Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way
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Academy
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Daily Routine
The New Jersey State Police Academy is located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and training consists of approximately 24 weeks. The Academy is residential, and each recruit is required to report for training each Monday at 6:00 a.m. The recruits are dismissed each Friday at approximately 6:00 p.m. Each recruit is housed in a dormitory setting consisting of ten recruits per room. The recruits are required to care for their own equipment, as well as the cleanliness and orderliness of the Academy grounds. The recruits and their quarters are subject to random inspections by the training staff, and each class stands for a formal inspection on three occasions. Each day begins with roll call at 6:00 a.m. followed by military drill and the raising of the colors. The Academy provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day at the mess hall. Each day recruits follow a rigorous training schedule, which culminates with lights out at 10 p.m.
Curriculum
The New Jersey State Police Academy utilizes an Adult Based Learning methodology where the recruits are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Each recruit is provided a laptop computer with wireless internet access which is used for researching the numerous assignments and topics covered in the curriculum. The curriculum consists of ten units of instruction. Each unit focuses on a comprehensive aspect of law enforcement work that builds upon one another, beginning with simple tasks and culminating with complex issues. Each recruit is required to pass both written and practical assessments throughout the academy. The written examinations require a minimum passing score of 70%. The practical assessments are hands-on scenarios that require recruits to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter and skills covered in the unit. The curriculum relies heavily on scenario-based training and research assignments. Recruits are provided with approximately a two-hour study hall period every evening that is used to prepare for class, complete assignments, and study for examinations.
Physical Training
Designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of a career as a New Jersey State Trooper, physical training consists of approximately four two hour sessions per week. At the academy, recruits are required to pass the same annual physical test as all enlisted troopers which consists of a timed 1.5 mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups. Endurance running is also a large part of the physical training program. Recruits begin week one with a daily 1.5 mile run which increases by 10% per week to a maximum of five miles at an 8 minute pace. Body weight resistance exercises are also used in order to increase the muscular strength and conditioning.
Self-Defense
The program is built on the 7 Core Principles pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2020-13. Recruits are provided 80 hours of defensive tactics training, whereby, recruits are taught to throw and defend punches, humanely take a subject to the ground, perform control techniques and handcuffing. The Self-Defense Program has three assessments, testing the recruits on the skills and techniques they have been taught. The recruits will also receive 8 hours of Monadnock expandable baton training and 8 hours of chemical agent training. Recruits are required to meet the objectives of the training in each aspect of the Self-Defense Program.
Firearms
The firearms program teaches the recruits the proper handling and care of issued state police firearms which includes the Glock 9mm and Benelli shotgun. Recruits participate in approximately 60 hours of firearms instruction and are required to qualify on the range with each weapon with a passing score of 80%. Recruits are required to pass a firearms safety quiz with a passing score of 100%, before they are allowed to participate in the live fire training.
Water Safety
Recruits receive approximately 20 hours of water safety and life saving instruction. The water safety program focuses on proper swim techniques and basic life saving skills and water survival. Each recruit is required to complete a minimum skills test in order to participate in the water safety program. The minimum skills test consists of swimming 50 yards followed by treading water continuosly for 5 minutes. Recruits who fail to complete the minimum skill test are given remedial instruction and re-tested.
Driving
The Driving Program consists of approximately 21 hours of instruction that takes place on the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) and the driving simulator. Recruits will learn basic and advanced skills such as proper hand position, steering techniques, use of police radio while driving, emergency braking, and evasive maneuvers. Recruits will utilize the latest techniques to meet the ever-changing driving needs of the New Jersey State Police. Recruits are required to show proficiency in the operation of marked troop transportation.
THE NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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