Police Use Of Force Forum In Burlington County Sept. 9

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Officials will host a forum on New Jersey’s revised police use of force policy at Rowan College of Burlington County on Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina, Burlington Township Police Officer Jarrod Broadway and Marlton Police Sgt. Ronald Henry will join Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck and Deputy Attorney General Stephen Wenger for the forum.

Under the policy, police must use de-escalation practices instead of force whenever possible. When force is used, it must be used as a last resort and only in a reasonable and proportionate manner.

The speakers at the forum will discuss the core principles of the policy and explained how officers are trained and monitored.

“Burlington County has been at the forefront of crisis intervention training, and this program will provide unique insight into this valuable training from the trainers themselves,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. “We will present a video of actual incidents where local police officers successfully used de-escalation techniques as a substitute for force.”

There will be mental health officials on hand to present their perspective on how police officers can more effectively interact with members of the public. There will be presentations followed by a Q&A session.

The forum will take place in Votta Hall at Rowan College at Burlington County, 900 College Circle in Mount Laurel.