Paterson Police Department Welcomes 10 New Officers Following Academy Graduation

– Patrick Murray, Officer in Charge

Officer in Charge Patrick Murray and the Paterson Police Department proudly welcomed 10 new police officers following their graduation from the Newark Police Academy during a ceremony held August 17 at the William Mobile Ashby Community Care and Training Center in Newark.

Key details

The graduates successfully completed the academy’s rigorous training program, meeting the requirements of New Jersey’s Police Training Commission, and were officially sworn in as members of the Paterson Police Department.

It includes developing meaningful relationships with the people we serve.

Continued collaboration and engagement with our neighborhoods, community organizations and businesses, our faith-based leaders, and our local stakeholders remain essential to building lasting partnerships.

The residents of Paterson deserve nothing less.”

The graduating class included nine men and one woman ranging in age from 21 to 35.

More than half of the new officers are Spanish-speaking, and one speaks Vietnamese, further enhancing the department’s ability to communicate with and serve Paterson’s diverse community.

One graduate was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States.

During their academy training, the recruits received instruction in criminal and motor vehicle law, first aid and CPR, opioid reversal response, use of force standards, de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, domestic violence response, communication skills, and community policing.

The curriculum also placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness, firearms proficiency, officer wellness, and community engagement.

What officials said

As these new officers begin their careers, I encourage them to remember that effective policing is built on professionalism, mutual respect, and trust,” said Officer in Charge Murray.

Our daily mission extends beyond responding to calls for service.

Why it matters to residents

Three members of the class entered the department with prior public safety experience, including one former police dispatcher, one volunteer firefighter, and one former corrections officer.

What happens next

They will now begin serving the residents of Paterson.

The new officers will now enter the department’s field training program, where they will work alongside experienced field training officers while gaining practical, hands-on experience.

They will also spend time on walking patrols throughout the city, providing opportunities to engage directly with residents and develop a deeper understanding of the neighborhoods they will serve.