N.J. trooper diversity called better

SEA GIRT, N.J. - New Jersey's top law enforcement officers said Tuesday that efforts to bring in a more diverse new class of state troopers were going well.

Applicants on Tuesday took the physical qualification test at the training academy in Sea Girt, a major step toward joining the force.

More than 12,000 men and women applied in May when state police started accepting new applications for the first time in more than two years. The plan is to bring in a total of 250 new troopers next year in two academy classes.

Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa and State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes said that 9,600 applicants met all the initial qualifications and that 8,500 scheduled themselves to take the physical test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and running.

The NAACP has criticized the state as not hiring enough minorities for the jobs.

Chiesa said diversity had improved in every category.

Tentative diversity numbers of the remaining applicants are 19 percent Hispanic, 15 percent African American, 14 percent female, and 3 percent Asian - numbers similar to the state's population.

"As one of the nation's most richly diverse states, I think it's essential that we strive to have local, county, and state law enforcement agencies that reflect our diversity," Chiesa said.

Applicants who pass the physical test must then pass background checks and medical and psychological exams.

Those who survive the testing are then invited to attend the state police's residential academy, which lasts about six months.