Newark city officials welcomed 144 new police recruits into training at a public ceremony held today in Newark.
“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 police recruits will receive advanced training in protecting residents and will become an integral part of the communities they serve. They will grow to understand that their job is to treat residents the way they would treat members of their own families.”
“I am delighted 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.”
According to authorities, the new officers will be trained by members of the New Jersey State Police at its training academy in Sea Girt with expected completion in December 2018.
The class comprises 109 males and 35 females. The diverse group includes 46 African-American, 63 Hispanic and 35 White recruits.
Officials say with the addition of this group of 144 new officers, the Newark Police Division is currently staffed by 1,226 officers.