The Holmdel Police Department is accepting application for volunteers to serve the community on the Domestic Violence Response Team.

Adults 18 and older, especially those with bilingual skills, are needed to come forward, take a free 40-hour training course offered by 180 Turning Lives Around, and help the department best respond to the needs of victims.

Sgt. Michael Pigott, Holmdel Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, can answer questions at 732-946-9690 ext. 1731  or by email at mpigott@holmdelpolice.org. An application is available on this web page.

Team volunteers work with Hazlet-based 180 Turning Lives Around (180).   In the 40-hour mandatory course, advocates will be able to discuss with the victim their legal rights in regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order and other decisions about their own lives. 

 The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous and their work is done at police headquarters. Experience with domestic violence is not necessary. 

180 will be offering the training course 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, from April 22 to May 16. The course takes place in the courtroom at Hazlet Township Police Headquarters, 255 Middle Road. 

To join the team an applicant must be 18 year old, or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver's license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training.  

For over 30 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education, and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual violence.

For more information, visit www.180nj.org. In an emergency, dial 911.