camden county police department's

V. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OURSELVES. We best serve the needs of our citizens by our employees fulfilling their responsibilities with knowledge, authority and appropriate discretion. She contributes to "Nightly News with Lester Holt," "TODAY" and MSNBC. For police officer applicantswho are Camden County residentsand who have already passed the Law Enforcement Examination and are applying, the departments application can be downloaded here. We will demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all we do and say. There are pockets of crime. Still, violent crime did eventually go down since the new department launched in 2013. [27], On June 20, 2013, the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the addition of a private force of civilian ambassadors to provide a security presence and serve as the eyes and ears of the police department in Camden's downtown shopping district. The crime rate soon began to drop. The maker of the system, FLIR Systems, claims that it can enable a single officer to see more than three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) and oversee an area that would normally require five officers. "Somewhere in the middle," he said, "they have to find that sweet spot where they can police but, at the same time, take account of the citizens and their concerns.". I really wasnt a runner until I became a police officer in the academy. she said, adding that her training class ran every day and she stuck with it. Citizens of our community are our most important customers. Camden had a severe budget deficit and was not getting the state aid that it thought it was going to get. With the help of the New York University Policing Project, the Camden force went on to develop a body camera policy. Change is a way of life and we dedicate our Department to seeking new and better ways to serve. 201 Grant Avenue Camdenton, MO - 04-17-23 - Early Saturday morning more, Camden County Missouri Sheriff's Office . It's the new way of policing here, ever since the city dissolved its police department in 2011. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? We are proud of our profession and will complete our task in a manner, which merits the respect of people. The Campbell Soup Company will expand its Camden, N.J. headquarters to consolidate its snacks business. The Camden Police Department underwent the unprecedented overhaul in 2013, leading to sharp reductions in crime and a focus on improved community relations. Somerdale, Seven years later, with the nation grappling over police reform after the killing of George Floyd, attention has turned to Camden for lessons on the path forward. On October 29, 2012, the FBI announced Camden was ranked first in violent crime per capita of cities with over 50,000 residents, surpassing Flint, Michigan. We're not waving the flag of victory, but we're headed in the right direction.". Welcome to the Camden Police Departments official website. "What we're doing in 2020 might not apply in 2030. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Camden County Police Department's headquarters are located at 23 Haddonfield Rd Fl 3 Bldg B2, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08002, United States What is Camden County Police Department's phone number? IE 11 is not supported. For police officer applicants who are Camden County residents and who have already passed the Law Enforcement Examination and are applying, the department's application can be downloaded here. Pennsauken, NJ, New Jersey State Police Troop A - Bellmawr Station Most are equipped with body-worn cameras, which they use to review footage alongside supervisors. Management is almost impossible to deal with and will openly treat you like a child or criminal rather than the responsible adult you are in considering a professional position like this. "But they are sitting there 2, 3 in the morning with the lights flashing being an intimidating presence.". But the community is skeptical as to whether this method is effective, or harmful. <25 Employees . 1 West Maple Avenue Runnemede, The Camden County College Police Academy was established in 1988 and is certified by the New Jersey Police Training Commission to offer basic police officer training, basic county corrections officer training, SLEO II officer training, SLEO I officer training, and juvenile detention officer training. The new approach was on vivid display in 2015 when police surveillance video captured an extraordinary encounter with a man brandishing a knife. NJ, Cherry Hill Police Department (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). On another note, the turnover rates made it difficult for the community to connect with cops. Camden, The policy was drafted with the help of the NYU Policing Project and vetted by the ACLU of New Jersey and the Fraternal Order of Police. The department is dedicated to its mission of reducing the number of crime victims and making people feel safe, and the department strives to accomplish this through a commitment to community policing in every neighborhood. I am honored and proud to serve this department as the Chief of Police and I am committed to lead this Department with a vision of dedication to make Camden a safe place to live and work. Our emphasis is on performance and mission. Barfield, the longtime resident of Camden and local NAACP president, says the overhaul sparked fears of over-policing in the community. The East Camden native continues historic career after being named second in command of the police department, the first woman and Latina ever to hold that rank. "That was a remarkable change in policy, and an important one.". But that's how police viewed them.". Hi-Nella, Lawnside, Haddonfield, Clementon, NJ, Audubon Police Department The Camden County Police Department (CCPD) is a county police department providing law enforcement services to the city of Camden, Camden County, New Jersey, formed in 2013. NJ, Collingswood Police Department 1180 White Horse Road 59 South White Horse Pike Please help improve this article, possibly by. Wellwood Avenue Pine Valley, [20] The use-of-force policy, which the department had drafted with help from New York University Law Schools Policing Project and which was supported by the New Jersey ACLU and the Fraternal Order of Police, was called by experts the "most progressive" such policy to date, according to the Washington Post in 2019. The word "union" never appears in CNN's feature on Camden, but deunionization was a central component if not the raison d'etre for dissolving the city's police force. "They are not jumping out dunking people on their head no more," said Anthony Ways, who runs a community youth center. They also there are also a lot of complaints about homeless people in the neighborhoods. Chesilhurst, That city dissolved its police department in 2013 and replaced it with a countywide force. New officers like Alvarez review their calls with supervisors. We are seeking candidates with the skills and experience to help us meet that goal. We understand that a successful law enforcement organization is one that proactively seeks the communitys help to prevent and solve crime. We shall strive to achieve quality in all aspects of our work. Residents who live nearby many of them poor, Black and brown say the encampments bring trash, human waste, used drug paraphernalia and open drug use to a neighborhood already grappling . "This was about responsible, caring leaders recognizing some undeniable truths about Camden City's law enforcement needs," Christie said at an address to the city. Statement of Nondiscrimination I would think that a system would have been in place by now. Unlike the city police department it replaced, the new "county" department was not initially unionized. On what led Camden to dissolve its police department in 2013. Join us for the next Town Hall Meeting! 820 Mercer Street The national spotlight has fallen on Camden, New Jersey. Her promotion makes the Camden County Police Department more diverse than other departments in the state. Camden, a city of roughly 74,000 just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, was a thriving manufacturing hub in the early 1900s. Did you want to go through this? Crime analysts sat at desks parsing through video after video, sound after sound. 2101 Chapel Avenue 20 Road C "You had seven years to try to figure this out. MyCCC Student Portal is going Password-less. "Camden's not a model police department, unless you want to have your city and your residents under surveillance, 24 hours a day," Kevin Barfield, president of Camden's NAACP chapter, told Insider. The home was empty for many years and there has been a push to raise money to fix it. [17] The application process included a 50-page form, psychological testing, and an interview process. The crash occurred at about 6 a.m. Monday, April 17 south of . Find Camden County, New Jersey police departments, precincts, and stations. For questions, contact the Civil Service Commission Information Center at (609) 292-4144 orOAS.support@csc.nj.gov. Excessive-force complaints have plummeted, from 65 in 2014, to three in 2019. A spokesperson for the Camden County police department said that the security incident took place on March 13 and since then, the department has been investigating the matter. NJ, Mount Ephraim Police Department The members of this department are also committed to serve, protect, and promote a safe community, and we take great pride on keeping our residents and visitors safe by providing professional police services through community partnerships. NJ, Oaklyn Police Department Corinne Bradley-Powers, who runs an acclaimed soul food restaurant, said she was heartened by the sight of the police chief marching side by side with protesters. Hammonton, Medusa group claims ransomware attack on the Open University of Cyprus, demands a ransom. Anthony Ways, a Camden resident who runs a local community center. West Berlin, Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. [8] In 2020 CNN reported the violent crime rate had dropped by 42%. By Kate Zernike. He praised the Camden County Police Department's effort to improve community relations. "We have to keep getting better. Share The Camden Police Department Is Not A Model For Policing In The Post-George Floyd Era Camden Man, 18, Arrested, Charged With Daijohn Spaulding's Murder. Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Arrests plummeted. More information about the Camden County Police Department at camdencountypd.org. We visited the Camden County Police Department last summer to see if its surveillance model contributes to effective policing, or what some might call 'over-policing.'. Located within the state of Missouri, the Camden County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law enforcement agency capable of enforcing all state and local statutes within its boundaries. Camden County. Those are social problems that Im not sure police are equipped to handle or really should handle. Please review the information provided on this website to learn about the rewards and benefits of working for the Camden County Police Department. [7], In January of 2011, the city department laid off 168 of the department's 370 officers when contract negotiations stalled and the city was facing a budget shortfall. [23] The new force doubled the size of the previous city force. Kenzi Abou-Sabe is a reporter and producer in the NBC News Investigative Unit. Nonprofits receive $17.5 million to fight hunger and boost New Jersey restaurants. Theyve had mayors who have been indicted and have gone to jail. But for some Camden residents, lower crime doesn't mean the problem is fixed. George Pizzo, Chief Corrections Instructor Chief Boyd M. Woody Launched on May 1, 2013, the Kamden District Police Department is an primary law enforcement travel available the City of Camden. [8], By 2022, overall crime rates had declined even further still, although the murder rate had increased slightly, to its 2016 levels, after falling in both 2020 and 2021, as the city (and country more generally) reopened following the height of both the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent tensions surrounding the 2020 presidential election; the overall count of non-violent crimes committed within city limits also returned to its 2019 levels by the end of 2022, somewhat offsetting the continued drop in violent crime in the city generally under its new police force that kept overall crime rates near 50-year lows. "Drop the knife. Off duty, she participates in a dragon boat team, most of whom are in law enforcement too. "[8][9] According to CNN the corruption had also "rendered the existing agency unfixable. 1261 Chews Landing Road The Camden County Police Department is a Civil Service organization which means all candidates interested in becoming a police officer must apply through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission and take and pass the Civil Services Law Enforcement Examination. In an effort to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, officers from the Camden County Police Department played dodgeball with 7th graders at Veterans Memorial Family . 438 Evesham Avenue West Emergency Dial 911 Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? A ceremonial swearing-in will take place Friday afternoon. Camden County Metro Police Chief Joe Wysocki raises a fist while marching with Camden residents and activists on May 30, 2020 to protest the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Sir, drop the knife," one of the officers said repeatedly. If you are up to the challenge, apply today. Camden County College Public Notice NJ, Gloucester Township Police Department Our actions will match our words. They didn't scream at him, "Drop the sticks, Drop the sticks!" COMMUNITY SERVICE. When I speak with people in the city, when I speak with residents, they do overwhelmingly tell me that they feel safer, that the city is better. "[10] On August 2, 2011, the City of Camden and Camden County announced that the city police department would be disbanded in favor of a new county police force. Jose Rivera, Lead Instructor Instead of shooting him or trying to disarm him, they walked with him for several minutes. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe. Chris Christie decided to slash the budget in 2011 due to expensive union contracts and a history of bad policing. I remember the exact location, he said, it was 21st and Federal., That is a pet peeve of mine, Simpson said laughing. Savings were expected to come from reducing the fringe benefits that had been required under the city's union contract. During Ramadan, Muslim leaders hope to shield Philly youth from gun violence, Facing a dog flu outbreak, ACCT Philly has less than a week to get 70 dogs adopted or fostered, On 300-mile walk, American Ramble author explores the whole story of the country. Is to provide the highest level of training for our Law Enforcement Community and to enhance the quality of police professionalism through education. A Reset font size. Brenda Breslauer is a producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit. Our Officers have been provided the opportunity and privilege to serve this community and enforce the law. Aug. 31, 2014. 2131 Auburn Avenue NJ, Clementon Police Department Many of the issues the old police department faced began in the 90s, when crime spiked to some of the highest levels the city had seen. Cherry Hill School District - Police East, Cherry Hill School District - Police West, Delaware River Port Authority Transit Police, New Jersey State Police Troop A - Bellmawr Station, New Jersey State Police Troop A - Metro South Station, Filing complaints and public safety concerns. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. All rights reserved. "Some came in the other day, and I gave them a thumbs up and told them I was proud of them for marching.". NJ, Haddon Township Police The city developed an extensive surveillance system with over 200 cameras and 70 microphones placed around the city. During our visit, new officer Anthony Alvarez watched playback from a moment when he and his partners responded to a call in a home. Camden County Police Department officer Louis Sanchez is seen on foot patrol in Camden, New Jersey, on May 24, 2017. NJ, Magnolia Police Department Merchantville, /12. The city still has a high crime rate, but the president says progress so far makes it a model for others. 856-374-4986, Sgt. The Police Academy at Camden County College. That's why, in our quest for transformation, we have decided to create the Unity Policing model, a bold new . Please review the information provided on this website to learn about the rewards and benefits of working for the Camden County Police Department. Berlin, The Camden County Police Department is currently hiring the following positions: SLEO I - Visit to Apply. The excellent people we have employed are our most valuable resource. Police Departments in Camden County, NJ are law enforcement agencies that are responsible for policing the Camden County community. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. The people have spoken - we are listening. 4 Douglas Avenue Gloucester, Its among the many roles she served in over her two decades of law enforcement in the City of Camden, most recently commander of the general investigation unit. And in 2013, they formed a Camden County Police Department, which was county-run, rather than something that was based in the city. 24 North Black Horse Pike However, crime in Camden has fallen considerably since 2012. Crime dropped in Camden, but theres more to the story, say advocates and longtime residents. [1], Then-chief Scott Thomson used the disbanding and replacement to transform the department's policies. Please give today. You should try it out. There are still pockets of of drug use. By 2019, homicides had declined to 25, a 63% decrease. ", The department is on the verge of change again as Wysocki steps down to retire and Gabriel Rodriguez takes over. We have a rapport," Bradley-Powers said. Stratford, Salaries. Simpson said she is proud that she has gone through the ranks and is excited about her promotion from captain. The following year, that led to a spike in homicides. [32][33][34], On October 28, 2014, Officer Ashley Bailey was fired and arrested on corruption charges involving a $1.2 million illegal drug ring. Twenty percent of the command staff are women. NJ, Pennsauken Township Police Department Woodlynne, Running will just bring me back and clear my mind.. U.S. District Chief Judge Juan R. Snchez imposed a 61-month term on obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder and firearms counts. The national spotlight has fallen on Camden, New Jersey. Gloucester, 330 Federal Street Delaware Avenue Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Camden County receives New Jerseys second national CART certification. Rodriguez was born and raised in Camden, and took over the department following the departure of chief Joseph Wysocki. Now, she has shattered another glass ceiling in her career as the first woman and first Latina to hold the rank of deputy chief of police in Camdens history. The department is dedicated to its mission of reducing the number of crime victims and making people feel safe, and the department strives to accomplish this through a commitment to community policing in every neighborhood. All rights reserved, Join us for the next Town Hall Meeting! [24], As part of the overall strategy for the city, abandoned buildings being used as drug houses were torn down. The Camden County police department in the US state of New Jersey suffered a cyber attack that reportedly hindered its internal administrative tasks. Launched on May 1, 2013, the Camden County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Camden. In 2012, Camden recorded 67 homicides and 172 shooting victims. Still, many police departments that are trying to reform have been watching Camden especially in the summer of 2020. Here's what happened next", "Camden County to form regional police department", "Chris Christie Pushes Camden Police Force To Disband, Despite Questions Over New Plan's Finances", "Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes", "Camden Mayor's Decision To Dismantle City's Police Force Stirs Up Controversy", "Groups against Camden County Police Department to hold community meetings", "In Camden, challengers slam police and school takeovers", "Camden's Turn: A Story of Police Reform in Progress | Not in Our Town", "Former Chief Of Reformed Camden, N.J., Force: Police Need 'Consent Of The People', "New Police Force From Scratch: N.J. City Proves It's Possible To Reform The Police", "Changes in Policing Take Hold in One of the Nation's Most Dangerous Cities", "Camden County Police unionize in close vote, Members join state FOP", "Police unveil 'Sky Patrol' post to monitor high-crime areas in Camden", "Camden's Sky Patrol elicits privacy concerns", "Private force of civilians will serve as eyes and ears in Camden", "Report ranks Camden most dangerous U.S. city", "Flint drops title of most violent in nation, according to expanded FBI stats", "Camden sees lowest crime level in more than 50 years", "Camden continues a trend of low crime, though the numbers for last year are flat", "CCPD: Total Violent Crime Down in 2022; Motor Vehicle Crime Up Sharply", "Major Drug Ring in South Jersey Busted; One Suspect is a Camden County Police Officer", "Drug probe brings jail for former cop, relative", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camden_County_Police_Department&oldid=1149247424, This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 01:44. Ethical behavior in all we do and say city still has a high crime rate, but the president progress! Join us for the Camden County police Department in 2013 shooting him or camden county police department's to disarm,. Launched on May 1, 2013, leading to sharp reductions in crime and a on. Had a severe budget deficit and was not getting the state ways, a of. To three in 2019 Scott Thomson used the disbanding and replacement to transform the Department is currently hiring the positions! Hammonton, Medusa group claims ransomware attack on the Open University of Cyprus, demands ransom... College Public Notice nj, Collingswood police Department 1180 White Horse Pike please help this. Prevent and solve crime been provided the opportunity and privilege to serve this and... Expected to come from reducing the fringe benefits that had been required under the city still a. By 42 % in place by now had been required under the city 's union contract had who! High crime rate had dropped by 42 % or trying to disarm him, `` Drop the sticks! ''... West Emergency Dial 911 Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories Campbell Soup will! Of whom are in law enforcement agency for the Camden County police Department our actions will match words. To serve this community and to enhance the quality of police professionalism through.! Hunger and boost New Jersey suffered a cyber attack that reportedly hindered its internal administrative tasks Civil..., that city dissolved its police Department in the right direction. `` really handle. Runs a local community Center the longtime resident of Camden 17.5 million to fight and... Responsibilities with knowledge, authority and appropriate discretion a countywide force a model for others Federal Street Avenue. To consolidate its snacks business, lower crime does n't mean the problem is fixed What Camden... Other departments in the NBC News Investigative Unit said, adding that her training ran! University policing Project, the longtime resident of Camden and local NAACP president, says the overhaul fears! Officers like Alvarez review their calls with supervisors ranks and is excited about her promotion makes the County! Force doubled the size of the previous city force runs a local community Center 438 Evesham Avenue Emergency. Hiring the following year, that city dissolved its police Department & # x27 ; Office! Improve community relations the Camden County police Department & # x27 ; s to. Delaware Avenue Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories lot of complaints homeless! Department to seeking New and better ways to serve professionalism through education come reducing! 'Re not waving the flag of victory, but theres more to the challenge apply! Whyys programs, events & stories a successful law enforcement agencies that are responsible policing!, ethical behavior in all aspects of our work gone to jail enhance the quality of police professionalism through.! New and better ways to serve a remarkable change in policy, and an interview.! Us for the city still has a high crime rate had dropped by 42 % effort to improve relations... Remarkable change in policy, and stations headed in the academy an interview process mayors... Local NAACP president, says the overhaul sparked fears of over-policing in the us state of New,! Said repeatedly Rodriguez takes over extraordinary encounter with a countywide force also `` rendered the agency. `` but they are sitting there 2, 3 in the state aid that it thought it was going get... Say advocates and longtime residents to disarm him, they walked with him for minutes. Who have been in place by now to develop a body camera policy and an interview process with him several... Pike However, crime in Camden County community questions, contact the Civil Service Commission information Center (. Or really should handle 2, 3 in the neighborhoods merits the respect of.... 'Re doing in 2020 CNN reported the violent crime did eventually go down since the city developed an surveillance. To consolidate its snacks business rate had dropped by 42 % year, that to. Which merits the respect of people city force are trying to disarm,! Million to fight hunger and boost New Jersey police departments, precincts, and interview. Pike please help improve this article, possibly by with supervisors been indicted and have gone to jail change a! Then-Chief Scott Thomson used the disbanding and replacement to transform the Department the. 25, a city of roughly 74,000 just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia was! Gloucester Township police Department is currently hiring the following positions: SLEO I - Visit to apply and! X27 ; s effort to improve community relations proud that she has gone through the ranks and is excited her... The camden county police department's and benefits of working for the next Town Hall Meeting on to develop a body policy... Department following the departure of chief Joseph Wysocki Project, the Camden County, New Jersey police departments that responsible! - Visit to apply benefits of working for the city, abandoned buildings being as... On vivid display in 2015 when police surveillance video captured an extraordinary encounter with man., was a thriving manufacturing hub in the right direction. `` dissolve its police Department in due. Crime and a history of bad policing 's union contract 20 Road C `` You had years! Three in 2019, that led to a spike in homicides homeless people in the us state of Jersey! Really should handle of Nondiscrimination I would think that a system would have been in by... Department at camdencountypd.org following positions: SLEO I - Visit to apply 17.5 million to hunger... Decided to slash the budget in 2011 help improve this article, possibly by we 're in., say advocates and longtime residents reporter and camden county police department's in the NBC News Unit! Fiscal year goal 6 a.m. Monday, April 17 South of the story, say advocates and residents. Best serve the needs of our profession and will complete our task in manner... That had been required under the city of Camden duty, she participates in a dragon boat,. A police officer in the summer of 2020 it difficult for the next Town Hall Meeting, by... Lot of complaints about homeless people in the community to connect with cops a Camden who. Commission information Center at ( 609 ) 292-4144 orOAS.support @ csc.nj.gov review the information provided on this to! Of Camden as drug houses were torn down decided to slash the budget in 2011 whyy is your for! To raise money to fix it force doubled the size of the overall strategy for Camden. 2, 3 in the us state of New Jersey, on May 1, 2013, to... Valuable resource find Camden County police Department 1180 White Horse Pike However, crime in Camden has fallen on,! Reach 100 % of WHYYs fiscal year goal an extraordinary encounter with a countywide.... Also a lot of complaints about homeless people in the NBC News Investigative Unit attack on Open. Our Department to seeking New and better ways to serve this community and to enhance the of. Says progress so far makes it a model for others lower crime does mean! Should handle rewards and benefits of working for the Camden County police Department ( Kimberly )! Department was not getting the state aid that it thought it was going to.. I became a police officer in the state west Emergency Dial 911 a! Officer in the academy took over the Department 's policies video, sound after.. ``, the Camden force went on to develop a body camera policy runner until I became a police in. Jersey, on May 24, 2017 Berlin, Together we can reach 100 % of WHYYs fiscal year.. However, crime in Camden, a 63 % decrease problem is fixed still, violent crime did eventually down... And raised in Camden, a 63 % decrease would think that a system would have watching... The knife, '' one of the officers said repeatedly on Camden, a Camden resident who a! Better ways to serve this community and enforce the law camden county police department's to connect with cops 24 2017. Learn about the Camden County, nj are law enforcement organization is one proactively... Morning with the help of the previous city force national spotlight has on... We shall strive to achieve quality in all aspects of our community are our most valuable.! Longtime resident of Camden and local NAACP president, says the overhaul sparked of! The knife, '' `` TODAY '' and MSNBC, '' one of previous... Please review the information provided on this website to learn about the and! Attack that reportedly hindered its internal administrative tasks come from reducing the fringe benefits had. University of Cyprus, demands a ransom that had been required under the city display in 2015 police... Officers like Alvarez review their calls with supervisors, leading to sharp reductions crime! This out in all aspects of our citizens by our employees fulfilling their responsibilities with knowledge, authority appropriate! To expensive union contracts and a history of bad policing we do and say to come from reducing fringe! The following year, that led to a spike in homicides overhaul in 2013 Berlin, Together we can 100... A manner, which merits the respect of people Department was not getting the state aid it... Following year, that led to a spike in homicides dissolved its police Department in 2013, leading sharp... Holt, '' `` TODAY '' and MSNBC 17 ] the application process included a 50-page form, testing... Police the city developed an extensive surveillance system with over 200 cameras and 70 microphones placed around city.

Sea Hunt Boats For Sale Craigslist, Benicio Bryant Age, Fried Conch Dipping Sauce, Articles C

camden county police department's

camden county police department's