Dec. 18, 2024 Community Caretaking at the Princeton University Department of Public Safety (DPS) can take many forms. Patrol Lieutenant Jason Vacirca is one staff member who embodies key attributes of this philosophy.Jason started his law enforcement career as a correction officer, working at the Mercer County Correction Center for four years. While at the corrections academy, Jason won the PT award. During his tenure Jason’s supervisor recommended he become an instructor at the Mercer County Police Academy (MCPA). Jason taught defensive tactics and physical training (PT) at the same academy where he would soon become a student. While working and teaching, Jason pursued an associate’s degree in criminal justice at Mercer County Community College (MCCC). Community Caretaking places a high priority on continuous learning. Jason is inquisitive.Upon completing his studies, Jason wanted to do more in law enforcement. Jason took a leap of faith and left his job at the jail, enrolling in the Alternate Route Program at the MCPA. In New Jersey, the Alternate Route Program allows individuals to attend a certified police training academy at their own expense before being hired by a law enforcement agency. Determined to prove his worth, Jason worked and trained hard, and won the prestigious merit award! Community caretaking means always being constructive and resourceful. Jason is determined.After his graduation, Jason made a significant investment of time and money preparing applications for police agencies across the state of New Jersey. Ironically, the DPS application was the only one that was cost-free. Jason was on a family vacation in Las Vegas when DPS contacted him for an interview. He was ecstatic and didn’t want to miss out on an amazing opportunity, so he cut his vacation short and flew home for not one but three extensive interviews. The rest is history: Jason was hired in October 2011 as a university police officer, promoted to corporal in 2013, sergeant in August 2015, acting lieutenant in June 2019, and most recently to patrol lieutenant in July 2021. Community caretaking means staying engaged with your role within the organization and setting goals for yourself. Jason is loyal.One of Jason’s most memorable on-campus community caretaking experiences took place as a new Officer. A student reached out to Jason asking for help one hour before their final project was due. The project wasn’t simply a final paper but instead, a large architecture project that needed to be transported across campus in the pouring rain. Jason gave the appreciative student a ride, completing the transport just before the professor closed the door, signaling that the submission window had ended. To this day, whenever Jason sees the student at Reunions, they always give him a high five, a hug, and thank him for his help all those years ago. Community Caretaking understands and addresses the concerns and needs of students, faculty, and staff with genuine care and sensitivity. Jason is empathetic and compassionate. Top: Patrol Lieutenant Jason Vacirca (LTV) and undergraduate powerlifter (left). LTV supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month (right).Bottom: LTV and Patrol Sergeant Michael Michalski at Prom (left). LTV and Detective Sergeant Al Flanders, and Coach reading to children at UNow Day Nursery (right). Jason’s more formal community caretaking takes place through his Community Partnership Initiative(s) with the wrestling team, powerlifting club, and University NOW Day Nursery. Before Coach joined DPS as the department’s official Service K9, Jason, Community Relations Lieutenant Sean Ryder, and Detective Sergeant Al Flanders would borrow a service dog from the Robbinsville Police Department and visit the Nursery to read to the children while affording them a chance to interact with a furry friend. Jason has helped coordinate bake-offs and arm-wrestling competitions for the community and also serves in the important role of the Risk Evaluation and Counter Techniques (REACT) instructor. REACT is a comprehensive self-defense class open to the entire University population. It is a series of "hands-on", practical self-defense classes, including exercises and simulations. Community caretaking is participating in campus events and building relationships with community members to foster trust and cooperation. Jason is caring.As a patrol lieutenant, Jason wears many hats at DPS. In addition to his CPI collaborations and REACT obligations, Jason serves as a firearms instructor and department armorer. He ensures that all sworn staff, especially new recruits, feel safe and confident when handling firearms. Understanding that everyone learns at their own pace, Jason goes above and beyond the required class time to give an officer additional one-on-one instruction when needed. The same can be said when it comes to physical training and fitness. Jason prepares individualized training regimens and group activities to prepare cadets for the rigors of the academy PT program. Jason also has the critical responsibility of overseeing the patrol division’s onboarding and field training program for police and security officers. In collaboration with Patrol Sergeant Mike Michalski, Jason ensures that every new officer feels welcome at DPS and is prepared to take on their new duties, which include nearly 80 performance objectives for new officers. Jason tries to make learning all the standards as engaging as possible by combining hands-on learning, shadowing, and policy review. Community caretaking emphasizes collaborating effectively with other DPS staff to ensure a cohesive approach to training. Jason is a strong communicator.Jason shared that he starts each day with self-reflection and positive self-talk. Both internally for himself, and externally for those he leads, he stresses the importance of staying positive. To Jason, showcasing a positive mindset and happy demeanor is a choice that he makes every day. He strives to only say positive things about others, as he finds no utility in harsh words or gossip. Community Caretaking means approaching problem-solving with a supportive, calm, and resourceful approach. Jason is uplifting!