Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose swore-in 121 new Newark police officers today at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street.
The graduates, trained mainly at the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, include a diverse group of 109 males and 13 females, with 60 Hispanics, 49 Blacks, 10 Whites and 2 of other backgrounds. One new officer received training at the Essex County Police Academy.
“This is a very exciting day for the City of Newark as we continue to add new police officers,” Mayor Baraka said. “This group of new police officers has received advanced training in protecting residents and will become an integral part of the communities they serve. They understand that their job is to treat residents the way they would treat members of their own families.”
“I am pleased that we are steadily replenishing our numbers following the layoffs and attrition that occurred in the police department since 2010,” Director Ambrose said. “The hiring of new police officers is part of our strategic plan to strengthen the division and to make Newark safer.”
“I am proud that the New Jersey State Police Academy has once again partnered with local enforcement to assist with training future police officers,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
“The men and women of this graduating class have completed hours of challenging classroom and physical training, and I am confident that these newest members of the Newark Police Department are fully prepared to make a positive and meaningful impact on the city's communities.”
The addition of these 121 new officers brings the total number of Newark Police to more than 1,100.
They will be assigned throughout the City of Newark.