FilAms urged to join the Jersey City police force
The Jersey City police force. Photo: NJ.com
“We have made a commitment to expanding and enhancing our Jersey City Police Department and that involves having a department that reflects the community it serves,” said Fulop in a press statement. “Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the nation and we want our Police Department to be just as diverse.”
One way to achieve the city’s goal is to work with various communities to make the testing more accessible to graduating students and to provide preparatory courses free of charge for qualified applicants, Fulop added.
The nonprofit Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (Pafcom) is partnering with the city to boost the recruitment of Filipinos in the Jersey City Police Department. Other partners include PACO, the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA), the Urban League, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association, and the Inter-Minority Police Action Council.
During the August 23rd recruitment drive to be held at the City Hall Council Chambers in 280 Grove Street, Acting Public Safety Director James Shea, senior police officials, as well as officers, will be on hand to discuss the application process and answer questions about the profession. The requirements for the police test are a high school diploma, Jersey City residency, and U.S. citizenship.
The filing deadline for the current police officer test with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission is Wednesday, September 4th. Per mandate of the State of New Jersey, interested applicants are required to file online.
Once an applicant’s candidacy has been approved by the State, the Jersey City Minority Police Recruitment Drive will offer a series of police test preparatory courses, which is a $500 savings. To file directly online for the police officer test, visit www.state.nj.us/csc
“Filipinos and minorities need to be educated and made aware of how to access local jobs such as being part of the police force, which ultimately benefit the entire community,” said Edwin Solano, overall chair of Pafcom. “We also need better representation in all segments of city services.”
To assist Jersey City residents interested in applying for the police test, especially those who do not have Internet or computer access at home, Pafcom signed up to be one of several community locations where applicants can gain access to the Internet. There will be staff members to assist them in the filing process. Pafcom, located on 124 Mallory Avenue, will open its doors on Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., to help Filipinos and anyone interested to sign up for the test.
“I am deeply committed to realizing the untapped potential of Jersey City’s great diversity, including the diversification of our police force,” said Council President Lavarro. “I’m very excited that City Hall is taking actions consistent with such a commitment and look forward to working with our community partners in this recruitment effort.”
For more information, please contact Lavarro’s office at 201-547-5268.
