NJDOC Welcomes 96 New Correctional Police Officers at Graduation Ceremony

The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) proudly welcomed 96 graduates into its ranks, honoring their achievements at a ceremony held on August 20 at Patriots Theater in Trenton.

NEW JERSEY - On Tuesday, August 20, the NJDOC celebrated the graduation of Class 256 from the Training Academy. The ceremony, held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, marked the official entry of 96 new Correctional Police Officers into the department, the largest law enforcement agency in the state. Family and friends of the graduates attended the event to recognize the hard work and dedication of the new officers.

“We are excited to welcome 96 new Correctional Police Officers into our ranks,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Each Class 256 graduate has proven that they possess the work ethic, determination, and dedication required to join the ranks of our honored correctional officers. Congratulations and I wish you luck as you go forth and serve your state in the crucial work of protecting the safety and dignity of the public and incarcerated people here in New Jersey.”

Class 256 completed a rigorous 17-week training program that included academic study, physical fitness, and on-the-job training at nine NJDOC facilities. The training covered various essential areas such as firearms safety, defensive tactics, conflict resolution, criminal law, emergency medical care, and gender- and trauma-informed policing.

“It is with great pride that we welcome Class 256 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections as they join a team of dedicated professionals who make a real difference in people's lives,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “Their commitment and service to protecting our communities is inspiring, and we are grateful for the determination of the graduates who completed the nation's most intensive and rigorous training academy.”

The graduates of Class 256 hail from 18 counties across New Jersey, with additional graduates from Pennsylvania. The class includes 89 men and seven women, with 22 graduates holding academic degrees and eight having military backgrounds. Twenty graduates come from families with a history of law enforcement service.

Several members of Class 256 received special recognition for their outstanding achievements:

• Harry Ellifritz Leadership Award: Officer Samantha Sadler
• Stone/Ratajczak Professionalism Award: Officer Pierre Stokes
• Police Training Commissioner Merit Award: Officers Anthony Felice, David Hernandez, and Brandon Pena
• Wayne Manstream Physical Fitness Award: Officer Franklin Checo Mercado
• Commissioner’s Physical Fitness Award for Most Improved: Officer Sharae Francis
• Fred Baker Memorial Academic Award: Officer Christopher Alvarez
• Michael R. Pofahl Memorial Firearms Award: Officer Bryan Leigh

“Your career in public safety is one of the most rewarding in law enforcement, knowing that your work is contributing to safer communities and meaningful rehabilitation throughout New Jersey,” Commissioner Kuhn said.

NJDOC Correctional Police Officers serve in various roles within the department, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as the Special Operations Group, Special Investigations Division, and the Office of Emergency Management. The department recently implemented a new four-year agreement that includes a 3.5 percent annual salary increase and revised salary schedules, with starting salaries now beginning at approximately $51,400 upon graduation.

The NJDOC is actively recruiting new members, with Class 257 starting training in September 2024 and recruitment for Class 258 underway. Interested individuals can learn more and apply by visiting www.JoinNJDOC.gov.