About the Human Services Police

The Human Services Police Force protects state facilities across the state which are open and operated by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. This includes developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals.

Through a joint agreement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) the Human Services Police partner with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) staff with investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect and, if necessary, arranging for the child's protection and the family's treatment.

Mission Statement

The New Jersey State Human Services Police are sworn to serve and protect the people of the state with a focus on children, families, and individuals with disabilities and special needs.

History

The need for police at Department of Human Services facilities was recognized by the legislature in the 1890’s when it enacted N.J.S. 30:4-14 authorizing the commissioner to appoint “Special Policemen” to keep the peace at the facilities. There were Human Services Police Officers more than 30 years before the New Jersey State Police was created and they have been serving the public for over 100 years. In those days, an officer was employed by a specific institution and the duties of the officer varied widely from facility to facility. The officers reported to the administration of the particular institution and there was no centralized control of the department.

In 1984, Commissioner George Albanese recognized the need for a centralized police service. He issued Administrative Order 1:50 that created the Human Services Police. On December 8, 1995, Governor Christine Todd Whitman signed into law Bill A-2177. This legislation gave Human Services Police Officers full statewide police powers. The Human Services Police is structured to serve the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health, and the Department of Children and Families.

Human Services Police Officers perform the same basic functions as a police officer in a municipality. However, the Human Services Police Officer is a unique position. They are charged with protecting the people of New Jersey, especially those in the most vulnerable situations.

New Jersey Human Services Director of Police