In 1941, under the Civil Defense Act, Sayreville started what has evolved into today's Auxiliary Police. In the beginning, these volunteers fell under the control of the Civil Defense and Disaster Control Department. The purpose was to coordinate the efforts of its members in a common front to protect the lives and property of all persons within the borough against enemy action or natural disaster, and to preserve national security. At the time, this was deemed necessary because of the constant threat of nuclear conflict with the USSR.
Did you know? The reason for Civil Defense was that whole areas and population groups could become isolated in a post-attack period. The national plan required each local and state government to maintain four weeks of self-sufficiency until help could arrive.
Under this directive, the Sayreville Police Department began its role in civil defense with the forming of the Auxiliary Police. According to records, in 1952 the term Reserve was used to describe this group of volunteers, controlled by a Sergeant of the full-time force, whose role was to aid the police department in daily activities.
This structure remained until the formation of the Office of Emergency Management in 1985, when a resolution written by then-Mayor John McCormack stated: "That the designation of 'Police Reserve' will be amended and be henceforth known as 'Auxiliary Police' in accordance with the Office of Emergency Management." Sayreville continued using the terms Reserve and Special until January 11, 1989, when Chief Douglas Sprague directed that all use of the terms Reserve and Special be dispensed with and the force be known only as Auxiliary Police.
Today's Police Auxiliary
Today's Police Auxiliary are an important part of the Borough of Sayreville. They are seen throughout the town performing numerous roles — from park patrols to security at Borough functions. They are the volunteers crossing residents at church and protecting public safety at carnivals and celebrations such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades.
The Police Auxiliary are a self-governing organization that work under the direction of the Sayreville Chief of Police, with their own ranks from Chief down to Patrol Officer. They are an equal opportunity volunteer organization utilized by the Borough of Sayreville, contingent upon personnel availability and approval of the Chief of Police.
As a branch of the Office of Emergency Management, the Police Auxiliary can be utilized by any emergency service in the borough — Police, Fire, or EMS — in the event of any incident requiring additional personnel. Duties include, but are not limited to, traffic and crowd control, security, evacuation assistance, transportation, or any other viable function during an emergency.
Training requirements: A minimum of 144 hours per year, monthly meetings, at least 3 scheduled church duties per quarter, and participation in civic functions.