Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a police officer in New Jersey?

The answer to this question depends on whether the department you wish to join is a civil service or non-civil service department.  Civil service departments hire applicants from the civil service test, which is given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission.  The civil service test is usually given once every other year.  Please contact the New Jersey Civil Service Commission or visit their website at: www.state.nj.us/csc for the date of the next civil service examination.  In Monmouth County, the majority of non-civil service departments hire applicants from the Chief’s Exam, which is given once a year at the Monmouth County Police Academy.  Please check our website for the dates of the next Chief’s Exam.  This exam is also announced Memorial Day weekend in the Asbury Park Press.  The Chiefs Exam section of our website also lists the Monmouth County departments that are non-civil service.

How difficult is the Basic Course for Police Officers?

Basic police training is designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of a law enforcement career; it is not for everyone.  Each day begins at 6 a.m. with an intense physical training session followed by military drill instruction. All Drill Instructors have served in the United States military – many in combat.  Their job is to prepare recruits to function while exposed to the stressful life and death situations one may encounter in police work.  At the conclusion of drill, classroom instruction begins.  During the 21 weeks of recruit training, recruits will be administered over 50 written and practical examinations in subjects including law, first aid, firearms, and driver training.  In addition, three physical ability assessments will be conducted throughout the duration of the academy. Most days are eleven hours in length, including some Saturday sessions.     

Can I pay my own way through the Police Academy?

Yes, under certain circumstances.  Based on your written score on the Chiefs exam, you may be admitted into the Alternate Route Program.  A maximum on 20 Alternate Route candidates are accepted into the Academy annually, so this is a highly competitive avenue to take in your quest to become a police officer.  Again, applicants are chosen strictly by their written Chiefs exam scores:  the candidates with the highest scores who apply (assuming they meet all the other requirements) are the ones who are accepted into the program. Please visit the Alternate Route section of this website for the qualifications and instructions for this program.

Are there age restrictions for becoming a police officer?

For municipal police departments, you must be at least 18 and no more than 35 years of age at the time of appointment.  There are some exceptions to the maximum age limit for prior military and prior law enforcement personnel.  For non-municipal titles (e.g. Corrections Officer, Sheriffs Officer, Park Police, or Campus Police etc.) there is no maximum age limit.

How do I become a Special Law Enforcement Officer?

Special Law Enforcement Officers are appointed directly by specific Police Departments.  Please contact departments directly to see if there are available openings.  A Special Law Enforcement Officer II has full law enforcement powers and carry firearms while on duty.  They attend the Academy for ten months, three nights a week.  A Special Law Enforcement Officer I does not carry a firearm.  They attend the academy full time for two weeks.