The New Jersey State Police department manages the New Jersey State Patrol. Duties performed by the New Jersey State Patrol includes forensics, criminal investigation, traffic law enforcement and aiding local, state and federal agencies in natural disaster emergency management and matters of national security.
There are a set of minimum standards, which need to be met prior to filling out an application and going through the hiring process so as to eligible for formal State Trooper training. New Jersey State Trooper jobs are often available and the department hires throughout the year, depending on demand. The minimum standards include, but are not limited to:
- Education requirements: You must have a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 90 credits at a college in pursuit of a degree by the time the application process has begun; or must have an Associate’s Degree and have at least 24 months of military experience; or have 30 credits from an accredited college and have at least 24 months of military experience with an honorable discharge.
- Must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 35 years of age at the time of graduation from the academy.
- Must be a citizen of the United States of America
- Must have a driver’s license from the state of New Jersey
- Must successfully pass a thorough background check
- Must pass physical, medical and psychological tests conducted by the department
- Must meet minimum physical fitness standards
There are a number of automatic disqualifications as well.
When it comes to how to become a New Jersey State Trooper, there is a series of steps you must first go through in order to move onto training at the academy. The steps include:
- Step One: Application Screening
- Step Two: Physical Qualification Test and Written Examination
- Step Three: Background Investigation, Medical and Psychological Testing
- Step Four: Enrollment in the Academy Awareness Program
- Step Five: Enrollment in the New Jersey State Patrol training academy
Step 1. Application Screening
The application screening process weeds out the best candidates available for State Trooper positions. The first step of the process includes reviewing minimum requirements and automatic disqualifiers to make sure you meet the most basic needs of the department.
Step 2. Physical Qualifications Test and Written Examination
This step includes a number of times tests meant to measure your physical fitness, strength and agility.
The written examination is meant to measure your ability to read, write and comprehend English. The test will also measure your ability to follow directions and correctly complete incident reports and other paperwork that is required as a State Trooper.
Step 3. Background Check as well as Medical and Psychological Testing
The background check includes delving into your financial history, credit history and medical, family and work experience in the past.
The medical and psychological testing will make sure you are of sound judgment and in good physical condition since the job requires you to interact with the public most of the time on the clock.
Step 4. Enrollment in the Academy Awareness Program
The program is two-days long and requires you to learn about the training process and ability to accurately follow instructions in a disciplined manner.
Step 5. Enrollment in the Training Academy
The academy lasts approximately 25-weeks and includes training in firearm handling, dealing with the public and conducting criminal investigations, among many other subjects.