Kean University public safety officer travels to Indonesia to assess law enforcement
UNION, NJ — Kean Acting Associate Director of Public Safety Jerome Hatfield will travel to Indonesia this week with a federal team to assess the national police’s emergency management.
The team will assess the Indonesian National Police’s natural disaster incident management capabilities, facilities and training, Hatfield said. It will also review its financial management, threat mitigation, and more.
Indonesia asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an assessment of the country’s emergency response. Hatfield was selected for the team through his association with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national mutual aid scheme. He has done previous assessment work in Kenya.
“They were looking for someone who had understanding and the ability to assess homeland security, law enforcement and emergency management, and I have all three,” Hatfield said. He previously served as Regional Administrator for the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is the retired Deputy Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
“I look forward to being part of a process that reinforces best practices,” said Hatfield. “I am passionate about being part of this process. We can make a difference.”
Working with representatives from the Indonesian government, national police and military, the team will also examine operational planning and public information operations. Hatfield said he believes the trip will positively impact his work at Kean with the 45-strong Kean Department of Public Safety.
“It will expose me to policing in another country,” Hatfield said. “I’m going to look at different ways they’re engaging the community.”
Indonesia, an archipelago of thousands of islands, has faced challenges including earthquakes, flooding and the massive 2004 tsunami that killed more than 227,000 people in the region.
Hatfield’s natural disaster response experience included participating in the New Orleans Mutual Relief Operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina while serving with the New Jersey State Police.
The six-person assessment team includes representatives from the Centers for Disease Control, the US military, the US Agency for International Development and other agencies. It will submit a written assessment and recommendations to the Indonesian government. Whether Indonesia follows the recommendations is up to them, Hatfield said.
Hatfield embarks on his 10 day journey on Friday 23rd September.
“They are open to an objective assessment, and they prefer it to be done by the United States,” he said. “There is an understanding that the United States can provide internationally recognized assistance while assessing countries’ capabilities.
PHOTOS / CAPTION:
Jerome Hatfield, acting deputy director of public safety at Kean University, will travel to Indonesia this week with a federal team to assess the national police forces’ emergency management. (Image credit: Kean University)
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the area with a diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in teacher education and is a center for educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The university’s six undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees in a variety of academic subjects. Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers seven doctoral programs and more than 70 graduate study opportunities leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certificates. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
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