NJ Department of Corrections Welcomes Record-Breaking Number of Academy Graduates

The NJDOC celebrated a milestone with the graduation of its largest class since 2019, readying a new generation of officers for service.

TRENTON, NJ – On February 6, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) marked a significant occasion by welcoming 86 graduates from the Correctional Staff Training Academy into its ranks. The ceremony for Class 255, held at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, signifies the largest influx of new correctional police officers since 2019, following a comprehensive 19-week training program.

Highlighting the event, Governor Phil Murphy commended the graduates for their dedication and readiness to serve, stating, “Congratulations and I wish you luck as you go forth and serve your state in the crucial work of protecting public safety and the safety and dignity of incarcerated people here in New Jersey.”

The addition of these officers bolsters the NJDOC, the state's foremost law enforcement entity responsible for the supervision of more than 13,600 incarcerated individuals across nine facilities. The training curriculum for Class 255 was robust, encompassing a broad spectrum of disciplines including firearms, defensive tactics, conflict resolution, criminal law, and specialized training in gender- and trauma-informed policing, culminating in practical, on-the-job training sessions at various NJDOC facilities.

Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. expressed confidence in the new officers' potential and future contributions to the department, emphasizing the breadth of career opportunities available within the NJDOC.

During the graduation, outstanding achievements were recognized with several awards, highlighting the exceptional skills and dedication among the graduates and instructional staff.

Class 255 showcases a diverse group of officers, with 86 graduates including individuals from 17 New Jersey counties, as well as from Pennsylvania and New York. The class also features a notable number of graduates with academic degrees, military backgrounds, and familial ties to law enforcement, reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and backgrounds.

Following a recent agreement, correctional officers in New Jersey are set to receive annual salary increases over the next four years, alongside a revised salary schedule designed to enhance compensation. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled professionals within the correctional system.

With ongoing recruitment efforts for future classes, the NJDOC is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join its ranks and contribute to the state’s public safety and correctional initiatives. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the NJDOC website for more information on career opportunities and application procedures, as New Jersey continues to strengthen its correctional workforce with skilled and committed officers.