Manchester Swears In New Patrol Officer

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department welcomed a new patrol officer during a swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 2.

Patrol Officer Lillian Barber was sworn in by Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer during a small ceremony in front of a limited group of family and police personnel.

Barber, 22, lives in Mount Holly. She was born in Boston and lived in Great Falls, Virginia before moving to Mount Holly. She graduated from Langley High School in 2015 and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in sociology, majoring in criminology, at Virginia Tech University. 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.

Barber began her law enforcement career in Manchester as a Special Law Enforcement Officer II in August.

"I’m proud that we have succeeded in adding diversity to the ranks of the Manchester Township Police Department, with Patrol Officer Barber becoming the third female officer hired since I became Chief of Police in 2015,” Chief Lisa Parker said.

The police department's hiring process began in June 2019, when about 125 people applied for the position. For the first phase, applicants took the Physical Agility Examination held at Manchester Township High School. The test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1-mile run. Those applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component. About 70 applicants who completed all portions of the physical exam were invited to take the written examination. 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.

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