Police Academy Course Registration

Title: 2026 Alternate Route Orientation

When: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM

 *PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ATTIRE IS REQUIRED*

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.