The Hazlet Police Department periodically sponsors a six day women’s self defense program.  The program is held one day a week for six weeks where for two hours the women are taught various techniques in order to maximize their chances of surviving a vicious attack. It also incorporates lecture’s on crime prevention and current trends of criminal activity in order to minimize their chances of being victimized.

The program is taught by our own Detective Jerry Burgos and his long time friend, Detective Sergeant John Merced of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Both are long time practitioners of martial arts and certified police instructors.

The program which started ten years ago by the two who volunteer their time, had its humble beginning in a hall at their church in Keyport. It has since gained some popularity and has grown amongst members of the community who look forward to attending each year. The program is now held at the Cullen Center on Union Ave in Hazlet.  When asked about the course, Detective Burgos said, “Its our goal to provide a realistic training program for women in order to instill the necessary confidence to survive an attack utilizing first avoidance and secondly if needed hands on self defense strikes”. Sergeant Merced said, “I love to see the progression each week where the attendants start out tame and by the sixth week they are ready to do what is necessary to keep themselves alive should they be physically attacked”. The program is normally given each year beginning sometime in October and is advertised in the local newspaper as well as the P.B.A’s website.

Anyone needing additional information is asked to contact Detective Jerry Burgos at (732)-264-6565 Ext. 110