EMERGENCIES - Dial 911
24-Hr Non-Emergency: 856-769-3508
Main Office: 856-935-7510 x8333
Tip Line: 856-935-2847
Recruiting
Salem County Law Enforcement Recruitment
Below are overviews regarding the primary Law Enforcement agencies in Salem County, New Jersey. If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, please carefully read each section you’re interested in. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the appropriate person as indicated in the information provided.
Salem County Sheriff’s Office
Website: https://www.salemcountysheriff.com
Contact: Chief Douglas S. Bell
Salem County Administration Building
94 Market Street Salem County, NJ 08079
856-935-7510 x 8389
History: The Office of the Sheriff is the oldest law enforcement office known within the common law system. From the beginning of English and Scottish law, the sheriff’s office was the center of the local administration of justice. The office of the Sheriff was brought to this country by the Pilgrims.
The office of the Sheriff is the only elected law enforcement position in the state of New Jersey. The sale of property had been the responsibility of the Sheriff’s office for over seven hundred years and this function is still performed. The authority over constables, wardens and the jail are a continuing responsibility along with court safety, transportation of inmates and the service of warrants.
County entered the Twenty-First century with a population of approximately 66,000 people. The last sixty years saw the Sheriff’s office held by just four men. Sheriff, Hubert P. Layton, served for over thirty years, Sheriff Norris B. Williams for over twenty years, Sheriff John B. Cooksey for twelve years and Sheriff Charles M. Miller presently holds the position. Sheriff Miller looks forward to increase police presence in all communities within Salem County.
Requirements: The Entry-Level Public Safety Examination Process provides candidates with job opportunities in a wide variety of job titles such as: Police Officer, State and County Correction Officer, Sheriff’s Officer, Firefighter, and many other public safety related titles. http://www.nj.gov/csc/seekers/jobs/safety/
In order to be considered for employment in an entry-level law enforcement position, candidates must pass a written exam called the Law Enforcement Examination (LEE). Those who pass will remain in the eligible pool for two years. The pool of eligible candidates that result from the LEE will be used to fill positions for law enforcement titles in all Civil Service jurisdictions. NJ Civil Service Commission: http://www.nj.gov/csc/
Salem County Prosecutor’s Office
Website: https://www.salemcountyprosecutor.org
Contact: Kristin J. Telsey, Salem County Prosecutor
(856) 935-7510 x8333
History: Salem County lies in the southwest corner of the State of New Jersey. It is bounded by the Delaware River and Bay to the west, and bordered by Gloucester and Cumberland Counties, to the northeast and southeast respectively. Salem County encompasses 338 square miles — with nearly half of the land actively farmed. It includes the Townships of Alloway, Carney’s Point, Elsinboro, Lower Alloways Creek, Mannington, Oldmans, Pennsville, Pilesgrove, Pittsgrove, Quinton, and Upper Pittsgrove; the Boroughs of Elmer, Penns Grove, and Woodstown; as well as the county seat, Salem City. Salem County boasts a population of less than 66,000 residents — the lowest population and the lowest population density per square mile in the State.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Salem County Prosecutors Office is to use all reasonable and lawful diligence for the detection, arrest, indictment, and conviction of offenders against the laws. As a constitutionally established law enforcement agency, the Salem County Prosecutor, as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, provides leadership and supervision over the chiefs of police and municipal prosecutors with a view to ensure effective, efficient and uniform enforcement of the criminal laws and administration of criminal justice throughout the county. The Salem County Prosecutors Office is committed to accomplishing this mission as well as improving the relations between law enforcement and the public, protecting the rights of victims and ultimately improving the public safety in Salem County to make it better place to live, work and raise a family.
Requirements: Due to the very selective and highly competitive nature of the positions in our office, a limited number of opportunities are offered each year. Only individuals possessing outstanding character and a high degree of motivation will be selected. In order to be considered for a position, individuals must meet the following minimum criteria at the time of the application:
- Must be a Salem County resident.
- Must be between 21 and 35 years old, a U.S. citizen and hold a valid driver’s license.
- Candidates can either have a (1) Bachelor’s Degree or alternatively, (2) an Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits, plus at least two years of satisfactory employment OR alternatively, (3) have completed 30 college credits plus at least two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.
- Candidates must successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening, psychological test and an interview, to be considered for a sworn position.
Benefits: Competitive Salaries, Medical Insurance, Pension, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, 14 Paid Holidays, Union Memberships, Flexible Spending Accounts
⇒ Download our BROCHURE for more information
City of Salem Police Department
Website: https://cityofsalemnj.gov/police-fire-ems/
Contact: Chief John A. Pelura, III
129 West Broadway
Salem, New Jersey 08079
856-935-2088
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and possesses a high school diploma or GED and never had been convicted of a felony.
The New Jersey Department of Personnel administers the entry level testing. Generally, test announcements along with applications come out in January and must be returned shortly thereafter. The applications are processed, and the test is usually administered in the spring. It is strongly recommended that you enroll in a test preparation course before taking any law enforcement exam. The exams are then graded and lists are returned to the agencies ranking applicants by score.
Preference is given to Resident Veterans, then Residents, then County Veterans, then County Residents.
After the applicant passes the test and is chosen, they fill out an application. An exhaustive background investigation is done. Special attention is given to the driving record and any arrests. The applicant must also be of sound moral character and in moderate physical shape. After the background investigation is completed, the applicant will submit to drug testing and finally a psychological exam.
The applicant is then scheduled for the next police academy and must successfully complete the roughly 24 weeks of training. Once training is complete the candidate will complete at least two months of OJT with a field training officer and complete a one year working test period.
Pennsville Police Department
Website: https://www.pennsville.org/services/police-department
Contact: Chief Vincent Green
856-678-3089 Ext. 581
History: Lower Penns Neck Township was formed on July 10, 1721 when Penn’s Neck Township was subdivided and Upper Penns Neck Township (now Carneys Point Township) was also formed. The township was incorporated by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798 as one of New Jersey’s original group of 104 townships. The township was renamed Pennsville Township by the results of a referendum held on November 2, 1965.
Pennsville Township is governed under the Township form of government with a five-member Township Committee. Under New Jersey law, a township is a political entity which is responsible for collecting property taxes and providing services such as maintaining roads, garbage collection, water, sewer, schools, police and fire protection. The Township form of local government is used by 27% of New Jersey municipalities.
Requirements: Applicants must be 21 years of age but not older than 35 years of age. The applicant must possess and Associates Degree in Law Enforcement or a related field of study from an accredited college or university or have 65 credit hours towards such a degree. Or the applicant can have 4 years of Military experience with an honorable discharge. Any questions, please call 856-678-3089 Ext. 100
Woodstown Police Department
Website: https://woodstownpd.com
Contact: Jena Dolbow, Police Clerk
Woodstown Police Department
PO Box 286, 25 West Ave.
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 769-1330
History: Woodstown is a borough of Salem County. Woodstown has retained its rural “All-American Town” character through protection and preservation of its many historic structures. Police services are provided by the Woodstown Police Department
Requirements: Woodstown Police Department’s method of hiring police officers involves the following phases:
- Phase I 1) Posting of position: Associates Degree or equivalent or greater; Valid NJ Driving License; US Citizen; 18-35 years of age 2) Collection of application and resume 3) Documentation review and scoring
- Phase II – Physical Fitness Test Push-up test; Sit-up test; Timed 1.5 mile run; 50 yard pursuit run; Measured vertical jump; Timed agility run; Pull-up test; Measured long jump
- Phase III – Comprehensive background investigation
- Phase IV – Panel Interview Note: Woodstown Police Department does not follow Civil Service Protocol.