Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, Chief Thomas Strumolo and the Nutley Police Command Staff held its first Police Hiring Workshop on Wednesday night, March 20th, as an information session for those interested in becoming a Nutley or Essex County police officer.
 
“I’ve been a police officer for over 24 years so I’m coming into this and seeing a lot of faces of people in the community,” Lieutenant Michael Padilla said to open the meeting. “It’s been a great opportunity and journey for me. It’s a rewarding part of what I do. Joining the police force not only employs you but also immerses you in the town you live in.”
 
Padilla touched on many topics such as the minimum requirements to become an officer; you must be 18 years or older;  need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and U.S. citizenship. Along with this, a test has to be taken with scores being put into consideration for your hiring. A physical examination of your strength is also an important component of the exam.
 
Applications to join the police force opened on March 1st and must be submitted by 4 pm on April 1, 2024, with the 5-month-long academy having a tentative start date in the summer of the same year. These applications are open for multiple different departments and municipalities with a $30 fee for each entry.
 
“I see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd which makes me happy,” Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said.  “Being a police officer is a great career. Especially in a great township like Nutley. I look forward to seeing all of you join us someday soon.”