NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WELCOMES 139 TRAINING ACADEMY GRADUATES
TRENTON, NJ – On Tuesday, August 12, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) welcomed Class 258 – 139 graduates of the Department’s Training Academy – into the Department’s ranks of Correctional Police Officers. The graduation ceremony was held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, where family and friends of the graduates were invited to attend the special event designed to honor Class 258’s hard work and accomplishments, as they begin their new careers at NJDOC.
“The 139 men and women in Class 258 exemplify the key characteristics of a New Jersey Correctional Police Officer: discipline, dedication, and determination,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As they embark on this new phase of their career, I commend them for their commitment to those in our incarcerated community—ensuring that they are provided a safe and stable environment to successfully rehabilitate their lives.”
“I am honored to welcome the esteemed men and women of Class 258 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “Today, you join one of the country's leading law enforcement agencies, and the largest law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. Each one of you reflects the core values of our Department, preserving public safety, supporting meaningful rehabilitation and protecting communities throughout New Jersey.”
Class 258 joins the state’s largest law enforcement agency, where more than 4,300 custody staff members are responsible for the protection of more than 12,000 incarcerated individuals in nine facilities throughout the state.
During their Academy Training, Class 258 completed 17 weeks of intensive academic study and physical fitness training (State Basic Course), along with two weeks of immersive, on-the-job training in NJDOC facilities across the state. Coursework included instruction in firearms training and safety, defensive tactics, conflict resolution and de-escalation, criminal law, gender- and trauma-informed policing, emergency medical care, and more than 50 physical training sessions.
Class 258 by the Numbers:
• 139 total graduates, including 126 men and 13 women.
• 20 graduates have earned various academic degrees:
o Associates degree (6)
o Bachelor’s degree (12)
o Master’s degree (2)
• Seven graduates have military service backgrounds:
o United States Air Force (1)
o United States Army (6)
• 67 graduates come from families with a tradition of law enforcement service.
• Graduates hail from 18 New Jersey counties, as well as three counties in New York:
New Jersey
o Atlantic (6)
o Bergen (4)
o Burlington (8)
o Camden (8)
o Cape May (2)
o Cumberland (18)
o Essex (18)
o Gloucester (3)
o Hudson (4)
o Mercer (4)
o Middlesex (18)
o Monmouth (2)
o Morris (3)
o Ocean (16)
o Passaic (6)
o Salem (2)
o Sussex (2)
o Union (12)
New York
o Bronx (1)
o Queens (1)
o Richmond (1)
Further recognizing exemplary efforts, several graduates of Class 258 and one NJDOC instructor were named award recipients at this year’s graduation ceremony:
Harry Ellifritz Leadership Award
• Officer Richard Ebert – Instructor
Stone/Ratajczak Professionalism Award
• Officer Dalton Hughes
Police Training Commissioner Merit Award
• Officer Tristan Butts
• Officer Alberto Diaz
• Officer Joshua Kirkland
• Officer Cody Stacy
Wayne Manstream Physical Fitness Award
• Officer Alberto Diaz
Commissioner’s Physical Fitness Award for Most Improved
• Officer Tigur Wooden
Fred Baker Memorial Academic Award
• Officer Dalton Hughes
SCO Michael R. Pofahl Memorial Firearms Award
• Officer Jayden Escalera
“A career at NJDOC is one of the most rewarding in law enforcement – as a NJDOC Correctional Police Officer, know that your tireless, dedicated work is making a real, lasting impact on the community and ensuring that New Jersey remains a safe place to live and visit,” Commissioner Kuhn said.
At NJDOC, Correctional Police Officers may serve in various roles and can pursue a variety of unique career paths within the Department, including positions within the nine NJDOC facilities, along with a variety of specialty tracks, including: Special Operations Group, which specializes in K-9s, designated marksmen and critical incident negotiation; Special Investigations Division, which specializes in special victims, fugitive and corrections intelligence; the Office of Emergency Management, which provides advanced security planning for high profile events; and more.
As of July 1, 2025, starting salaries for NJDOC Correctional Police Officers now begin at approximately $53,200 upon graduation from the Academy. Under the new contract, salaries for Senior Correctional Police Officers now range from $73,100 up to $118,900 annually.
In addition to a competitive salary, NJDOC Correctional Police Officers also earn a wide variety of benefits – paid time off, excellent health benefits (including dental and vision), education reimbursement, maternity and family leave, disability benefits and leave, military benefits and leave, retirement benefits, and more.
Are you or someone you know looking to join New Jersey’s largest law enforcement agency? NJDOC is actively recruiting dedicated, highly motivated, purpose-driven individuals to become Correctional Police Officers, adding to the Department’s growing force of elite corrections professionals. Class 259 begins training in September 2025, and applications for Class 260, which starts in March 2025, are being accepted now.
To learn more about a career at NJDOC, visit JoinNJDOC.gov today for detailed information and to start the application process online.
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About New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC)
The mission of NJDOC is to advance public safety and promote successful reintegration in a dignified, safe, secure, rehabilitative, and gender-informed environment, supported by a professional, trained, and diverse workforce, enhanced by community engagement. For more information, visit: NJDOC.gov.
