March, 2006

    Full size picture

    Full size picture 

Commissioner of Personnel Rolando Torres, Jr. addressed both the PBA and FOP conventions, sharing information of interest to law enforcement officers.

DOP offers New Jersey’s law enforcement community up-to-date training, counseling and a program to transfer jurisdictions while retaining permanent civil service status.

Commissioner Torres stressed that in a time of tight budgets, when we all must do more with fewer resources, training is essential. The DOP’s training arm – the Human Resource Development Institute (HRDI) – has developed a series of courses specifically tailored for law enforcement personnel.

He also discussed the importance of the DOP’s Employee Advisory Service (EAS), which is a counseling service that helps public service employees cope with financial, legal and mental health issues.

Additionally, Commissioner Torres talked about the Intergovernmental Transfer Program, offering law enforcement officers facing layoffs a means to be placed in vacancies in other jurisdictions. He also reminded the audience about the Statewide Eligible List – or “Rice” Bill – which permits law enforcement officers employed by non-civil service jurisdictions that experience a layoff to be considered for employment in civil service jurisdictions.

Commissioner Torres said, “I am eager to hear your concerns and ideas. We want to be responsive to your needs.”