Police Academy Alternate Route Program
The 2023 Alternate Route program will be announced in October 2022 and commence in February 2023.
The Alternate Route Program (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-69.1) was designed to give individuals interested in becoming police officers, the opportunity to attend a certified police training academy at their own expense, prior to being hired by a law enforcement agency.
Although successful completion of the program does not guarantee a candidate a position in law enforcement, graduates will have received training from a certified police academy and are able to pursue employment as a certified police officer for a 3 year period from date of graduation.
The Basic Course for Police Officers is currently 22 weeks in duration at the Bergen County Police Academy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Citizen of the United States
- Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License
- Must be at least 18 years of age and not over 35 at the completion of the program
- Must have completed 60 college credits with a GPA of 2.5 or above prior to the first day of training or 2 years of active military service or a combination of the two. Applicants must supply a copy of their DD214 as proof of military service.
- Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey prior to entrance into the academy
- Must be of good moral character and not convicted of any criminal offense.
- Must be in good health, sound physical condition and able to participate in a rigorous physical training program.
- Able to read, write, and speak the English language well and intelligently
Selection Criteria:
- Mandatory Orientation attendance
- Application
- Written examination
- Physical fitness test
- Interview
- Medical examination including stress and drug tests
- Psychological examination
- Background investigation
As a reminder, applicants must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to applying to the Alternate Route Program. This orientation will explain all of the necessary steps in the process.
Contact Us
Lt. Juan ArroyaveCommanding Officer Phone: 201-226-5611 |
Lt. Damian PopeOfficer in Charge Phone: 201-226-5812 |
Sgt. Chris FernicolaIn-Service Training Phone: 201-226-5768 |
Ofc. Alex HerreraSenior Recuit Training Advisor Phone: 201-226-5873 |
Ofc. Daniel SolaresRecruit Training Advisor Phone: 201-226-5872 |
Ofc. Dave AffinitoRecruit Training Advisor Phone: 201-226-5824 |
Lt. John LindRange Master Phone: 201-785-5723 |
Officer Marcelo HoagopianRange Master Phone: 201-785-5724 |
Ms. Laura SansAdministrative Assistant Phone: 201-226-5825 |
Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute
281 Campgaw Road • Mahwah, NJ 07430
Phone: 201-785-5700
Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 4:30pm