Hoboken Drops Residency Requirment To Join Police, Will Start Hiring

HOBOKEN, NJ — The application to become a Hoboken Police Officer, via the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, will be available on March 1, the city said last week.

Starting last year, the city dropped its requirement for police to live in Hoboken, but they must still live in New Jersey.

Applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and never have been convicted of a felony, the city said.

After Random Attacks, More To Be Hired

The Department’s Table of Organization (TO) was raised late last year, from 146 to 156, after residents complained about several random assaults that took place in the city. READ MORE: 'A Long Way To Go': Hoboken Officials And Residents Speak Out On Park Attack

In 2024, the Hoboken Police Department swore in 21 new officers, with five more currently attending the Hudson County Police Academy, the city
said last week.

The police intend to increase foot patrols and enhance police visibility throughout the city, they said.

The department anticipates filling the new TO by the summer of 2025, the city said.

Next Steps

After the application process closes, eligible candidates will have the opportunity to take the New Jersey Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination, undergo a background check, psychological, medical, and physical exams, and, if hired, be enrolled in a police academy, the city said.

The Hoboken Police Department also hires officers via other avenues, including direct recruitment and intergovernmental transfers, which typically take less time than the traditional civil service path to becoming a police officer, they said.

“The Hoboken Police Department offers an opportunity to embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career,” said Police Chief Steven Aguiar. “We are looking for dedicated New Jersey residents, who are ready to make a difference, serve the community, and begin a journey that will help them grow, develop valuable skills, and become a leader in law enforcement.”

For more information on the different tracks available to join HPD, and to access the NJ Civil Service application once it becomes available on March 1, go to hobokenpdnj.gov/employment-opportunities.

The city said, "New officers will receive competitive starting salaries and generous benefit packages, including paid sick and vacation time, continuing education funding, health insurance, and numerous advancement and promotional opportunities."

The Hoboken Police Department was established in 1855 as a seven-man police force.

It's "one of the most progressive police agencies in the state with a complement of over 166 sworn and civilian personnel," the city said. "The mission of the Hoboken Police Department is to provide professional police services to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors by establishing a community partnership to reduce and prevent crime."

To learn more about the Hoboken Police Department, go to hobokenpdnj.gov.