By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Sussex County Acting Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart and their staff collaborated to host a unique training program at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.
Officials said the training titled "What You Do Matters-Lessons From the Holocaust," included three training sessions over two days, Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27, 2022, and was available to Law Enforcement Officers, Assistant Prosecutors, Clergy, and civilians, at no cost.
Morris County officials said the training program was developed by the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and is presented nationally. The Morris County Human Relations Commission also participated in this impactful program.
The training was opened on Wednesday by Prosecutor Carroll, who addressed the audience, followed by opening remarks by Acting Prosecutor Taggert. Also in attendance was New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, who commented to the audience about the importance and value of the training.
According to Morris County officials, presenters of the curriculum included: Todd Larson, Director-What You Do Matters (WYDM) Institute, and Elizabeth Ortiz, Executive Director of Arizona Prosecuting Attorney's Advisory Council.
The training provided a historical insight into the critical shift in Germany during the first half of the last century, from a free democratic nation to a totalitarian regime, and the atrocities that subsequently ensued. It mainly focused on how law enforcement was manipulated and exploited through the rise of the Nazi party during the era.
Prosecutor Carroll said, "As with the many facets of contemporary life, we must continually evaluate and learn from history to ensure that tragic events of the past, although not forgotten, are not repeated.
From a law enforcement perspective, the lessons conveyed through the What You Do Matters training program is another intellectual addition to the many necessary tools that enable law enforcement to properly serve our communities with integrity, fairness, compassion, and professionalism.
The importance of law enforcement in protecting America's core values in performing their sworn duties could not have been better demonstrated.
I want to thank all those who conducted and attended this training and express my sincere appreciation to Attorney General Platkin for his special visit and support of this vital program."