Becoming a Member of the Paterson Police Department
"Be the Difference You Want to See"
The Paterson Police Department hires under the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Civil Service Commision. A candidate list is generated from those that pass the Law Enforcement Examination. In addition to the New Jersey Civil Service requirements, current local ordinance requires that the candidate taking the examination for the Paterson Police Department be a resident of Paterson at the time of application and the time of appointment. Additionally applicants must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Have a high school diploma or G.E.D
- Possess a valid NJ drivers license
- Be between 18 - 35 years of age (some exceptions may apply)
- Must take the NJ Law Enforcement Examination
- Have good credit
- Good Moral Character (based on contemporary Standards)
- Good health to satisfy pension requirements
- Literacy (read, write and speak the English language)
- Free of criminal conviction involving moral turpitude
** For more information on upcoming exams, please contact the Civil Service Commission at:
New Jersey Civil Service Commission
44 South Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-4144
For Civilian Positions contact the City of Paterson Division of Personnel.