The Cherry Hill Police Department embarked on an aggressive recruitment effort to attract a diverse applicant pool for the police officer selection process. Members of the recruitment team attended various community events, career fairs and civic meetings to educate potential applicants on a career in law enforcement with the Cherry Hill Police Department. As a result of these efforts, applicants went through a rigorous hiring process, which started in February with more than 1,000 people committing to take a written test. Applicants that scored high enough were required to successfully complete a physical abilities test and then advanced to a formal oral interview and background investigation.
The first 12 officers hired from this process are diverse in age and life experiences. They range from 21 to 28 years of age and while some live locally, several travel more than 100 miles each way. Four of the 12 are bilingual; three of the 12 are women and two of the 12 were former professional baseball players. Prior work experience includes an EMT, an officer with the Army National Guard, a fitness trainer and the manager of a car wash. Their diverse life experiences will complement the department’s current work force and will help continue to foster the trust and cooperation of the community.
The swearing-in will be at the Cherry Hill Township Municipal Building in Room 208 at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Nine of the officers will start the “Basic Police Class” at Gloucester County Police Academy on Aug. 5. The remaining three officers are already PTC certified and will immediately begin the “Field Training Officer” program.
