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Be sure to mark Kearny Police Department as your preference upon signing up for the New Jersey Civil Service examination.

Are You Ready to Protect and Serve the Community of Kearny?

When you sign up for the New Jersey Civil Service examination for police officers, remember to mark Kearny Police Department an option. 

Candidates are required to submit applications for each jurisdiction for which they wish to be eligible.

Your Path to a Rewarding Police Career

Competitive Compensation

Top Base Pay:
$123,867 (Patrol Officer)
 
Top Vacation:
232 hours annually
 
Additional Benefits:
Overtime & Detail Pay
Uniform Allowance
Education Incentives
Holiday Pay
Detective Stipend
Compensatory Hours
Sick Leave
Paid Police Academy
 

The Process:

1. Candidates take the Civil Service Law Enforcement Entry Exam (LEEE) and are ranked by score.
 
2. As vacancies arise due to retirements (often multiple times per year) candidates are contacted in rank order.
 
3. Candidates submit an application, interview, and take medical and psychological screenings.
 
4. Those candidates who are hired attend a police academy program, during which time they are paid a salary of over $50,000 / year and receive full benefits.
 
5. After completing the police academy, officers train with an experience Field Training Officer for at least 3 months before being assigned to a tour of duty / assignment.
 

Secure Future

PFRS Pension System:
The Police and Fire Retirement System offers multiple retirement options, including an option to retire after 25 years of service.
 
Health Benefits:
The State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) offers premium health insurance for officers and their families. Additionally, officers and their families receive Delta Dental coverage at no cost.
Start Your Career

Becoming A Kearny Police Officer

The Kearny Police Department selects candidates from ranked lists provided by the NJ Civil Service Commission, based on results from the annual Law Enforcement Entry Exam (LEEE). Interested candidates must take this test and include Kearny as an option for eligibility. 

What We Look For In Candidates

The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent. We seek to recruit the most qualified individuals to serve as Kearny Police Officers. The hiring process includes thorough background investigations to ensure candidates uphold integrity and professionalism.

Applicants are grouped by their residencies as listed below, however, during the last two test cycles the Kearny Police Department has hired from (1), (2), and (3), opening applications to residents of the whole of New Jersey.

(1) Town of Kearny and City of Newark; (2) Hudson and Essex Counties; (3) New Jersey; (4) United States

At the Kearny Police Department, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a military veteran, or a seasoned professional, we encourage you to apply.

Diversity in Law Enforcement

The Kearny Police Department is proud to reflect the diversity of our community. Our department’s demographics align closely with the latest census data for the Town of Kearny. This alignment is due to our town’s residency requirements for police officer positions and the Kearny Police Department’s comprehensive recruitment efforts.

Current Recruitment Efforts of The Kearny Police Department
  • Engaging with Local Educational Institutions: We distribute comprehensive recruitment materials to area colleges, fostering connections with a diverse pool of potential candidates.

  • Prioritizing Local Residents: Our hiring policy prioritizes applicants from Kearny and Newark, ensuring our force reflects the communities we serve.

  • Leveraging Social Media: We maximize the reach and impact of our recruitment drives through active and strategic use of social media platforms.

  • Building Community Trust: We emphasize and maintain positive police-citizen encounters, reinforcing our commitment to community-oriented policing.

  • Offering Competitive Benefits: Our department provides competitive work schedules and salaries to attract and retain top talent.

  • Community Outreach: Recruitment flyers and information are prominently displayed in various storefronts throughout the Town of Kearny, increasing visibility and accessibility.

Training and Preparation

To excel in your training, we recommend starting a regular, physician-approved fitness regimen months before your anticipated hire date. Once hired, all recruits undergo mandatory training at a police academy.

It’s important to note that New Jersey police academies have mandatory physical fitness entrance requirements.

Join the Kearny, NJ Police Department

Now Recruiting for 2025

Applicants must register on or before March 31, 2025
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