Trenton police will host a recruitment drive for those interested in becoming a cop and improving community relations.
TRENTON -- "Be part of the solution."
That's the pitch behind the Trenton Police Department's new recruitment drive, meant to foster better relations between officers and community members.
Community relations between police officers and the public has been a national issue in the past few years and departments nationwide have been trying to add residents of the cities they police to their ranks.
Trenton police have said the department would like to see a Dallas effect in Trenton, referencing Dallas Police Chief David Brown who said to during Black Lives Matter demonstrations there, "We're hiring. Get off that protest line and put an application in. We'll put you in your neighborhood and help you resolve some of those problems."
After the challenge, police applications tripled in Dallas.
The Trenton Police Department will be hosting two more recruitment drives for those interested on Saturday.
Trenton police want residents to join force
One will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 735 East State St. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and another at the CYO located at 960 South Broad St., also from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Those attending the session will be given information on the steps necessary to become a Trenton police officer, the background investigation process and test-taking strategies.
Attendees must be a city resident, must be a United States or naturalized citizen, between the ages of 18 and 35 and must have a high school diploma or GED.
For more information or to apply online visit the Civil Service Commission website at www.state.nj.us/csc.
Greg Wright may be reached at gwright@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregTheWright. Find NJ.com on Facebook.