History
In 1951, the Auxiliary Police was formed by men interested in creating an arm of the newly formed Civil Defense Organization. Meetings were held in homes, churches and basements of local businesses. The organization consisted of 4 "districts", each with their own commander. Each district developed on their own, as a result, each one became a separate unit.
In 1953, Police Chief Louis Risacher; Director of the Auxiliary Police, reorganized the districts into two precincts. He also changed the name to the Fair Lawn Police Reserves.
On June 8, 1954, the Borough of Fair Lawn officially organized the volunteer Fair Lawn Police Reserves under Borough Ordinance.
In January 1963, Police Chief Risacher consolidated the two precincts into one organization. This enabled the organization to have a consistent and efficient trained unit ready for call at any time.
In 1980, the State of New Jersey reorganized the CDDC and renamed the organization the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Police Reserves were renamed the Auxiliary Police.
The Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police was established to assist the Fair Lawn Police Department during normal times and times of crisis.
The Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police - Present Day
In order to be ready to assist, the Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police train throughout the year, under the supervision of the police department. During training and crisis, auxiliary police officers have full police powers. All officers go out on patrol in marked Fair Lawn Police vehicles and provide courtroom security. The auxiliary police are also called upon to assist during special events throughout the borough such as parades, carnivals and fireworks. In addition to these duties, auxiliary officers are also called out and utilized during emergencies for crowd and traffic control, evacuations and other police duties. At times, they have been called to assist neighboring towns with their emergencies.
Training
All Fair Lawn Auxiliary Police
officers are required to attend and graduate from the Auxiliary Police
course at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah,
NJ. Courses covered at the academy include: Auxiliary Police
Powers, Human Relations, Use of Force, Tactical Awareness, Traffic
Control, Patrol Functions, Arrest, Search and Seizure, Courts and
Evidence, Note Taking, Crowds and Assemblages, Radiological Hazards,
Terrorism Awareness, First Aid, CPR w/AED and Haz-Mat Awareness. Upon the completion of the Academy, Probation Officers undergo Field Training. All
auxiliary officers maintain their training throughout the year by
receiving on the job training from Certified Instructors.
