Hillside Auxiliary Police

The Hillside Auxiliary Police is an all-volunteer organization that works closely with the Hillside Police Department. Members assist the Police Department during emergencies and at special events. They direct traffic and perform other related duties to relieve regular police officers who may be needed elsewhere. Members of the Auxiliary Police also patrol the township in marked radio cars, and are sometimes considered the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. This is because they often report crimes and render valuable assistance to police officers who are often fully occupied at accident scenes and other local emergencies. Members of the Auxiliary Police wear uniforms but do NOT carry guns. Some have eventually joined the ranks of the Hillside Police Department while others choose to remain as citizen volunteers. The work of the Auxiliary Police is important to the entire community and they are strongly supported by the Hillside Police Department.

Membership in the Auxiliary Police is limited to residents of Hillside and non-residents who reside within 5 miles of Hillside provided their municipality of residence does not have an active Auxiliary Police. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens between the ages of 18 and 65 and must have a valid New Jersey Driver’s License. Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation and attend a six-week training course consisting of one weekend day per week.

For more information or to join the Auxiliary Police , please contact Sergeant Michael Gennaro at 973-926-5800 ext. 248.

Domestic Violence Response Team

The Hillside Police Department, in conjunction with YWCA-EUC, has a team of specially-trained volunteers available to meet confidentially with victims of domestic violence at police headquarters 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The volunteers, who are civilian members of the community, work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, and referrals to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters. The advocates also discuss with the victim their legal rights in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. DVRT volunteers, whose identities are kept anonymous, are available 24-hours a day to meet with victims. The volunteers are trained to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call basis, and submit to background investigations and fingerprinting. The 40-hour intensive mandatory training course will be provided to successful applicants. YWCA-EUC will be conducting the training starting on September 21, 2010. Classes are being held twice a week. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The Hillside Police Department and YWCA-EUC are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is a plus.

To request an application, please contact  DVRT Coordinator at 908-355-1500 ext 18