New Jersey Statutes Title 40. Municipalities and Counties 40 § 47-20.12

Upon the creation of a police department in any municipality in which no police department existed theretofore, a person may be appointed to the office of chief of police of such police department if he is otherwise qualified, notwithstanding his age is greater than the maximum age limit set forth in section 40:47-4 1 of the Revised Statutes and notwithstanding that he is not and has not been a resident of said municipality for 6 months immediately preceding his appointment; provided he agrees to become a resident of said municipality within 3 years from the date of his appointment.