| The Essex County Department of Corrections

Careers

As a valued employee of the Essex County Department of Corrections, you’ll be an important part of the county criminal justice system. Every day, you’ll use your leadership, communication and social skills to positively impact the lives of your fellow citizens.

Whether you join us as a Correctional Police Officer, or in one of our non-uniform opportunities in Administration, Finance, Health, IT, Legal, Skilled Trade or Social Services – your talents can make a difference here.

 

Correctional Police Officer

Correctional Police Officers maintain security within correctional facilities and are responsible for the custody, control, care, job training and work performance of detainees within the correctional facility. They perform tasks such as but not limited to;

  • Supervise detainee meals, visits, recreational programs, and other congregate activities.
  • Inspect assigned areas for conditions which threaten safety and security; conduct searches in order to detect contraband.
  • Complete forms and reports; maintain appropriate logs.
  • Communicate with other area Correctional Police Officers to exchange pertinent information.
  • Issue verbal orders, announcements and explanations to detainees.
  • Observe detainees and monitor their safety and well-being while in county custody.
  • Safeguard Departmental supplies and equipment.
  • Escort detainees within and outside of the facility including their transportation in department vehicles.

 

How to Qualify

Click here to apply to join the boldest.

1) Education and Experience Requirements: By the time you are appointed to this position, you must have:

  • A High School diploma/GED
  • Note:  If you were educated outside the United States, you must have your foreign education evaluated to determine its equivalence to education obtained in the United States. You will receive instructions from the Department of Corrections during the pre-employment screening process regarding the approved evaluation services that you may use for foreign education.

2) Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
3) Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
4) Driver License Requirement: You must possess a valid driver’s license in the State of New Jersey.
5) You must agree to and pass a full background check. You may be disqualified for any activities that indicate lack of good character, including but not limited to:

  • Conviction of a felony;
  • Conviction of any offense, the nature of which indicates lack of good moral character or
    disposition towards violence or disorder;
  • Repeated convictions of an offense, where such convictions indicate a disrespect for the law;
  • Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior or inability to adjust to discipline;
  • Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces;
  • Conviction for domestic violence.

 

6) Medical and Psychological Assessment: You will be examined to determine whether you
can perform the essential functions of a Correctional Police Officer.
7) Physical Testing: You must pass a P.T.C. Physical Agility Assessment Test
8) Drug Testing: The Essex County Department of Corrections has a strict zero tolerance policy concerning illegal drug use. You must pass a drug screening prior to appointment.
9) Residency Requirement: At the date of appointment, you must be a resident of the State of New Jersey
10) Language Requirement: You must be able to understand and be understood in English.
11) Proof of Identity: You must be able to prove your identity and your right to obtain employment in the United States.

Essex County Correctional Police Officer Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not currently a New Jersey Resident?
Yes but at the date of appointment, you must be a resident of the State of New Jersey

Do I need to attend a specific college or university?
No, however the college or university you attend must be accredited.

Is there a GPA requirement?
There is no GPA requirement.

I have a misdemeanor, do I still qualify?
This will vary depending on the nature of the misdemeanor, your age at the time of the offense, and other factors.

What does the Physical Agility test consist of?
The Physical Agility test is a test of your endurance consisting of:

Vertical Jump of 15 inches or higher

24 push-ups in 1 minute

300 meter run in 70 seconds or less

28 sit-ups in minute

1.5 mile run in 15 minutes and 55 seconds or less

Is there an age limit to become an Essex County Correctional Police Officer?
You must be at least 18 years old. There is no other age requirement.

Do I need a driver’s license to be a Correctional Police Officer?
You must possess a valid New Jersey State driver’s license.

If I have points on my license or driving infractions, will that affect my application?
If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified but this isn’t automatic. Please be sure to share these details with your investigator.

 

Applicants Journey

  • Applicant submits resume to apply.eccf@gmail.com
  • Applicant scheduled for New Jersey Physical Agility Assessment Test (P.T.C required) at the Essex County Police Academy
  • Applicant scheduled for Fingerprinting and Urinalysis at the Essex County Correctional Facility
  • Applicant scheduled for Pre-Employment Medical Exam
  • Applicant scheduled for Pre-Employment Psychiatric Evaluation
  • Applicant hired as a Correctional Police Officer and in-service training begins at the Essex County Correctional Facility

 

 

BENEFITS* 

Starting 

Step 1  

Step 2 

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Base salary 

$51,369

$60,371

$69,374

$78,375

$87,377

$96,380

$105,379

Uniform allowance 

$700

$700

$700

$700

$700

$700

$700

Holiday pay  

 15 paid per year

15 paid per year

15 paid per year

15 paid per year

15 paid per year

15 paid per year

15 paid per year

  Overtime

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Paid Sick Days 

15 days

15 days

15 days

15 days

15 days

15 days

Paid Vacation Days 

1 day per month

Year 2-5

12 days

Years

6-10

17 days

Years

11-15

20 days

Years

16-20

23 days

Years

20+

25 days

Years

20+

25 days

Paid Holidays 

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Personal Days 

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Educational Increments

(College)

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

 

BENEFIS*

Starting Step 1  Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
Base salary $43,782 $51,454 $59,127 $66,799 $74,471 $82,144 $89,814
Uniform allowance $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700
Holiday pay  15 paid per year 15 paid per year 15 paid per year 15 paid per year 15 paid per year 15 paid per year 15 paid per year
  Overtime Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Paid Sick Days 15 days 15 days 15 days 15 days 15 days 15 days
Paid Vacation Days 1 day per month

Year 2-5

12 days

Years

6-10

17 days

Years

11-15

20 days

Years

16-20

23 days

Years

20+

25 days

Years

20+

25 days

Paid Holidays 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Personal Days 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Educational Increments

(College)

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050

30 credits=$2,460

60 credits+$4,920

Bachelors=$6,050