Registration will close on August 2, 2021 OR when the maximum number of applications (450) have been met.  Registration fee is non-refundable.

ALTERNATE ROUTE BASIC COURSE FOR POLICE OFFICERS

A written examination will be held Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Essex County Police Academy, 250 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009.  Check in time begins at 4:00 PM

STUDY GUIDES AVAILABLE:

Study Guides will be available for pickup at the academy between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm M-F beginning Monday, June 28, 2021.  Proof of test registration will be required.

What Is The Alternate Route Basic Course For Police Officers? 

This program was designed to give individuals interested in becoming police officers, the opportunity to attend a police training academy at their own expense, prior to being hired by a police department. 

Although successful completion of the program does not assure a participant a position in law enforcement, graduates will have received training from a certified police academy, and are able to pursue employment as a certified police officer. 

Basic Police Training commences in the Summer and Winter of each year, and is 22 weeks in duration.  The Essex County Police Academy is not a residency school, thus allowing trainees to attend from 6:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. each day. 

As an Alternate Route Trainee your expenses will include:

• Registration Fee
• Tuition
• Medical and Psychological Examinations
• Uniforms and Equipment for an approximate total cost of $6,000.00

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates applying for the Alternate Route Program MUST meet the following requirements:         

• AGE: 18-35
• Is a citizen of the United States
• Is sound in body and of good health sufficient to satisfy the board of trustees of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement system of New Jersey as to his/her eligibility for membership in the retirement system.
• Is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently.
• Is of good moral character, and has not been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude. 
• Must have minimum of 60 college credits or two (2) years active military service or a combination of the two. (Must provide proof of military service – DD214).

SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection process consists of:

1. Written Examination (60% of final score)
2. Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail)  Testing standards:  24 push-ups in 1 minute; 28 sit-ups in 1 minute; 1.5 mile run in 15:55 or less; 300 meter run in 70.1 seconds or less; 15-inch or more vertical jump.
3. Comprehensive Background Investigation (Pass/Fail)
4. Oral Interviews (40% of final score)
5. Medical Examination (Pass/Fail)
6. Psychological Examination (Pass/Fail)
7. Drug Testing Through Urinalysis (Pass/Fail)

Registrations will begin June 17, 2021 through August 2, 2021 or until the maximum number of applications (450) have been met.

Please direct questions regarding this position to dteixeira@pa.essexcountynj.org