Gloucester Township Police Renews Membership in Premier Program Designed to Protect Children
From the moment the report of a missing child comes in, to the resolution of the case, every action taken has the potential to make the difference between a successful recovery or a tragic outcome. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) developed the Missing Kids Readiness Program to promote best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. Law enforcement agencies and 911 call centers are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident.
In 2014 the Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) was one of the very first in the nation to have all officers and dispatch center certified by NCMEC in their new Certified Missing Kids Readiness Project. To continue meeting the requirements of this outstanding Program, in 2025 the GTPD worked with NCMEC on their missing child policy and training to ensure it continues to meet the critical elements of NCMEC’s Law Enforcement Policy and Procedures for Reports of Missing and Abducted Children. The GTPD leadership ensured all Police Officers, Dispatchers and the Command Staff completed the online training required for their memberships. By demonstrating remarkable leadership, and making this commitment to effective training and preparedness, the GTPD is communicating to its community and families that protecting the lives and safety of our children is a top priority.
Chief David Harkins stated, “Earning the Missing Kids Readiness Project certification is more than an achievement—it’s a commitment. It demonstrates our department’s dedication to protecting children, responding swiftly in times of crisis, and working hand-in-hand with families and the community to bring every missing child home safely. Our officers and dispatchers are proud to uphold the highest standards set by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, because the safety of our children will always be our highest priority.”
Armed with the information, knowledge and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, the GTPD again continues to be positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake.
To learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program, go to: https://www.missingkids.org/education/training/missing-kids-readiness-program
For a full listing of all MKRP recognized agencies, go to: https://www.missingkids.org/education/training/missing-kids-readiness-program#members
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/2454
