Municipal police departments from Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties will be in attendance, along with representatives from the FBI and DEA.
GLASSBORO -- More than 20 different law enforcement agencies will be on hand at Rowan University this Saturday to answer questions and accept applications for the Law Enforcement Diversity Job Fair.
The job fair, organized by the Gloucester County NAACP and the prosecutor's office, will offer food and music in addition to information on applying to law enforcement agencies throughout the area. The event is part of the Diversity Recruitment Initiative, which works to encourage more minority candidates to apply for law enforcement jobs. Municipal police departments from Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties will be in attendance, along with representatives from the FBI and DEA. Anyone interested in working in law enforcement is invited to attend.
"We urge applicants of all backgrounds to attend a festive atmosphere, where law enforcement personnel and activist members of the Gloucester County community supportive of the protection of our public safety will be waiting to greet you," said Loretta Winters, president of the Gloucester County NAACP.
Winters added that applicants do not necessarily need to be future police officers. People interested in working with law enforcement in information technology or clerical capacities are also welcome.
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Wilfredo Rojas, communications chair of the NAACP, said the recruitment push was part of an attempt to better connect local residents with the officers who protect them.
"We're looking to replenish and bolster the ranks for law enforcement and in particular police departments in Gloucester County, and we are looking for more minorities and women to help make these departments and agencies more community-oriented," said Rojas. "When you have a law enforcement entity that has diversity, residents tend to see the men and women who are sworn to sacrifice their lives for others, no matter race or ethnicity as people, not just a person in uniform. You identify with that person who looks like you and share something in common with as a friend you can trust."
Basic requirements in Gloucester County state that applicants should have either a four-year college degree or a two-year degree with law enforcement experience. Exceptions to that requirement can be made for applicants who have a military background in lieu of college. Information on the application requirements for individual town departments can be found at gloucesterpolicerecruitment.org.
Anyone interested in exploring a career in law enforcement can attend the job fair at the Rowan University Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Organizers urge attendees to bring along a resume.
"This fair will introduce young people to opportunities in law enforcement with local police departments and give them an opportunity to compete for these positions," said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton.
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
