Jonathan Coleman: Living His Childhood Dream of Being a Policeman
(In the next several months the Oakland Newsletter will be speaking with members of Oakland's Police Department. Following is the first in this series, a conversation with Patrolman Jonathan Coleman.)
Patrolman Jonathan Coleman introduces himself with a warm smile and a big hello.
Coleman joined Oakland's force in July, 2017, having graduated from the University of Delaware and the Morris County Police Academy. His current assignment is the patrol of Oakland South, one of two sections the department uses to assign the police force.
Coleman shared that from a very young age he greatly admired his grandfather, who worked in law enforcement. Recently, he said, he came across his middle school year book in which he wrote, "I want to be a policeman."
Today he feels "lucky" to be working here. With his 12-hour day/night schedule, in-service training in search and siezure and domestic violence and staying on top of changing laws and guidelines, the job is challenging. That's the way he likes it.
He described the use of forensic technology for which he has been trained and how fingerprints are taken live, sent to the state police which then coordinates with the state and federal bureaus.
He outlined a typical day in the life of an Oakland patrolman: On the job at 6:45 for a meeting in the Ready Room to receive assignments. The remainder of his 12-hour day is filled with patrol duties, including school walk-throughs, issuing citations, investigating burgleries, rushing to fires, assaults, accidents, performing welfare checks, assistance calls, missing persons investigations, animal complaints, narcotics violations and the administration of Narcan in the event of an overdose.
Coleman described the call that brought him, and two colleagues to the home of an unresponsive female. Using their CPR training, her life was saved. Months later the young woman, her children and her entire family appeared before the mayor and council to express their gratitude to the officers.
Officer Coleman spoke about programs that are planned for the near future to engage our youth, such as "Good Deed Summonses" for good behavior. He added that residents also have a role in law enforcement in the form of neighborhood-watch alertness and communication with the police department if something doesn't seem right.
About his job, Coleman said, "With all the assets the Borough of Oakland has, my job is nothing short of anything I could have asked for."