MORRISTOWN (11/15/05) – The Morris County Firefighters and police Training Academy is again offering an Alternate Route Basic Course for Police Officers.

The program gives individuals who are interested in becoming police officers the opportunity to attend the training academy at their own expense prior to being hired by a police department.

The alternate route program creates a pool of trained officers from which communities can hire police officers. It saves the municipalities the expense associated with police officer training.

Registration for the written examination to be given to qualified individuals who wish to participate in the training course will be conducted at the academy, 500 West Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills on Mondays and Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from November 21 through January 13.

Candidates must reside in Morris, Sussex, Warren, Bergen or Passaic Counties and must present two proofs of residency at the time of registration. Candidates also must pay a $75 non-refundable registration fee in cash or money order payable to the Morris County Fire Fighters and Police Training Academy. Personal checks will not be accepted.

The written exam will be given at the academy at p 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 18.

Candidates for the program must at least 18 years of age and no older than 35 by the completion of the program and in good health. Individuals must also have a minimum of 60 college credits or two years of active military service or a combination of the two. Proof of military service is required when registering.

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude

This program has been approved for Morris County by the New Jersey State Police Training Commission. More information about the course can be of obtained by calling the academy at (973) 285-2979 or by visiting the academy Web site at www.morrisacademy.org.