2023 News Release

103 Troopers Receive Badges at Brookdale Community College

164th New Jersey State Police Recruit Training Class Graduates

Lincroft, N.J. - Today, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, presented badges to New Jersey’s newest state troopers during a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, N.J.

The 164th New Jersey State Police Class graduated 99 men and 4 women. Of this graduating class, 101 have college degrees, 15 are prior military, and 9 have prior law enforcement experience. Among the class, 34 were college athletes, 4 were firefighters, 6 were emergency medical technicians, and 4 were professional athletes.

The class completed 22 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The recruits also participated in role-playing exercises such as motor vehicle stops and domestic violence situations. In the area of cultural diversity, the class received detailed instruction from community leaders and cultural organizations.

The life of a recruit is challenging in many ways. The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is one of the few residential academies in the nation. Recruits report to the academy before dawn on Monday morning, and they do not return home until dismissal on Friday evening. Therefore, recruits are away from their families during significant life events. During this academy class, two recruits got engaged, one recruit got married, and one recruit had a child born.

The newly graduated troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state, and over the next few months, they will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and immediate supervisors.

“The diverse group of men and women who serve in our State Police represent the best of New Jersey and share a steadfast commitment to safeguard and serve the people of our state with honor, duty, and fidelity,” said Governor Murphy. “I am thrilled to welcome this new class of courageous Troopers who will embrace these values and join this extraordinary organization that works to ensure that New Jersey is a stronger and safer state for all its residents.”

“As the graduates of the 164th Class embark on their career with the New Jersey State Police, I am confident their training has fully prepared them to serve the people of this state with fidelity, empathy, and the utmost professionalism,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “I’m honored to welcome these newest law enforcement officers to the State Police force and look forward to the good work they will do in honorably protecting the people of New Jersey and strengthening trust within the communities they serve.”

“The graduates being sworn in as New Jersey State Troopers today will join the ranks of dedicated, incredibly well-trained men and women who exemplify the very best of law enforcement at a time when our nation desperately needs examples of good policing,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I look forward to all that these new Troopers will accomplish as they serve communities throughout New Jersey with the honor and integrity that has made the New Jersey State Police a national model for excellence.”

"For the 164th Class, today's ceremony is the culmination of 22 weeks of intense training from one of the most challenging law enforcement training academies in the country," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan. "I am confident that they will put to use what they have learned and are adequately prepared for the challenges of protecting the residents and visitors to this state with compassion and dignity while staying true to our core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.”

# # #

Follow the New Jersey State Police online at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The social media links provided are for reference only. The New Jersey State Police do not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.