Applications will be available in June 2010 with test held in the fall of 2010.
Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Jersey City
- Be 18-35 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Be highly motivated
- Possess a valid NJ driver's license
- Pass a background investigation
Appointees will be required to successfully complete the New Jersey Training Commission mandated training program.
Benefits & Salary
Job security and the opportunity for advancement are just the beginning of the many benefits enjoyed by Jersey City Police Officers. The Jersey City Police Department offers:
- Lifetime Medical Benefits
- Dental Plan
- Prescription Plan
- City Life Insurance
- Pension Plan - * 65% of final salary for 25 years service
- Uniform Allowance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Optical Plan
- Deferred Compensation (457)
Then there are the personal benefits of serving and protecting the community where you live and work - a sense of pride and satisfaction. A career with the Jersey City Police Department truly is a chance to experience great benefits while working in a challenging and rewarding field.
The Jersey City Police Department offers an excellent salary structure. Salary increases for career Police Officers can be substantial......
Year 1 - $46,903.00
Year 7 - $83,965.00
Year 16 - $88,905.00
Year 20 - $90,551.00
Year 25 - $93,844.00
(Last updated 9/24/2009.)
How Do I Join?
If you meet the qualification requirements, pick up an application to take the entrance examination. Applications can be obtained from any police precinct, your local post office, or public library. Application forms are also online. For more information on recruitment, please email us at policerecruiting@njjcps.org - 2008 Study Guide -
Mail your application, along with the applicable fee, to the New Jersey Department of Personnel (NJ DOP). The NJ DOP will notify you of when and where you will take the examination. If you pass the examination, you will be placed on a list of eligible candidates, where your ranking will be based on your test score. The NJ DOP will notify you of your test score and position on the eligible candidates' list. Any questions regarding the written test, results, or your placement on the list of eligible candidates should be directed to the New Jersey Department of Personnel.
If your position on the NJ DOP list is reached, you will be contacted by the Jersey City Police Department, who will then schedule your interview and initiate your background investigation. Candidates who pass all facets of the background check are then eligible to enter the police academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do I get an application for the police department?
During the recruitment season prior to an entrance exam, applications can be picked-up at any police precinct, post office branch, any public library, or online.
How soon can I take the test?
Applications will be available June 2010 through August 2010 with test held in the Fall of 2010.
Will I get paid while in the police academy?
Appointees to the police academy will be paid $600.00 per week while attending the police academy. After graduation, appointees will receive their police officer salary.
Will I be given a drug test?
Police academy applicants will undergo a urinalysis screening prior to appointment. If you complete the police academy training and are appointed as a police officer, you will be subject to random drug testing in accordance with State of New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.
I've been arrested before - Can I still become a police officer?
Although a prior arrest will not necessarily bar you from becoming a police officer, applicants will have to pass a background check before appointment to the police academy. A felony conviction will preclude you from entering the police academy.
Is there an application fee?
Currently, there is a $25.00 application fee payable to the NJ Department of Personnel for taking the entrance exam.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a police officer?
Police officers patrol the streets in Jersey City both on foot and in patrol cars, interact with the public in varying situations, arrest criminal suspects, prepare reports and summonses, testify in court, provide assistance to persons injured or victimized, deal with emotionally disturbed persons, respond to and investigate motor vehicle accidents, direct traffic, and perform related work.
Police work is many times very physical, and can require you to execute your duties outdoors in inclement weather. Carrying out your duties as a police officer can require climbing stairs, running after suspects, and standing for prolonged periods of time.
This is only a brief description of what you can expect as a full-time police officer in Jersey City.
