Chief Pat Gurcsik (in white) with township police officers Gemel Tutu, Louis Destefano, Nick Caserta, Matthew Tucker and Greg Rossi, all of whom graduated from 20-week academy training in December.
The Washington Township Police Department is on a push to recruit new police officers.
Last year, the department was awarded a $375,000 U.S. Department of Justice Police Officer Hiring Grant to put three additional officers on the street and help carry out the department’s community caretaking mission.
Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik has said he is a big proponent of community policing and is “always actively seeking new and innovative ideas to engage and create positive experiences with the community.”
The grant will further bring manpower to the cause. The department now has 99 sworn officers, with the possible hire of up to 10 more, the chief said.
“We received a federal grant to hire three new officers, and we always have to prepare and have contingency plans for officers retiring in the new year,” Gurcsik explained.
“Law-enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” noted U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in the November announcement of the grant.
“These grants … provide local law-enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers and build public trust.”
Township police are accepting applications for regular officers and SLEO (Special Law Enforcement Officer) II officers this month. Police academy training starts in June and lasts 21 weeks. A department police officer can choose to work in units that include K-9, the detective bureau, SWAT, traffic safety and honor guard.
Interested applicants can scan a QR code or visit https://www.twp.washington.nj.us/departments/police/careers_at_wtpd.php. A physical fitness test is scheduled for next month.
Candidates for regular officers must have an associate’s degree or the equivalent of 60 credits from an accredited college by July 1, among other qualifications. They can be graduates of a police academy in the state through the Alternate Route Program or be enrolled in training as an Alternate Route Candidate.
Candidates for SLEO II must have a high-school diploma or GED.
Contact Sgt. Brett Nelson with questions at bjnelson@pd.twp.washington.nj.us
