Somerset Police Academy Taking Alternate Route Applications

Applications are due at the end of August for the Alternate Route Program at the Somerset County Police Academy.

The pre-registration form is available on the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office website, www.scpo.net, under the alternate route program. The registration form must be printed off the website, completed, mailed and/or hand delivered to the Somerset County Police Academy, 402 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. All applications must be received no later than 3 p.m. Aug. 31.

The Somerset County Police Academy was the first academy in New Jersey to offer such an alternate route program in 1993.

Candidates who are selected are enrolled directly into the 24-week training cycle, a blend of military and college training. During the training process, recruits are instructed in more than 120 subjects, including: police professionalism; criminal justice systems; criminal law; arrest, search and seizure; communications; emergency driving; emergency medical training; firearms; self-defense; patrol practices; motor vehicle law; accident investigation; criminal investigation; and physical fitness.

Since its inception in 1987, more than 2,000 police recruits have been trained at the academy, and more than 26,000 officers have been trained in a variety of law enforcement continuing education topics. The academy is operated by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation with law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.

To meet eligibility requirements, a candidate must be a New Jersey resident, possess at least 60 college credits from an accredited college or university or two years of full-time active military duty or a combination of college and military that equals two years, have no criminal record, be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen of the United States, possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license,  have a good driving record, and be in good physical condition.

Mandatory orientation will be held  6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, 402 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough. Candidates should arrive in proper business attire. The written test is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12 at the same location.

For more information contact Alternate Route Coordinator Det. Brian Giannini, Somerset County Police Academy at (908) 541-5038 or Giannini@co.somerset.nj.us