CONSIDERING A CAREER WITH THE ATLANTIC CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT?

The Atlantic City Police Department was established in 1870.  Today, our officers police a local population of approximately 40,000 spread across 17 square miles.  As one of the largest tourist destinations in the country, the daily population often swells to over one million people.

ACPD is divided into three divisions: Operations (patrol), Investigations, and Professional Standards.  Officers patrol six districts with additional units dedicated to community relations, homeless outreach, and our Neighborhood Coordination Unit.  The ACPD also has several specialized units including Criminal Investigations, SWAT, Vice, K-9, and Bomb Squad.  

All officers undergo extensive training in the police academy and through field training orientation.  We are always seeking to hire talented, skilled, and community minded public servants, to grow our ranks and ensure our department remains dedicated to the safety and success of the City of Atlantic City.

The City of Atlantic City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce free of discrimination and biased treatment.  All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, marital or Veteran status, medical condition or handicap, or any other status protected by law.

There are several paths to becoming an Atlantic City Police Officer.  The most common path is through our Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO Class II) program.  ACPD SLEO II Officers are considered for elevation to full time officers.  For additional information see the career tab above.

Candidates can also apply for and complete the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (NJCSC) Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination.  This route requires candidates to pass an entry-level law enforcement exam.  Qualified candidates who pass the exam will be placed on an eligibility list and may be considered for future employment. The NJCSC test is a test designed to provide all applicants with an equal opportunity to compete and is based on the knowledge and abilities that are required to perform the title of police officer.

The New Jersey Civil Service Commission (NJCSC) Website can be consulted for additional information and future testing dates:

https://www.state.nj.us/csc/authorities/faq/safety/lee.html

You may also contact the NJCSC at (609) 292-4144 or Atlantic City Human Resource Office at (609) 347-5425 for further information.

 All applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizen of the United States
• 18 Years of age and no older than 35 years of age
• Read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent General Education Development (GED) certificate
• Possess a valid New Jersey Driver's License
• Good moral and ethical character
• Not convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude or which would make the person unfit to perform the duties of the office

Note:  Atlantic City residents receive preference. 

All applicants must complete a rigorous background investigation which includes an interview, verification of qualifying credentials, a review of any criminal record, and verification of personal references.

 Applicants must also complete a physical agility test. The test includes a 1.5 mile run, pushups, sit-ups, 300 meter run, and vertical jump test.  Additional information regarding this test is below.

 https://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcj/njptc/pdf/Physical-Training-Standards-for-Trainees-02.27.17.pdf

 Once you have successfully completed the background investigation, you will be given a conditional offer of employment and sent for a medical exam.  This exam will include a drug screening and psychological evaluation.

 Upon appointment you will be sent to the police academy for training.  YOU MUST pass all required training during the academy process which may be a residential or non-residential training program.  The police academy lasts approximately 26 weeks.

 
WHAT IF I AM A POLICE OFFICER IN ANOTHER CITY OR TOWN, CAN I TRANSFER TO THE ATLANTIC CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT LATERALLY?

Current police officers in both civil service and non-civil service departments may be considered for hire. 

Note:  For Officers in a civil service department, an "Inter-Governmental Transfer" must be agreed to by all parties involved in the transfer (the transferring employee, the sending jurisdiction, the receiving jurisdiction, and the NJ Civil Service Commission).