Montclair Police Swear In Three New Officers

The Montclair Police Department swore in three new officers on Friday, including two war veterans and a member of the Army National Guard.

A swearing-in ceremony was held in Municipal Chambers on Friday for new Montclair Police Officers Anjannette V. Johnson, Callum B. Higgins and Fizan U. Haq.

The officers successfully completed their probationary period basic employee indoctrination and underwent a 12-week Field Training Program where they were paired with specially trained, experienced patrol officers. Municipal Clerk Linda Wanat administered the Oath of Office.

Officer Anjannette V. Johnson

Officer Anjannette V. Johnson earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice in May 2013, from Essex County College. Officer Johnson previously served in the Army National Guard as a Chemical Specialist, attaining the rank of Private First Class (E3).

After her initial graduation from the Police Academy, Johnson also served for several years as an Officer with the East Orange Police Department during which time she acquired additional experience in plain-clothes assignments and training capacities. Officer Johnson wears badge number 256.

Officer Callum B. Higgins

Officer Callum B. Higgins attended Union County College, majoring in Criminal Justice. Officer Higgins previously served in the United States Navy, as Master at Arms, and also volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Union Township Emergency Medical Unit. Officer Higgins wears badge number 257.

Officer Faizan U. Haq

Officer Faizan U. Haq attended Kean University, majoring in Communication. Officer Haq previously served in United States Army as an artillery Specialist. Officer Haq also served in the Army National Guard as a Blackhawk Helicopter mechanic. Officer Haq served with the Union Township Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer. Officer Haq wears badge number 258.

Officers Higgins and Haq graduated from the Union County Police Academy Alternate Route Program (self-funded by the trainee) in December 2013.

Training a New Officer

The training curriculum during the officers’ probationary period covered a wide array of topics that range from departmental operations, at-scene criminal investigations, and handling domestic violence incidents, to traffic enforcement and issues of homeland security.

The officers rotated through different trainers and shifts while receiving daily-standardized evaluations based on their performance. The Field Training Program Supervisor periodically reviewed these evaluations. The Chief of Police then evaluated progress prior to the officers’ completion of training and final assignment to the Patrol Division. The officers then successfully completed the remaining portion of their one-year probationary period.

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