History | Staff | Directions

In the late 1950's the Ocean County Chief's of Police recognized the need for a standardized training curriculum for recruit police officers. Working with the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, an agreement for joint responsibility was entered to establish a central police training facility.

The County assumed fiscal responsibility, providing a building, general staff and material support, the County Chief's contribution would be the donation of people for instruction and an operational commitment through an Advisory Board.

In 1960 the Ocean County Police Academy became a reality. The building pictured on our cover, originally a Carriage House in the beautiful former John D. Rockefeller estate, was converted to provide classroom space and clerical support. The first class graduated 14 recruits from its 6 week course in 1961, many of whom came to distinguish themselves as they moved upward through the police ranks, a few as Chiefs.

Dynamic changes in law enforcement in the late 1970's illuminated the need to expand the Academy services and its facilities. In the 1980's, the County Chief's Association began to lobby for a new, improved training facility. The Academy was providing two Basic Police Training Courses and one Special Law Enforcement Officer II Courses. Each course now consumed over 500 hours of training. In addition, the Academy was providing several specialized Police Training Commission Approved In-Service Courses.

Recognizing the plight, and the importance of police training, the Freeholders embarked on a plan to add classroom space to the existing building. The plan met with many obstacles and first needed the approval of the New Jersey Green Acres Commission as the park location received Green Acres funding. After numerous meetings and compromises, approval was finally granted in 1996. As the original building is a registered historic site, additional meetings and compromises were needed to obtain the Historical Societies approval. Construction finally began in early 1997 with completion due in early 1998.

Since 1993 the Academy has emphasized the development of a variety of specialized courses geared to enhance the skills, knowledge and abilities of law enforcement throughout the County. These courses are directed toward veteran Police Officers and we instruct over 2000 each year.

In addition, the Academy extends its resources to assist in police related projects which improve community interaction or enhances the role of the police as guardians of the public safety. A summer Youth Camp for Juvenile Offenders, hosting law enforcement professional associations, giving Career Day talks and a weekend Law Enforcement Merit Badge achievement jamboree for the Boy Scouts are examples.

The Academy has come a long way from its 14 person a year, 6 week Police Recruit Training to its present organization. Through this growth the original commitments have not wavered; mutual cooperation, understanding and the leadership of County Government and its Law Enforcement Community has transformed the humble, converted Carriage House into one of the top Police Training Academies in New Jersey.