I applied in-person. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Burlington Police Department (Washington) (Burlington, NJ) in June 2014
Interview
First they have an open house to tell you about the job. The next day they call the guys back that they are interested in and start the application process. 50 page application, drug test, finger printed and run through their data base, credit check and bad credit will disqualify you, if you pass that, they assign you a detective to dig through your past. Next the detective will call your references and come to your home when your not their and interview your relatives and neighbors while your not around. Then you will have a sit down panel meeting with the Sargent and police chef and about 6 other officers. They are going to ask you about: drugs, stereo typing, past troubles, and integrity. This meeting is about 30mins long.