The Gloucester Township Police Department is actively encouraging local residents considering a career in law enforcement to join its ranks.
As the department welcomed new graduates from the Gloucester County Police Academy it also emphasized a path for future officers interested in serving the community. Candidates must take the New Jersey Civil Service Commission’s Police Officer Examination, a standardized test typically announced each March. They can apply directly through the Civil Service website at www.nj.gov/csc.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: High-school diploma or equivalent
- Age: Between 18 and 35 at the time of application. Veterans may be eligible for age adjustments.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required
- Driver’s license: Valid New Jersey license required for relevant roles.
- Medical and psychological clearance: Successful candidates must pass comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations
- Training: Appointees must complete the New Jersey Police Training Commission’s program within 18 months of hire
Academy candidates must comply with strict appearance and conduct standards. Tattoos, body art and brands are not permitted on the face, neck, hands or any area visible while in uniform or civilian attire on duty. Piercings, tongue forking or dental ornamentation are prohibited if they detract from officer professionalism.
“No police officer applicant shall publicly or privately display a tattoo or body art that is prejudicial to good order or discredits the Gloucester Township Police Department,” the department website states.
All applicants – whether for full-time officer, dispatcher, crossing guard or chaplain – must undergo a thorough background investigation and criminal history check. New police recruits are now also required to meet pre-academy fitness standards set by the New Jersey Police Training Commission before they’re admitted to the police academy.
Interested individuals can apply year-round by obtaining an application from the township’s HR department. Applications are valid for one year and should be supplemented by following the police department’s social media and checking the township’s website for job announcements.
Questions can be directed to CommunityRelations@GTPolice.com or through the department’s Ask An Officer portal. A video detailing pre-employment fitness expectations and application requirements is available at GTPD Recruitment Video.
The township department welcomed three newest officers on June 25: Derek Hagan, William Perna and Michael DiCamillo. All three graduated from Gloucester County Police Academy Class 66. Police Chief David Harkins presented them with the department’s challenge coins and a framed copy of its mission statement during a ceremony with family and staff.
The new officers will now enter the next phase of training with the Professional Development Bureau, where they will get hands-on instruction in patrol tactics, firearms and departmental protocols. They will then join their assigned platoons and continue development under the guidance of a field training officer.
For more information on applying to the police department, visit www.gtpolice.com/recruiting.
