The Alternate Route Program is a program by which a candidate pays his or her own way through the Monmouth County Police Academy.  Upon Completion of the Basic Course for Police Officers, an Alternate Route Program graduate has three (3) years to get hired as a police officer in the State of New Jersey.

APPLICANTS ARE CHOSEN STRICTLY BY THEIR WRITTEN SCORES ON THE MONMOUTH COUNTY CHIEF’S EXAM. IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN THIS EXAM, YOU CANNOT APPLY TO THE ALTERNATE ROUTE PROGRAM.

To be eligible an applicant must:

Have completed at least 60 college credits or have completed at least two (2) years of Honorable active-duty military service. (Military service must have been completed within the last three (3) years to be eligible for this option.)

• Be between the ages of 18 to 34;

• Be a United States citizen;

• Pass an oral interview

• Take and pass a psychological and medical exam.

• Have passed both portions of the Chief’s Exam, i.e. written and physical.

Accepted applicants will be required to pay for all their equipment, uniforms and ammunition. Additional expenses include a medical and psychological exam.

NOTE: The number of Alternate Route candidates permitted in each recruit class is determined by the number of full time recruits that are enrolled. Once this number is determined, an equal number of veterans can be enrolled. (e.g. If five Alternate Route candidates are enrolled in the next Academy class, then an additional five people who hold veterans status can also be enrolled. Veterans must also meet all of the above qualifications.)