The official website of the Newton Police Department located in the Town of Newton in Sussex County, New Jersey.
The Newton Police Department recognizes that in their times of crisis, crime victims may be intimidated or overwhelmed by the criminal justice process. When crime happens, victims often want to know what they should expect, or what resources may be available to assist them. By taking a compassionate approach, officers have the ability to make the process easier for victims by explaining what to expect or making referrals to victim assistance agencies and services.
By the establishment of a cooperative effort between the Newton Police Department, D.A.S.I. Services and community volunteers, a Domestic Violence Response Team has been developed. This team has been formed to provide the domestic violence victim with the opportunity to be provided with information and services, which exist to help them through the experience of being a domestic violence victim.The Newton Police Department acknowledges the significant impact which incidents of domestic violence have on their victims. We believe that domestic violence victims have special needs and issues, which cannot be addressed simply through enforcement of criminal statutes and the issuance of court imposed restraining orders. Domestic violence victims experience personal tragedy, and as such, need access to special treatment at the time of victimization. Sgt. Michael Wolanski coordinates the DVRT as the team liaison for our department. He can be reached at (973) 383-2525 or mwolanski@newtonpolice.org.
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. The New Jersey Coalition For Battered Women offers detailed information about how to obtain a restraining order.
Applications are currently being accepted for volunteers to join one of the regional Domestic Violence Response Teams (DVRT) working with either the Newton-Andover Township Police Departments, Stanhope Police Department, Hopatcong Police Department, Vernon Police Department, Franklin Borough Police Department, Hardyston Township Police Department, Borough of Ogdensburg Police Department, Sparta Township Police Department, Hamburg Borough Police Department, or the NJ State Police in Augusta. These teams of trained community members will respond to the police station immediately following an incident of domestic violence, assisting victims and their children by offering support, encouragement, information, and referrals. Volunteers work in partnership with law enforcement officers and domestic violence professionals, each partner bringing separate and distinct skills and expertise to the collaborative project.
“Our goal is to cover 100% of Sussex County communities with Domestic Violence Response Teams. We are so close – we just need one more team to accomplish that!” stated Jamie Bernard, Executive Director of DASI: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services. “The teams provide an opportunity for the community to come together and help end domestic violence and abuse. Volunteers report feeling deep satisfaction that they are able to help during this critical time. They feel they are truly making a difference in the lives of families who have suffered much pain and loss, and are helping them to move forward.”
The application process includes submission of the application form, a personal interview, completion of a 50-hour training course, and reference and criminal background checks. Applications are available by contacting DASI at 973-579-2386 ext. 230 or ziegler@dasi.org.
The New Jersey VINE Service will tell you if an offender is in custody in the State of New Jersey and will give you other important information. VINE will also let you register telephone numbers where you can be notified if an offender is released or transferred.
Visit the NJ V.I.N.E. website for more information.
We all know about crime, but we don’t expect it to involve us. We think of crime as something that happens to someone else.
What happens if crime touches your life? What do you do, where do you go, and what can be expected of you?
The Office of Victim Witness Advocacy can answer these questions for you. Specially trained Victim Advocates provide services to help victims of crime. If you have been the victim of a crime these services can provide the information and support you need, completely free of charge.
If you have been injured as a result of a crime, have missed work, have had to go for counseling or have medical expenses not covered by insurance, you may be able to receive money to cover some of your costs. If a family member was the victim of a homicide or vehicular homicide, you may qualify for assistance with burial expenses. Other benefits are available, however property crimes are generally not covered by the Victims of Crime Compensation Board.
You can apply for compensation even if the offender has not been caught or convicted, but you must report the crime to the police.
A Victim Advocate can help you fill out an application form or you can obtain one directly from:
Toll free number: 1-877-658-2221
www.state.nj.us/oag/njvictims
