The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to welcome two new officers, Patrolman Jason Tarabokija and Special Law Enforcement Officer II Robert Campolei, who were sworn in by Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer during a ceremony in the Municipal Complex Civic Center on September 10, 2018, in front of family, police personnel and Township administrators. The officers were hired in response to recent and anticipated retirements within the department.
Taking his oath first was Jason Tarabokija, a 30-year-old resident of Point Pleasant who joins the department after working as a teacher with the Manchester Township School District for the past seven years. Ptl. Tarabokija is a 2011 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rowan University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Education. Ptl. Tarabokija is also a certified ocean lifeguard, having worked for Island Beach State Park since June 2006.
Next to be sworn in was Robert Campolei, a 32-year-old resident of Lacey Township. Officer Campolei is a graduate of Ocean County College and Lincoln Technical Institute of Technology, where he achieved a degree in Master Certified Automotive Technologies in 2007. He began his law enforcement career in 2015 as a SLEO I with the Seaside Heights Police Department, and after graduating from the Ocean County Police Academy worked as a SLEO II for Seaside Heights and later Lacey Township.
The swearing in ceremony was led by Chief Lisa Parker, who explained that the intensive Manchester Township Police Department hiring process began in January of 2018, when approximately 170 individuals submitted their applications for employment. During the first phase, applicants participated in the Physical Agility Examination held at Manchester Township High School. This grueling test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, and a 1 mile run. Those applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component. The 92 applicants who completed all portions of the physical exam were invited to participate in the Written Examination phase. From there, the top scorers went before the Oral Board for extensive interviews. Those candidates considered for employment underwent a thorough background investigation and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.
“Our rigorous and demanding hiring process ensures that only the best recruits are invited to join the ranks of the Manchester Township Police Department,” said Chief Parker. “Ptl. Tarabokija and Special Officer Campolei have proven that they are upstanding and driven individuals who possess the strong character required to succeed as a law enforcement officer.”
Ptl. Tarabokija will begin basic training at the Ocean County Police Academy next week, while Officer Campolei will begin the department’s intensive twelve week Field Training and Evaluation Program. We wish them both success in their law enforcement careers serving Manchester Township and its residents.