"Message from the Editor"

    I was taken aback by a recent advertisement brought to my attention. It is inconceivable that in this day and age, training agencies would even consider adding the cost of providing alcohol, or advertise it as being included, in the cost of a registration fee. In this lawsuit happy world we live in, why would anyone want to assume that risk? Plus, if you merely are just looking to learn, why are you having to pay for something that you may not consume?

  By no means am I criticizing what an individual may do on their own time and at their own expense.

   When Atlantic City casinos first opened in the late 70’s - 80’s, the Hotels/ Casinos would offer “Free” Happy Hours to those groups who would host their conferences in one of their properties The keyword being “FREE.” It was a marketing ploy to attract group conferences to their venues. Since it was Free, there was no need to offset the cost of the Happy Hour in the registration fee. The Liability issue was on the venue. That “Free” offer lasted for a only few years. You can probably guess why and all the issues brought on by “Free alcohol.”

   Any privately owned business that wants to accept the risk/ liability of a lawsuit brought on by a alcohol related incident is on them. But, it is insane to expect that a law enforcement agency or it’s head would even consider paying a registration fee with that inclusion. The liability created for such an event is through the roof for both the company hosting the event and the individual’s agency who pays for their people to attend.

  These are just thoughts that as a tax payer I have to ask myself.

  Lastly, I want to thank each one of our members and their agencies that support us every year. We are only able to provide the free and/or low cost training because of your dues.

  Keep safe & thank you.

  PLEASE VISIT OUT VIDEO TUTORIAL PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON JOINING THE NJNEOA AND REGISTERING FOR A TRAINING EVENT.  Video Tutorials