD and the Administration: 

Citizens Police Academy

- 10-Week Course open to residents 21+ and older

- Class will give participants inside understanding at BPD structure, organization, and operations

- Participants will learn roles and responsibilities of different BPD bureaus, including patrol, traffic, investigations, etc.

- Will include a use of force seminar followed by specialized firearms simulation training

- Graduates will be CPR & AED certified

VR Trainer Public Availability

- Participants invited to utilize modern virtual use-of-force simulator

- Briefing on use of force procedures by BPD expert precedes individual training opportunity

- Participants can experience stressful, complex situational training undertaken by BPD officers regularly

“Coffee with the Command Team

- Chief Mitzak, Captain Tennant and Captain Savare to appear at local diners, coffee shops and small restaurants

- BWT residents welcome to come, ask questions in an informal setting, hear about BPD operations or just get to know the command team 

“We’d like to invite all Bridgewater residents to participate in BridgewaterSHIELD, through any or all of the three programs we’ve introduced here,” Mayor Moench and Chief Mitzak said in a statement. 

“I admire Chief Mitzak and his vision for our community, and I know he and his officers will pursue that vision with the drive and professionalism they have every day. I look forward to a resounding response from our Bridgewater community,” the Mayor added.  

“Space is limited, so we encourage interest residents to sign-up as soon as possible,” Chief Mitzak concluded. 

Links to sign-up for each of these initiatives are available on the Township website. Residents with questions or who need assistance with the sign-up process are welcome to contact OCR at 908-725-6300 x5888 or [email protected].