She’s the newest officer in the line of duty in Princeton

Princeton Township adds sixth female officer to force of 31

By: Nick Norlen
   Princeton Township Police Officer Jennifer Lacovara is not one to limit herself.
   Sworn in as the township’s newest probationary patrol officer on Monday, Officer Lacovara has high aspirations for her career in law enforcement.
   But not just in any one direction.
   "I always was pretty fascinated by anything that had to do with police work," she said during an interview Tuesday. "To me, every aspect of it was very interesting. Once I knew that you could specialize in so many different (areas), I knew it would be the kind of job that would never be boring to me. I’m not one of those people who likes to sit in an office. I like to be on the road. I like to be with the people."
   After graduating from Rutgers University, where she studied criminal justice and sociology, Officer Lacovara worked as a case worker for the state’s Division of Youth and Family and Family Services, investigating cases involving child abuse neglect and sex crimes.
   Along with her experience with investigation and juveniles, the 27-year-old graduate of Camden County Police Academy also cited interest in the forensic, judicial and tactical aspects of law enforcement.
   But she hasn’t narrowed down what area of policing she’ll pursue in the coming years.
   "Being so new, I’m not sure what’s going to hold my interest the most," she said, citing plans to take advantage of tactical training and the possibility of joining local task forces. "I’m going to play the field."
   Township Police Chief Mark Emann said that ambition was part of the reason he knew Officer Locavara would fit in with his department.
   "I could tell that she had a desire to be a police officer," he said. "I was confident that she would make a good addition."
   While Chief Emann said Officer Lacovara’s investigative experience and her Spanish speaking ability were qualities that made her stand "head and shoulders" above the other candidates, he said he could tell she also possessed a certain poise and confidence during the interview process.
   Officer Lacovara said that confidence comes, at least in part, from the fact that she’s in a career that is male dominated.
   During her training at the police academy, there was pressure to work even harder, she said.
   "Especially being in the academy with 23 other guys," she said. "It’s like being in a classroom with a bunch of brothers. You kind of do have to prove yourself."
   But she said she’s definitely looking forward to working in the township, where she’ll join the ranks of a department with what she said is an "unheard of" ratio of female officers — six out of 31.
   "I feel kind of lucky to be in a department that hires women as often as Princeton," she said. "We have a lot to offer."
   At Monday’s swearing-in ceremony, Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand agreed, saying she could "remember when having a woman on the police force was really a rarity."
   She added, "Now, our police department reflects our community in so many ways."
   Having grown up in Pennsauken, Officer Lacovara said she’s excited about finding that same diversity in Princeton.
   "I like working in a community that has so many different cultures to offer," she said. "I’m more comfortable in a diverse setting."
   For now, Officer Lacovara said she’s ready to get to know residents and let them know what kind of officer she plans to be.
   "Basically I’m your friendly officer. That’s kind of what I set out to be," she said. "Really, if anything, I want to be the officer that people can come up to and talk to. I’m here to help and I’m here to be your friend."