The New Jersey State Detectives are commissioned by the Governor of New Jersey as police officers with statewide jurisdiction. All are members of the historic New Jersey Detective Agency, a body politic created by the New Jersey Legislature in 1871. Current members come from the ranks of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. They have specialized training and experience in many facets of law enforcement including firearms, narcotics, sex crimes, arson, organized crime and street gang investigations. The cumulative experience of this agency's members span hundreds of years of policing and the investigation of thousands of crimes. Membership requirements for applicants to the agency are set at a high level, and each prospective member must have a minimum of ten years full-time law enforcement experience with a federal, state, county or municipal agency involved in policing or criminal investigation. Additionally, candidates must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with a law or criminal justice major, pass a medical examination, drug screening test and undergo a thorough background investigation. They must also receive firearms training and must qualify in accordance with the guidelines established by the New JerseyAttorney General's Office. The mission of the NJDA and its State Detectives is to serve the law enforcement community by providing access to the experience, education and assistance of its members through one centralized organization. This assistance is designed to be available in times of disaster or in any emergency where the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of New Jersey are threatened. The very nature of the organization of State Detectives provides an additional police presence throughout the state to help ensure a safe and secure environment for its citizens; and at no cost to the taxpayers. New Jersey State Detectives have been officially recognized and publicly honored by proclamations from the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly.
