The 2027 Alternate Route program will be announced in November 2026 and commence in February 2027.

The Alternate Route Program (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-69.1) was designed to give individuals interested in becoming police officers, the opportunity to attend a certified police training academy at their own expense, prior to being hired by a law enforcement agency.

Although successful completion of the program does not guarantee a candidate a position in law enforcement, graduates will have received training from a certified police academy and are able to pursue employment as a certified police officer for a 3 year period from date of graduation.

The Basic Course for Police Officers is currently 22 weeks in duration at the Bergen County Police Academy.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Citizen of the United States
• Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License
• Must be at least 18 years of age and not over 35 at the completion of the program
• Must have completed 60 college credits with a GPA of 2.5 or above prior to the first day of training or 2 years of active military service or a combination of the two. Applicants must supply a copy of their DD214 as proof of military service.
• Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey prior to entrance into the academy
• Must be of good moral character and not convicted of any criminal offense.
• Must be in good health, sound physical condition and able to participate in a rigorous physical training program.
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language well and intelligently

Selection Criteria:

• Mandatory Orientation attendance
• Application
• Written examination
• Physical fitness test
• Interview
• Medical examination including stress and drug tests
• Psychological examination
• Background investigation

As a reminder, applicants must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to applying to the Alternate Route Program. This orientation will explain all of the necessary steps in the process.