The New Jersey State Police has gained 149 new state troopers.
The 154th State Police recruit class graduated during ceremonies in Toms River on Friday.
The class started with 200 recruits.
The State Police say approximately one-third of the graduates are minorities and 21 percent have military experience.
Other interesting facts about the graduating class:
- 80% have a Bachelor's Degree or higher
- 40% played college sports
- 25% have prior experience in law enforcement
- Of 149 graduates, 11 are women: 7 white, 1 black, 1 hispanic, 1 American Indian, 1 "other"
Acting Attorney General John Hoffman and Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes were on hand as the troopers received their badges and put on demonstrations that reflected their training.
"The intensive training that troopers received and the friendships they forged over the past 24 weeks will stay with them for their entire careers and beyond," Fuentes said in statement.
State Police applicants must now have a Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 60 college credits, plus two years of work experience.
