How to become a police officer in New Jersey
In New Jersey, police officers are hired by city police departments and county sheriff's offices. The New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC) sets the statewide standards; the credential is Law Enforcement Officer License (PTC). At the Newark Police Division, new hires start at $53,688 a year, rising to $108,444 after about 10 years. You must be at least 18.
Pay at the Newark Police Division
Each city and county sets its own pay. This is the official scale of the Newark Police Division, the largest city's agency.
| Starting salary | $53,688 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $108,444 |
| Years to top | 10 |
City of Newark Police Division hiring alert (posted March 31, 2023): "Earn $53,687.86 after academy graduation and top salary of $108,444.43 after 10 years of service." Posted on the Division's official Nixle channel, not a current pay plan; the 2018-2023 FOP Lodge 12 contract has been succeeded and its salary guide was not found on an official site.
Source:[nixle.us]
Pay for this work across New Jersey
Federal survey figures for police and sheriff's patrol officers in New Jersey, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from any one agency's pay scale above.
| People in this work | 21,780 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $57,740 |
| Median pay | $92,610 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $134,260 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-122 for municipal police)
- Valid New Jersey driver's license
- No dishonorable military discharge
- Must pass a background investigation, medical examination, drug screening, psychological examination and physical ability test (N.J.A.C. 13:1-10.2(c))
- Must hold a valid, active PTC law enforcement officer license; probationary licenses are valid one year (N.J.A.C. 13:1-10.1)
- Municipal police: N.J.S.A. 40A:14-127 bars appointment under 21 or over 35 (except as otherwise provided); N.J.S.A. 40A:14-122 requires U.S. citizenship, English ability and good moral character
- Fingerprint check by State Police and FBI before entering the academy (N.J.A.C. 13:1-8.1)
Source:[law.justia.com]
Hiring process
- Application with certification and records waiver
- Background investigation
- Medical examination
- Drug screening
- Psychological examination
- Physical ability test
- Probationary appointment and fingerprinting
- Pre-academy fitness test and pre-academy psychological requirement (cannot be waived)
- PTC Basic Course for Police Officers
- Permanent licensure after probation
Source:[nj.gov]
Required training
20 weeks, paid.[nj.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Police and Firemen's Retirement System of New Jersey (PFRS)
- Benefit formula: Tier 3 (enrolled after June 28, 2011) Special Retirement: 60% of Final Compensation for 25 years of service plus 1% for each year over 25, up to 30 years (maximum 65%); Final Compensation = average annual compensation for any three fiscal years
- When you can retire: Special Retirement with 25 years of creditable service
Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 set the PFRS employee contribution rate at 10% of salary and created Tier 3. Other PFRS retirement types (service retirement at age 55) not captured here.
Source:[nj.gov]