PATERSON - Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi and other officials from the Paterson Police Department celebrated the addition of 15 new officers on Wednesday. The officers graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy at Felician University's Lodi Campus, bringing Paterson's police force to over 400 members.

The newly sworn-in officers joined the department as part of the PPD NextGen strategy, which aims to enhance policing with a focus on constitutional rights and community service. Officer in Charge Abbassi expressed gratitude to the Bergen County Police Academy for their continued collaboration and support in training the officers.

Over a 23-week program, the recruits were trained in various areas, including criminal law, use of force, and first aid. They also completed the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, which trains officers to manage critical incidents with minimal force.

The new officers reflect Paterson's diversity and language capabilities, which will aid community relations. Their initial assignments will involve engaging with the Paterson community to foster better relationships between police and residents.