Employment
The Oakland Police Department seeks only the finest individuals to employ as certified Police Officers. Police Officers enjoy a competitive salary and benefit package which includes medical and dental health insurance, paid vacation and a generous pension program. As an equal opportunity employer, the department hires new officers based upon local ordinance and NJ Civil Service hiring guidelines. Prospective applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible for employment:
- Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Must be proficient in the English Language (spoken and written).
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must have a clean driving record.
- Must have a clean criminal background and good moral character.
Prospective applicants who meet the above criteria must apply to take the NJ Entry Level Law Enforcement Civil Service Test. This application period changes each year and the applicant should check frequently with the NJ Civil Service Commission to determine when the next application will be released. All application and testing dates are subject to change and are at the sole discretion of the NJ Civil Service Commission.
Once an applicant has taken the test, he/she will be notified by mail as to his/her score and subsequent ranking upon an eligibility list. This list will be used to interview potential applicants when a position becomes available. Once an applicant is contacted by the Oakland Police Department, the process will continue with a background check and a check of the applicant's criminal history. If the applicant successfully completes this stage, he/she will be scheduled for an oral interview before a departmental panel, a medical examination and a psychological examination.
It should be noted that the demand for the position of Oakland Police Officer is extremely high and there are few positions available. Since the Oakland Police Department seeks to hire only the most qualified candidates, the selection process is extremely competitive.
Upon receiving an offer of employment, the new hire will attend the Bergen County Law and Safety Institute. Currently, this training lasts for 22 weeks and prepares the new hire in all aspects of police training including NJ Criminal and Motor Vehicle Law, survival training, physical fitness, firearms proficiency, use of deadly force and many other topics. The new hire will be paid during this training period as outlined in the current PBA contract. Upon graduation from the Police Academy, the new officer is assigned to a Field Training Officer for an additional 14 weeks of on the job training before being assigned to patrol.
Any questions in regards to employment with this agency should be directed in writing to the Office of the Chief of Police, 295 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland NJ 07436