The Rude Awakening Program

The Middletown township Police Department is dedicated to the strict enforcement of the underage drinking and driving laws, education of the town's youth and their parents on the effects of alcohol and the enlistment of support from the Board of Education and community leaders.

The department, through its Rude Awakening Program, educates the youth and their parents about alcohol abuse and its position as a gateway drug to further and harsher drugs and substance abuse. The program is specifically designed to educate the student in the life altering ramifications of drinking and driving.

The program meets both the academic interests of the high school student and the areas of emotional and psychological strength necessary to prevent the need to follow the college tradition of partying in a group atmosphere with peers.

Utilizing the Rude Awakening Program, Middletown Township Police Department has formed a strong working relationship with the educational community. The Rude Awakening Program has supplied information to the educational community along with alcohol on perception and body control and how alcohol decreases reaction time and sound judgment.

On October 6, 2007, the Rude Awakening Program was recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police at a conference in New Orleans. The program was presented with a plaque from Parade Magazine.