A.M., CSC Docket No. 2022-2249

BackgroundA.M. requests to file late applications for Entry Level Law Enforcement Examinations for Police Officer (M0005D), Bayonne, Police Officer (M0059D), Hoboken, Police Officer (M0066D), Jersey City, Police Officer (M0103D), Newark, Police Officer (M0106D), North Bergen, Police Officer (M0155D), Union City, Sheriff’s Officer (C0220D), Hudson County, and State Park Police Officer Trainee (S0231D).

The law enforcement examinations were announced on January 3, 2022, and closed on February 28, 2022. The announcement instructed candidates that online applications must be completed and submitted by the application deadline date, and it provided information regarding customer care and technical support, including asking candidates to please file early. Only on-line applications were accepted. The examination is anticipated to be held in the spring of 2022, and numerous candidates have been admitted.

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.1(e) provides, in pertinent part, that applications for open competitive and promotional examinations should be filed no later than the announced filing date for filing applications. N.J.A.C. 4A:l-1.2(c) provides that the Civil Service Commission (Commission) may relax a rule for good cause to effectuate the purpose of Title l1A, New Jersey Statutes.

AnalysisThe petitioner was not admitted to the subject examination since he did not complete the filing of an application by 4:00 p.m. on the February 28, 2022, closing date. Nevertheless, the petitioner provided medical documentation indicating that he was hospitalized from January 1, 2022 to March 1, 2022. The Commission generally denies requests to accept late examination applications, as N.J.A.C. 4A:4- 2.1(e) requires applicants to file their applications by the closing date. However, under the circumstances presented, the Commission finds that there is good cause to relax N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.1(e) and admit the petitioner to the subject examinations. Finally, as this remedy is limited to the unique circumstances of this matter, it does not provide a precedent in any other matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this request be granted, and the petitioner’s applications for Police Officer (M0005D), Bayonne, Police Officer (M0059D), Hoboken, Police Officer (M0066D), Jersey City, Police Officer (M0103D), Newark, Police Officer (M0106D), North Bergen, Police Officer (M0155D), Union City, Sheriff’s Officer (C0220D), Hudson County, and State Park Police Officer Trainee (S0231D) be accepted.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.