Toms River opens door to veterans and experienced as town ramps up police hiring push
Toms River, NJ — Toms River is stepping up its police hiring efforts and opening the ranks to more veterans and experienced police officers with a new policy change allowing military service and prior police service to count in place of college credits — part of a broader push to attract experienced officers and streamline recruitment.
The township is actively hiring full-time PTC-certified police officers and offering starting salaries from $56,792 to $159,433, plus full medical and dental benefits during employment and retirement.
In a move pushed by Mayor Dan Rodrick, the town recently adjusted its hiring criteria to make the process more accessible to military veterans, easing the educational requirements while still maintaining physical and psychological screening standards.
The change allows honorably discharged military service to substitute for college credits traditionally required for applicants, provided all other baseline requirements are met, including New Jersey PTC certification, age limits between 18 and 34, U.S. citizenship, and state residency.
Rodrick said the shift is designed to help the township bring on experienced personnel without the delay and cost of sending new recruits through police academy training. The policy is aimed at attracting candidates with real-world law enforcement or military experience who can step in immediately and meet the demands of patrol work.
Veteran police officers who are already certified and seeking to relocate or return to service are also eligible under the open hiring process. Applicants can apply online by scanning the QR code featured on department recruitment materials.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to maintain public safety staffing levels in one of Ocean County’s largest municipalities as retirements and regional competition for officers increase.
Key Points
- Toms River is hiring full-time PTC-certified police officers with salaries up to $159,433.
- Military service can now substitute for college credits under a new veteran-friendly policy.
- Mayor Rodrick aims to bring in experienced officers without sending recruits through the academy.
Toms River boosts its badge count by giving military vets a new path into the police force.