NJDOC Welcomes 139 New Correctional Police Officers

Graduates from 18 New Jersey counties and three New York counties join the state’s largest law enforcement agency.

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) officially welcomed 139 graduates of its Training Academy, known as Class 258, during a ceremony held Tuesday, August 12, at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. The event honored the recruits’ completion of 17 weeks of intensive academic and physical training, followed by two weeks of on-the-job instruction at NJDOC facilities.

“The 139 men and women in Class 258 exemplify the key characteristics of a New Jersey Correctional Police Officer: discipline, dedication, and determination,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As they embark on this new phase of their career, I commend them for their commitment to those in our incarcerated community— ensuring that they are provided a safe and stable environment to successfully rehabilitate their lives.”

Class 258 now joins the ranks of more than 4,300 custody staff responsible for safeguarding over 12,000 incarcerated individuals in nine correctional facilities across the state. Training covered firearms safety, defensive tactics, conflict resolution, criminal law, gender- and trauma-informed policing, emergency medical care, and over 50 physical conditioning sessions.

The class includes 126 men and 13 women, with 20 graduates holding college degrees, seven having served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and 67 coming from law enforcement families. Graduates represent 18 New Jersey counties — including three from Morris County — as well as the Bronx, Queens, and Richmond counties in New York.

Several members of Class 258 were recognized for outstanding performance:

• Harry Ellifritz Leadership Award: Officer Richard Ebert (Instructor)

• Stone/Ratajczak Professionalism Award: Officer Dalton Hughes

• Police Training Commissioner Merit Award: Officers Tristan Butts, Alberto Diaz, Joshua Kirkland, Cody Stacy

• Wayne Manstream Physical Fitness Award: Officer Alberto Diaz

• Commissioner’s Physical Fitness Award for Most Improved: Officer Tigur Wooden

• Fred Baker Memorial Academic Award: Officer Dalton Hughes

• SCO Michael R. Pofahl Memorial Firearms Award: Officer Jayden Escalera

“I am honored to welcome the esteemed men and women of Class 258 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “Today, you join one of the country's leading law enforcement agencies, and the largest law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. Each one of you reflects the core values of our Department, preserving public safety, supporting meaningful rehabilitation and protecting communities throughout New Jersey.”

Correctional Police Officers at NJDOC can pursue a variety of career paths, including assignments in specialty units such as the Special Operations Group, Special Investigations Division, and Office of Emergency Management. As of July 1, 2025, starting salaries begin at approximately $53,200, with senior officers earning between $73,100 and $118,900 annually. Officers also receive comprehensive benefits, including paid leave, health coverage, education reimbursement, and retirement plans.

“A career at NJDOC is one of the most rewarding in law enforcement – as a NJDOC Correctional Police Officer, know that your tireless, dedicated work is making a real, lasting impact on the community and ensuring that New Jersey remains a safe place to live and visit,” Commissioner Kuhn said.

NJDOC is currently accepting applications for Class 260, which begins training in March 2025. Class 259 will begin in September 2025. Interested candidates can learn more and apply at JoinNJDOC.gov.