The Application will elicit biographical educational, and employment information from the applicant. The application will also describe minimum qualifications and automatic disqualifiers that would preclude a potential applicant from continuing in the selection process, as well as a detailed description of all phases of the selection process. Applicants are reminded to adhere to the application-filing deadline in order to be eligible.

All applications will be screened to determine minimum qualifications, automatic disqualifiers, and completeness. Candidates will be advised of the status of their application. Successful applicants will be invited to the Physical Qualification Test (PQT) and the Pre-Employment Preparation Program (PEPP).

Upon successful filing of an electronic initial application, applicants will be required to submit a Driver’s Abstract Certification Page and their Certified Driver’s Abstract issued in the current year via regular mail. The initial application will provide detailed instructions, including the strict filing deadline.The most expedient way for New Jersey applicants to obtain a Certified Driver’s Abstract is in person at local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agencies offering walk-in service or at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Regional Service Center.

Please visit the PEPP link.

The Physical Qualification Test (PQT) Battery will consist of the following timed tests: 75 Yard Pursuit Run, Push Ups, Sit Ups, and 1.5 Mile Run. Applicants unable to pass the PQT will be disqualified from the current selection process. Please visit the PQT link on the New Jersey State Police web site www.njsp.org for a detailed description of each test.

• Physical Qualification Test (PQT) Standards & Recommended Training Program
  Additional Physical Fitness Information
• Swimming in the Academy

A Written Examination Informational Guide will be provided to applicants advancing to the written examination phase. The written examination will consist of one full day of testing.

Qualifications Screening
Upon successful completion of the Application Screening, Physical Qualification Test, and
Written Examination phases, all information collected will be evaluated. Applicants advancing to the background investigation phase will be advised.

Employment as a New Jersey State Trooper is unique in that it involves the exercise of police powers and the public trust.

Therefore, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted to ensure applicants possess:

• integrity

• sound moral character

• responsibility

• reliability

• dependability

• ethical judgement

Prior to completing the application ask yourself if your personal experience demonstrates these fundamental characteristics. If you cannot confidently answer yes, please consider not continuing further.

Besides verifying your responses to the automatic disqualifying questions found in the application, the background investigation will include, but is not limited to, a comprehensive evaluation of the following areas:

• review of personal data and citizenship information, including your birth certificate, voter registration, citizenship or naturalization papers, and whether you have any tattoos or other body art (see question 14 of the Frequently Asked Questions);

• interviews of your spouse, partner, dependents, relatives, associates and friends;

• review of your current and past residences, temporary or permanent, and interviews with landlords, roommates, and neighbors;

• review of your high school and college grades, achievements, extracurricular activities and programs, history of absenteeism and/or tardiness, and disciplinary history;

• review of your military service, if any, including branch of service, service records, and discharge;

• review of your employment/work history, including interviews of your current and former employers, discipline, and unemployment records;

• review of your financial status, including assets, debts, reported income, liens, civil judgment and liabilities;

• review of your fraternal, societal and workplace affiliations like clubs you belong to, social networking sites, fraternities, and any organizations that you belong to like charitable organizations or places you volunteer;

• review of your criminal history including arrests, convictions, or pretrial intervention for state, county, or local crimes or other offenses; and

• review of your motor vehicle history, including accidents, driving records, summonses, surcharges, license revocations, failures to appear in court, warrants, vehicle ownership information, and insurance information.
  

Applicants who demonstrate derogatory conduct that conflicts with the expectations of the state trooper position will be disqualified.

You are expected to provide complete and truthful answers to the questions on this application and other documents throughout the selection process. All responses and documents submitted will be subject to verification.

An applicant who intentionally provides false information, and/or practices, or attempts to practice, any deception or fraud in this application, or in any examination, interview, application, or any other part of the selection process for appointment with the New Jersey State Police will be disqualified from the selection process at any time.

Applicants disqualified from the background investigation phase of the selection process are restricted from reapplying to the New Jersey State Police for one year.

If an offer of appointment as a recruit to the NJSP Academy is tendered to an applicant, it will be conditional upon successful completion of a medical examination and a psychological evaluation. A medical examination will be given during which the ability to perform the essential functions of the position will be evaluated by the Division Physician. Visual acuity must be correctable to 20/30 in both eyes, preferably with soft contact lenses. Each potential recruit will be required to authorize access to all health records. The potential recruit will also be required to provide urine samples for drug testing analysis. If the Division Physician should determine that an applicant is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, the conditional offer of appointment will be withdrawn. A psychological evaluation is also conducted. Applicants who successfully complete this phase may be offered an appointment to the New Jersey State Police Academy.

The two-day (consecutive/overnight) instructional weekend program is mandatory to maintain eligibility in the selection process. The Academy Awareness Program consists of classroom, physical fitness, and academy protocol instruction.  Applicants are exposed to a highly regimented experience that provides unprecedented exposure to the New Jersey State Police Academy. Appointment to the New Jersey State Police Academy is contingent upon a number of factors, including the availability of funded positions and approval by the Superintendent of State Police.

All applicants who pass the medical and psychological exam may be scheduled to appear at the State Police Academy to begin the training process.

The current starting salary for a trooper is $62,403.60 (including uniform allowance). The second-year total compensation significantly increases to $69,489.30. Top pay for a Trooper I is $108,847.13. Troopers receive yearly increments. All recruits receive $777.78 every two weeks, plus overtime pay. Room and board are also provided while training.

Members of the State Police and their families are offered two options for medical coverage, two options for dental coverage, a prescription drug plan and a vision care program. In accordance with statute, Troopers will contribute to their health care premiums determined by salary scale and coverage type, to a maximum 35% of their health premiums.

The two options for medical coverage are:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - The HMO plan allows you to choose a plan from among several different HMOs, allows you to choose a primary care provider from a list of participating HMO physicians, requires no deductibles or claim forms, and a $15.00 co-payment for services. Coverage is not usually provided if you go outside the HMO for services.
• NJ Direct 15 (Preferred Provider Organization) - Combining features from the traditional and HMO systems, this plan allows you to choose from a network of physicians, usually covers 100 percent of services in network, and usually requires a $15.00 co-payment for services. In addition, with a yearly deductible, this plan allows you to use the medical service providers of your choice and covers 70 percent of the payment for their services.

APPLICANTS FAILING TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE APPLICANT SELECTION PROCESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REAPPLY FOR FUTURE NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE RECRUIT CLASSES

For specific information concerning the re-application process please contact the Selection Process Unit at 609-882-2000 extensions 2951, 2853 or 2850.