The Lakewood Police Department has welcomed its newest police officer. Stephanie Campbell began training at the Ocean County Police Academy in March, and graduated on Thursday in Lakewood.
Campbell, an African American, adds to the diversity of the department, which consists of eight other female officers, including only one other African American female.
“She was near the top of her class academically and I am confident that she will be a great addition to the Police Department,” says Police Chief Rob Lawson.
The officer is one of about 15 new officers who recently joined the department, replacing retired officers.
Two officers also recently filed for disability retirement, and Sergeant Leon Woods has filed for retirement, the Chief said.
With the new hires, Lakewood’s police force will consist of 126 officers.
The department is looking to hire another 3-4 officers for the coming September academy class, the Chief says.
Campbell has now begun training with a Field Training Officer (FTO), and is expected to begin patrolling solo in about three months.
[TLS. Photos provided by the Lakewood Shopper]
KPICASA_GALLERY(GraduationStephanieCampbellLPDFromShopper#)
Enough with political correctness!!! A 4’8″ female should never be a cop, not because I discriminate but because a cop that gender and size will have to resort to lethal force in almost any physical altercation. She doesn’t stand a chance of protecting herself (or me, for that matter) with her physical abilities. Notice the post mentioned her academic abilities, not physical. I really don’t want an IQ protecting me, I want muscle protecting me!
Race & gender are IRRELEVANT. A good police officer is a good police officer. Period.
seriously there are so many police officers in lkwd already, theres no need for more,
I met her and was impressed with her. She is ethical and enthusiastic. 99 % of police work doesn’t required the takedown of suspects. She’ll do fine.
Exactly. How much muscle does it take to write tickets all day?
What the dept needs now is more supervision!