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Careers
As a valued employee of the Essex County Department of Corrections, you’ll be an important part of the county criminal justice system. Every day, you’ll use your leadership, communication and social skills to positively impact the lives of your fellow citizens.
Whether you join us as a Correctional Police Officer, or in one of our non-uniform opportunities in Administration, Finance, Health, IT, Legal, Skilled Trade or Social Services – your talents can make a difference here.
Correctional Police Officer
Correctional Police Officers maintain security within correctional facilities and are responsible for the custody, control, care, job training and work performance of detainees within the correctional facility. They perform tasks such as but not limited to;
- Supervise detainee meals, visits, recreational programs, and other congregate activities.
- Inspect assigned areas for conditions which threaten safety and security; conduct searches in order to detect contraband.
- Complete forms and reports; maintain appropriate logs.
- Communicate with other area Correctional Police Officers to exchange pertinent information.
- Issue verbal orders, announcements and explanations to detainees.
- Observe detainees and monitor their safety and well-being while in county custody.
- Safeguard Departmental supplies and equipment.
- Escort detainees within and outside of the facility including their transportation in department vehicles.
How to Qualify
1) Education and Experience Requirements: By the time you are appointed to this position, you must have:
- A High School diploma/GED
- Note: If you were educated outside the United States, you must have your foreign education evaluated to determine its equivalence to education obtained in the United States. You will receive instructions from the Department of Corrections during the pre-employment screening process regarding the approved evaluation services that you may use for foreign education.
2) Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
3) Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
4) Driver License Requirement: You must possess a valid driver’s license in the State of New Jersey.
5) You must agree to and pass a full background check. You may be disqualified for any activities that indicate lack of good character, including but not limited to:
- Conviction of a felony;
- Conviction of any offense, the nature of which indicates lack of good moral character or
disposition towards violence or disorder; - Repeated convictions of an offense, where such convictions indicate a disrespect for the law;
- Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior or inability to adjust to discipline;
- Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces;
- Conviction for domestic violence.
6) Medical and Psychological Assessment: You will be examined to determine whether you
can perform the essential functions of a Correctional Police Officer.
7) Physical Testing: You must pass a P.T.C. Physical Agility Assessment Test
8) Drug Testing: The Essex County Department of Corrections has a strict zero tolerance policy concerning illegal drug use. You must pass a drug screening prior to appointment.
9) Residency Requirement: At the date of appointment, you must be a resident of the State of New Jersey
10) Language Requirement: You must be able to understand and be understood in English.
11) Proof of Identity: You must be able to prove your identity and your right to obtain employment in the United States.
Essex County Correctional Police Officer Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not currently a New Jersey Resident?
Yes but at the date of appointment, you must be a resident of the State of New Jersey
Do I need to attend a specific college or university?
No, however the college or university you attend must be accredited.
Is there a GPA requirement?
There is no GPA requirement.
I have a misdemeanor, do I still qualify?
This will vary depending on the nature of the misdemeanor, your age at the time of the offense, and other factors.
What does the Physical Agility test consist of?
The Physical Agility test is a test of your endurance consisting of:
Vertical Jump of 15 inches or higher
24 push-ups in 1 minute
300 meter run in 70 seconds or less
28 sit-ups in minute
1.5 mile run in 15 minutes and 55 seconds or less
Is there an age limit to become an Essex County Correctional Police Officer?
You must be at least 18 years old. There is no other age requirement.
Do I need a driver’s license to be a Correctional Police Officer?
You must possess a valid New Jersey State driver’s license.
If I have points on my license or driving infractions, will that affect my application?
If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified but this isn’t automatic. Please be sure to share these details with your investigator.
Applicants Journey
- Applicant submits resume to recruitment@eccorrections.org
- Applicant scheduled for New Jersey Physical Agility Assessment Test (P.T.C required) at the Essex County Police Academy
- Applicant scheduled for Fingerprinting and Urinalysis at the Essex County Correctional Facility
- Applicant scheduled for Pre-Employment Medical Exam
- Applicant scheduled for Pre-Employment Psychiatric Evaluation
- Applicant hired as a Correctional Police Officer and in-service training begins at the Essex County Correctional Facility
