Security

The New Community Security Department is a 165 officer-strong community-based force that provides for the basic safety and security of NCC residents and employees and that works to maintain the quality of life at all residences and facilities.

The Security Department exemplifies NCC's commitment to meeting its own needs internally while providing the highest levels of service to residents, employees and program participants alike. Having its own security force allows NCC to have more control over its properties and to provide jobs for people who live in NCC housing and in the neighborhood. The majority of Security Department employees are local residents. Many are referred by the Workforce Development Center.

The Security Department has a long history of ensuring that NCC's basic safety and security needs are met. The Department is run by Jose Rodriguez, a twenty-five year veteran of law enforcement in Newark. It utilizes a chain of command similar to that of other law enforcement agencies. All officers must pass an initial interview, written examination, urinalysis, background investigation and final interview before NCC hires them.

New NCC Security Officers receive in-service training covering report writing, departmental rules and regulations, NCC policies and the chain of command. All officers are trained regularly in a variety of areas related to security and law enforcement. Such courses include stress management, accident investigation, crime scene investigation, gang awareness and fire safety and prevention. Seminars are run in conjunction with New Community's Workforce Development Center, which operates a Security Officer Specialist Training Program.

Patrol Sector Concept
The Security Department is run in accordance with the Patrol Sector Concept. Two Sector Sergeants divide NCC property into two sectors. Each Sergeant is responsible for a sector that includes at least sixteen locations. Each Sergeant roams his or her sector and visits individual locations at least twice per shift. A Lieutenant acting as a Shift Commander is responsible for an entire shift. This method allows supervisors to be in closer contact with field personnel and decreases response time to each location and incident.

Critical Incident Database
A Critical Incident Database, similar to those used by many law enforcement agencies, helps deploy officers to deal with quality of life issues at NCC properties. The database provides information on the locations, dates, times and types of incidents compared with previous months. Resources are redeployed and adjusted to combat any increase in criminal activity at a location.

Community Relations Program
NCC Security is constantly working to maintain and improve its relationship with the residents and community members that it serves. New programs are being launched. One example is the "Self-Defense For Seniors" class that has been created to help senior citizens understand what they can do in case of a confrontation. This pilot program is intended to serve as a model for others.

Officer of the Month
The NCC Security Department recognizes its security officers who risk their personal safety in order to provide secure neighborhoods, buildings and workplacesÑon a monthly basis for their achievements and good work in serving and protecting the community.

For more information regarding Security, please contact Prentiss Thompson by phoning (973) 643-3766 or email pthompson@newcommunity.org