New Jersey Department of Corrections Welcomes 128 New Correctional Police Officers

Class 257 Completes Rigorous Academy Training, Enters State’s Largest Law Enforcement Agency

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) has officially welcomed 128 new graduates from Class 257 into the ranks of Correctional Police Officers. Family and friends gathered at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton to celebrate the accomplishments of the academy’s newest class, marking the culmination of 17 weeks of rigorous classroom and physical training, followed by two weeks of on-the-job experience in facilities across the state.

“The 128 men and women in Class 257 have demonstrated the key characteristics of being a New Jersey Correctional Police Officer: discipline, dedication, and determination,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As they enter our ranks today, I commend them for their commitment to serving our state in this crucial line of work. The safety and well-being of our state’s incarcerated community is essential to their rehabilitation journey.”

Training and Experience

• 17 Weeks of Intensive Study: Trainees underwent state basic courses in defensive tactics, firearms safety, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, criminal law, and specialized areas such as gender- and trauma-informed policing.
• Physical Fitness: Over 50 physical training sessions tested endurance, strength, and resilience.
• Two Weeks Onsite: Cadets were deployed to nine different NJDOC facilities for immersive, hands-on practice under the guidance of experienced officers.

The New Class by the Numbers

• 128 Graduates: 111 men and 17 women.
• Higher Education: 40 graduates hold college degrees—17 associate’s, 22 bachelor’s, and 1 master’s.
• Military Experience: 20 served in the U.S. armed forces (Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard).
• Legacy of Service: 56 cadets come from families with a history in law enforcement.
• Statewide Representation: Graduates hail from 19 different New Jersey counties as well as two Pennsylvania counties, and one each from New York and Delaware.

Awards for Outstanding Cadets

1. Harry Ellifritz Leadership Award: Officer Peter Nolan
2. Stone/Ratajczak Professionalism Award: Officer Ashley Dohm
3. Police Training Commissioner Merit Award: Officers Hector Crespo, James Forrest, Ivan Mendez, and Brian Sprague
4. Wayne Manstream Physical Fitness Award: Officer James Forrest
5. Commissioner’s Physical Fitness Award for Most Improved: Officer Ashley Dohm
6. Fred Baker Memorial Academic Award: Officer Jakob Hrymoc
7. Michael R. Pofahl Memorial Firearms Award: Officer Darren Kardos

"It is with great honor that we officially welcome Class 257 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections. This graduating class is joining a premier law enforcement agency that works tirelessly to protect the public and embraces the opportunity to serve with unwavering pride,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “These dedicated officers play a crucial role in fostering rehabilitation, ensuring public safety, and making a lasting positive impact on the community.”

NJDOC officers may work at one of New Jersey’s nine correctional facilities or pursue specialized divisions such as:

• Special Operations Group: Includes K-9 units, designated marksmen, critical incident negotiation.
• Special Investigations Division: Handles special victims, fugitive searches, corrections intelligence.
• Office of Emergency Management: Offers advanced security for high-profile events and more.

Commissioner Victoria Kuhn underscores that these new officers are joining an elite force of more than 4,300 custody staff members dedicated to supervising 12,000+ individuals in state custody.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting Salary: As of July 1, 2024, Correctional Police Officers begin at approximately $51,400 upon academy graduation.
• Career Earnings: Senior Correctional Police Officers earn between $70,500 and $123,000 annually under the latest contract.
• Benefits: Generous leave policies, comprehensive health coverage (including dental and vision), education reimbursement, disability benefits, military leave, and retirement benefits.

Class 258

• Next Academy in March 2025: Class 258 is set to commence training, while applications for Class 259—starting in September 2025—are currently being accepted.
• JoinNJDOC.gov: Prospective applicants interested in a career with New Jersey’s largest law enforcement agency can find detailed information and submit applications online.

The graduation of Class 257 reflects NJDOC’s commitment to professional development and service, as these newly minted Correctional Police Officers embark on a mission to uphold public safety, maintain secure facilities, and contribute to rehabilitative efforts across the Garden State.