MANCHESTER – The Township Police Department recently welcomed its latest addition to the force in the form of Patrolwoman Lillian Barber, who was recently sworn in by Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer during a small ceremony in front of a limited group of family and police personnel.
The new officer is a 22-year-old resident of Mount Holly who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and previously lived in Great Falls, Virginia. She is a 2015 graduate of Langley High School.
Barber went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Sociology, majoring in Criminology. She received high academic honors while participating in several programs and clubs including the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the Virginia Tech Student Police Academy.
After moving to New Jersey, Barber attended the Ocean County Police Academy, where she quickly established herself as a class leader. She held a 100 percent average in academics and excelled in physical fitness, finishing in the top half of her class.
She began her law enforcement career in Manchester Township as a Special Law Enforcement Officer II in August 2020. “I’m proud that we have succeeded in adding diversity to the ranks of the Manchester Township Police Department, with Barber becoming the third female officer hired since I became Chief of Police in 2015,” Township Police Chief Lisa Parker said.
Parker noted that the intensive Manchester Township Police Department hiring process began in June of 2019, when approximately 125 individuals submitted their applications for employment.
For 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, and a one-mile run. Those applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component.
The approximately 70 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.
