The Police Department has been recognized by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for being one of only seven law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and 36 nationwide to complete the Missing Kids Readiness Project. The distinction comes on the heels of Middletown being named 
one of the five safest places in America to raise a child last year.
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 and a tragic outcome. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) developed the Missing Kids Readiness Project to promote best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted and sexually exploited children. 911 call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident.
“The Police Department’s commitment to train and prepare to respond to calls of missing, abducted and exploited children sends a clear message to the community that protecting the lives and safety of our children remains a top priority,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Ph.D. “We appreciate the remarkable leadership Chief Weber has displayed by bringing this program to Middletown.”
To meet the requirements of the project, the Middletown Police Department worked with NCMEC on their missing child policy to ensure it met the critical elements of NCMEC’s model policy for law enforcement agencies. In addition, Chief R. Craig Weber attended the Missing Children Seminar for Chief Executives held at NCMEC headquarters in Alexandria, VA. He also ensured every police officer in the department completed the necessary training offered through NCMEC.
Armed with the information, knowledge and operational resources gained through meeting the project criteria, the Middletown Township Police Department is now positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake, said Chief Weber.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children expressed their sincere gratitude and congratulations to the Middletown Township Police Dept. for achieving this milestone, and for their diligence and commitment to protecting children