Hoboken Police Department Opens Officer Applications on March 1

The Hoboken Police Department will begin accepting applications for new officers starting March 1, 2025. Individuals interested in joining the department can apply through multiple pathways.

The first option follows the New Jersey Civil Service process, which requires candidates to take the Civil Service Test. Applicants must register through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission website and possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license. After the exam, scores are used to create an eligibility list. When vacancies arise, the City of Hoboken certifies names from the list and invites candidates to proceed with the hiring process. Those who receive certification must respond within five business days. Selected applicants undergo a background check, interviews, medical and psychological evaluations, drug screenings, and a pre-academy assessment. Successful candidates then attend a police academy.

The second option is direct recruitment by the city. Occasionally, Hoboken opens applications for direct recruitment, allowing candidates to apply through the city’s website. The police department reviews applications and selects individuals to move forward with the hiring process. This includes interviews, background checks, and medical evaluations. Candidates hired through this route must complete a police academy within nine months. Individuals who have already completed an academy are not eligible for this option.

The third pathway is an intergovernmental transfer, which allows experienced officers from other New Jersey Civil Service police departments to transfer to the Hoboken Police Department. Officers typically have one to three years of experience, though this is not a requirement. Transfers must be approved by both the current and receiving agencies.

The application process can take up to six months.