LINCROFT, N.J. (Monmouth County) — Ninety-nine new state troopers graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy on Friday following 26 weeks of physical and academic training.
Acting New Jersey State Police Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle and Gov. Mikie Sherrill presented badges to members of the 168th New Jersey State Police Recruit Training Class during a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.
The graduating class included 94 men and five women. State Police said 96 members have bachelor’s degrees, 26 previously served in the military, six have prior law enforcement experience and two were firefighters.
The recruits completed 26 weeks of classroom instruction and practical training scenarios, including motor vehicle stops and domestic violence responses. The curriculum also included cultural diversity instruction provided by community leaders and cultural organizations.
As part of their training, recruits visited a courtroom and met with a judge to learn more about the role of evidence, reports and testimony in the judicial process, as well as legal standards, constitutional rights, procedural fairness and courtroom conduct.
The class also visited a morgue, a training component that State Police said had not been included in recent academy cycles. Officials said the experience was intended to improve investigative awareness and emotional preparedness while reinforcing the importance of victims and forensic processes.
Recruits also participated in community service initiatives designed to build public trust, strengthen communication skills and establish connections with the communities they will serve.
The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is a residential academy, with recruits reporting before sunrise each Monday and remaining there until dismissal Friday evening. During the latest academy class, three recruits had a child born and three experienced the death of a family member, according to State Police.
“I congratulate the graduating members of the 168th class of the New Jersey Police Academy on this tremendous achievement,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “We are proud to welcome these new troopers to the New Jersey State Police and grateful for their commitment to serving communities across our state. I wish them every success as they begin this new chapter.”
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport also welcomed the new troopers.
“I am proud to welcome these graduates to one of the finest law enforcement agencies in our country—the New Jersey State Police.” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. As we witnessed during the recent World Cup, when the NJSP decides on a mission, they deliver. Through matches, festivals, and parties, our State Police kept the promise of keeping the public safe. I am confident members of the 168th graduating class will continue that commitment to excellence.”
Hengemuhle said graduation marks the beginning of the troopers’ careers and emphasized the importance of continued training as law enforcement evolves.
“Graduation from our police academy is a proud milestone, but it is not a destination—it marks the beginning of a career defined by preparation, professionalism, and lifelong learning. The landscape of law enforcement is constantly evolving, and the challenges our troopers face today will not be the same challenges they confront tomorrow. Our responsibility is to ensure they are equipped not only for the duties before them now, but for those that will emerge in the years ahead,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The academy has provided these graduates with a strong and deliberate foundation—one built on discipline, knowledge, and skill. Yet the true measure of their service will be found in their ongoing commitment to train, to learn, and to grow. Today, they are prepared to serve with the skills and readiness they have worked hard to develop. Tomorrow, they must be prepared to adapt, to lead, and to meet new challenges with the same determination that brought them to this moment.”
The newly graduated troopers have been assigned to State Police stations throughout New Jersey. They will begin their careers under the guidance of trooper-coaches and direct supervision in the coming months.
