by Mike Dougherty
New Jersey’s Department of Corrections is working to connect with and hire the next generation of officers. The department is ramping up recruitment in ways never done before with an effort called Serve with Honor. Protect with Pride.
“This is the first time that the Department of Corrections has ever launched a multifaceted recruitment campaign of this magnitude,” said Department of Corrections Commissioner Victoria Kuhn.
She says they are pushing out the word that they’re hiring via TV and radio commercials, ads on social media, and billboards.
“Immediately after graduating the academy, they would be making $51,400 a year,” said Kuhn.
That jumps to $70,500 after one year of service, with much more room to grow.
“And over the course of the four-year contract with our PBA 105 union, that will max out at $123,000 at the end of the four-year contract, so we are really happy with the compensation package that we’ve been able to secure for the new officers,” Kuhn said.
Each recruit must pass some physical and emotional evaluations as well as an extensive background check and, Kuhn says, they are looking for people who are committed to public safety and service in a critical role for the state.
“They have the ability to transform lives, every single day. So we’re looking for those individuals that are in tune with that mission.”
More information on the requirements and hiring process is available on the N.J. Department of Corrections website