2018 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2018

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NJSP Unveil Exhibit Commemorating First All-Female State Police Class in Nation

96th New Jersey State Police Class Graduated 30 Women on June 27, 1980

West Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police today unveiled a new exhibit at the Museum and Learning Center, located at Division Headquarters, commemorating the first all-female state police class in the nation. 

During the fall of 1979, the New Jersey State Police initiated a program to recruit, select, and train an all-female recruit class in an effort to increase the number of women troopers.  Out of the 1,631 women who took the written examination on October 13, 1979, 748 were invited to continue in the selection process.  Ultimately, 116 were accepted to attend the academy after successfully completing a physical test, medical background, and an oral board.  On June 27, 1980, 30 women graduated the academy as members of the 96th New Jersey State Police Class.

Lieutenant Colonel Steven Shallop, Deputy Superintendent of Administration, addressed those in attendance at the unveiling ceremony, which included First Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, enlisted and civilian staff, and several members of the 96th Class and their families.

“The opening of this exhibit commemorating the first all-female state police class in the nation is a good time to celebrate the tremendous contribution of all women in law enforcement in New Jersey – women who serve and have served our communities with great honor, dedication and courage,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “As we remember the past, we also look to a bright future, and I hope the trailblazing cadets of 1980 will inspire other good, service-minded women to join the State Police and other law enforcement agencies as sworn officers.”

“We believe this exhibit will serve to honor and memorialize the women who were such a historic part of our story—the New Jersey State Police—and really that of our nation, being the first ever all-woman state police class,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “The thousands of school children who visit our Museum and Learning Center will now see a display dedicated to women troopers, educating and inspiring those who will come after us.”

The New Jersey State Police Museum and Learning Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The 96th New Jersey State Police Class exhibit is the latest addition to the Learning Center and includes historical photographs and memorabilia.

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