The Alternate Route Program (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-69.1) was designed to give individuals interested in becoming police officers, the opportunity to attend a certified police training academy at their own expense, prior to being hired by municipal, county sheriff, or campus police department.

Although successful completion of the program does not guarantee a candidate a position in law enforcement, graduates will have received training from a certified police academy and are able to pursue employment as a certified police officer for a 3 year period from date of graduation.

Announcements pertaining to enrollment will be posted in area newspapers, colleges, libraries and here on our website.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizen of the United States
• Sound in body and of good health sufficient to satisfy the board of trustees of the Police and Fireman’s retirement system of New Jersey as to his / her eligibility for membership in the retirement system
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language well and intelligently
• Good moral character and has not been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude
• Resident of the State of New Jersey at time of entry into the academy
• Maintains a valid driver’s license issued by the State of New Jersey
• Must be 18 years of age and not over 35 at the completion of the academy program
• Educational, Military experience: No person shall make application for enrollment as an alternate route trainee in the basic training course for police officer unless he / she can demonstrate completion of at least 60 college credits or 2 years of active military service.

Selection Criteria

• Application
• Written Test
• Physical fitness agility test
• Interview
• Medical examination including stress and drug tests
• Psychological test
• Background investigation

Announcements

The Alternate Route application portal will re-open January 2025 via Police App. 

Passaic County Academy, NJ Police Jobs - Courses/Trainings | PoliceApp