10 New Police Officers Graduate from Bergen County Police Academy, Join Paterson Police Department

HACKENSACK, NJ - Ten new police officers graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy and officially joined the ranks of the Paterson Police Department. The graduates were honored in a ceremony held at Bergen County Academies High School in Hackensack, where they were recognized for completing the comprehensive training requirements of the academy. Notably, five of the graduating officers are continuing a family tradition, joining family members already serving in law enforcement within the department.

“We welcome these 10 new officers as they join Paterson’s finest,” Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi said. “The police profession is often a family business, and that is no different here in Paterson. As these new officers follow in the footsteps of their family members, it demonstrates the confidence our veteran officers have in the trajectory of this department and the future of our city as they encourage the next generation of their own families to join the next generation of the PPD.”

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The new officers underwent 23 weeks of intensive training at the academy, covering a wide range of topics such as criminal law, motor vehicle law, first responder instruction including CPR and first aid, opioid reversal training, use of force, handling incidents of domestic violence, working with individuals with special needs, firearm proficiency, physical fitness, and officer resiliency. Additionally, each officer completed an Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, which equips law enforcement officers with the skills and options needed to defuse critical incidents with limited use of force. ICAT training became mandatory for all officers following revisions to the state’s Use of Force Policy in late 2020 through Attorney General Directive 2020-13.

Following their graduation, the new officers will continue their training within the Paterson Police Department’s training division for the next six months. Their first assignments will include walking a beat in various areas of the city to understand the community's needs and concerns. They will also spend time paired with veteran Paterson police officers to gain valuable patrol experience.

The new class of officers reflects the diverse community of Paterson, with the majority being local residents. The officers represent Hispanic, Black, and Middle Eastern cultures, with one officer each born in the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Palestine. Among them, three officers are fluent in Spanish, three in Arabic, and one in French Creole. The group includes seven male and three female officers, ranging in age from 21 to 34.

The Bergen County Police Academy, certified by the Police Training Commission, provides comprehensive training for law enforcement officers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles. Various academies across the state train officers for their demanding careers, equipping them to join the more than 38,000 law enforcement officers serving in New Jersey.

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