Millville Police Swears In 7 Officers, Still Needs 14 More Recruits

Even after celebrating the graduation of seven new officers, Millville's police force remains 14 recruits short of the 85-officer strength the city has budgeted for, and Chief Ross Hoffman is pressing the department's case directly to potential applicants.

The seven officers, Tymir Gravely, Olamide Lateef, Jose Roman, Breanna Morrocco, Justin Fuller, Pedro Santiago and Mark Winters, completed their training at the Atlantic County Police Academy in Egg Harbor Township on March 12, 2026. They had been sworn in last August before beginning the academy program, and their graduation brings the department's total to 71 sworn officers, leaving it 14 short of its funded target.

"The new officers are a welcomed addition to the police department as we continue to recruit new officers to replenish our rank and file," Hoffman said. "We are currently accepting applications and expect to fill those slots by the end of the year."

Hoffman tied the staffing shortfall directly to how the department polices Cumberland County's streets, indicating the gap has operational consequences. "I look forward to reinstating a proactive policing approach to the city once they have completed their Field Training," he said.

The department is offering a starting salary of $54,863 per year, with additional pay available for officers holding college degrees. All officers work 12-hour shifts.

To qualify, applicants must be American citizens, reside in New Jersey, be between 18 and 35 at the time of appointment, carry no criminal record, and hold a valid driver's license. Candidates must also clear a background investigation, drug screening, psychological screening and a pre-academy fitness test before heading to the Atlantic County Police Academy in Egg Harbor Township.

Interested candidates can contact the department's training unit at trainingunit@pd.millvillenj.gov.