To become an Atlantic City Police Officer you must take a test. The Atlantic City Police Department uses the testing and certification of the New Jersey Department of Personnel.
In addition, you must be a resident of Atlantic City by the closing date of the test your are taking. This test is the New Jersey Department of Personnel Open Competitive Exam. Exams are given once every two years. Examinations for entry-level Law Enforcement position are announced every other December. The written test is typically given in late Spring after the announcement. Those who pass will remain eligible for hiring consideration for two years. You must understand that the test given by the NJDOP is different then tests given by other police departments who use other testing methods. For updated testing information you can go to www.state.nj.us/personnel
When beginning the application process with the NJDOP (Civil Service Commission), it is very important that your application is complete. The NJDOP will be happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide in this process by calling the Civil Service Commission's Information Center (609) 292-4144. You can also go to Entry Level Law Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions.
Eligible candidates must be a United States Citizen
A resident of Atlantic City by the closing date of the test
18 Years of age and no older then 35 years of age
Have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate GED
Possess a valid New Jersey Driver's License
The NJDOP test is a multiple choice test designed to provide all applicants with an equal opportunity to compete and is only one objective tool in the overall process. The test is based on the knowledge and abilities that are required to perform the position of police officer. Test scores are used to identify qualified candidates.
NOTE: Cellular phone, pagers, recording devices and other such electronic items are strictly prohibited from the testing site. You will be disqualified if found with any of these items.
Once you pass the NJDOP written test, you will also be required to pass a physical agility test. START TRAINING NOW! Once the NJDOP provides the City of Atlantic City with the results of the test, you must then complete a rigorous background investigation and residency verification process which will include a drug test and a psychological evaluation.
Once you have successfully completed the background investigation and residency verification, you will be given an offer of employment and sent to the police academy for training. YOU MUST pass all required training during the academy process which is a residential training program that takes 13 weeks.
The starting salary of the entry level police officer is currently $52,344.00. Additional percentages are considered for possessing education from an accredited institution.
WHAT IF I AM A POLICE OFFICER IN ANOTHER CITY OR TOWN, CAN I TRANSFER TO THE ATLANTIC CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT LATERALLY?
The answer is No. The Atlantic City Police Department nor the Atlantic City Fire Department participate into he "Inter-government Transfer Program." You must take the NJDOP test and must be a resident by the closing date of that test.
For more information you can contact: Human Resource Office (609) 347-5425 or the Atlantic City Police Personnel Office (609) 347-6426.