Dr. Jeff Bernstein is the President of Bernstein & Associates, Inc. He is a consulting psychologist who has experience as a police officer and sergeant. He earned a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management and is a licensed Doctor of Psychology. He is also a Certified Assessor and Assessor Trainer. Dr. Bernstein's post-doctoral studies are in the field of Civil Service exams and test preparation. He is a published author of the best selling book, "Supervision of Police Personnel." He is also a published author of a number of articles and test preparation study guides. Dr. Bernstein is a member of the American Psychological Association, and is considered the top expert in police promotional and entry level testing. His vast experience in the area of test preparation and development has earned him a reputation as one of the leading trainers in the law enforcement field. Throughout the country, he has prepared thousands of police candidates for exams. Dr. Bernstein has represented PBA and FOP lodges throughout the country on Public Safety Test Preparation and is a member of both unions. He has advised both unions on the development of New Jersey's new police promotional exams as well as Chicago, Miami, and New Orleans. During his tenure as a police officer, Dr. Bernstein received 20 commendations, was selected twice as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month and received the Medal of Valor. His students have obtained the highest scores in the State on the new promotional exams.
Our program faculty are very knowledgeable and respected in their fields. The Bernstein Test Prep faculty and advisory board consists of professionals who combine practical public safety skills with many years of training experience, and have the academic background necessary to effectively train officers for the promotional process. Bernstein Test Prep is proud of their role as a leader and innovator in the field. The faculty brings with them strategies and methods which have proven to be highly effective in public safety test preparation.
Capt. Mike Bartuccio
Capt. Mike Bartuccio is a Senior Associate with Bernstein & Associates, Inc. He has a BA in Criminal Justice and served with the Winslow Township Police Department for 30 years. He has served in every area of law enforcement including patrol, detective bureau, and internal affairs, etc. He is a Certified Assessor and a State Certified Instructor in numerous areas of law enforcement. Capt. Bartuccio earned the highest score in the State on his Captain's exam. Capt. Bartuccio has received a considerable number of awards and commendations during his police career. His teaching areas have included 2C, Case law, book reviews, In-Basket management, video assessment and Situational management. He is considered one of the top test preparation instructors in the country.
Capt. Robert L. Talalai
With over thirty years experience in Law Enforcement and more than 15 years of dedication as an Instructor for Bernstein & Associates, Capt. Talalai has an extensive amount of knowledge and understanding of Police Operations, Supervision, Management and Administration. He served as the Uniform Division Commander and Training Officer for the Carteret Police Department. His background includes Uniformed Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Major Case Management, Hostage Recovery, Narcotics K-9, Crime Prevention and Community Relations. During his tenure, Capt. Talalai received numerous commendations including the "Community Service Award" and was twice selected "Officer of the Year." As a former Bernstein student, Capt. Talalai placed number one on his Lieutenants and Captains exams. He is Method of Instruction certified and his teaching areas have encompassed all phases of the New Jersey Police and Chicago Police Promotional Level exam programs, Public Safety Entry level programs, as well as the NJ State and NJ County Corrections Promotional programs. He also maintains a skilled understanding of Assessment Test Preparation and Law Enforcement Job Interview preparation. Capt. Talalai is considered one of the top instructors in the test preparation field. His presentations are thorough, dynamic and informative.
Chief Robert Dowd
Robert Dowd is a retired Chief of Police from the Township of North Bergen, where he served as a Police Officer from 1994 to 2020. Chief Dowd is a former Bernstein student having scored # 1 on his Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant exams. In 2013, he achieved the top score in the State of New Jersey on the Police Chief’s Exam. Chief Dowd earned a Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification from Rutgers University and has been designated as an Accredited Chief Executive - Chief of Police - Advanced (ACE COP) by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Dowd holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Chief Dowd is a police training commission certified police academy instructor. He has also been qualified as a subject matter expert where he has been called upon to help formulate test questions for promotional exams.
In July of 2016, Robert Dowd was invited to the White House by President Obama to participate in a briefing regarding the President’s 21st Century Task Force Report on Policing. Robert Dowd was a contributor to the best-selling textbook, “Supervision of Police Personnel.” Chief Dowd is the past President of the Hudson County Police Chief’s Association, as well as a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at New Jersey City University. Chief Dowd provides instruction for Bernstein and Associates in all areas of study.
Lt. Herb Williams
Herb Williams retired as a lieutenant from the Woodbridge Township Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Sergeant, Assistant Commander of the Patrol Division, Manager of the Crime Analysis Unit, and Accreditation Officer. His teaching areas include Management and Supervision, the promotional exam legal review, and law enforcement entry exam prep. He has trained police officers, crime analysts and intelligence officers all around the US, and has been published in several law enforcement magazines and books. He often reminds the classes: "There is NO replacement for being NUMBER ONE.”
Chief Vince Quatrone
Chief Quatrone has worked in the law enforcement since 1990 and is currently the Police Chief of the Lodi Police Department. He has experience in both patrol and criminal investigations. Chief Quatrone has a master’s degree in Education from Seton Hall University, and a BA in Criminal Justice from Stockton College. Additionally, Chief Quatrone has worked as a special agent for the United States Secret Service. He has served as an instructor in the Bergen County Police Academy since 1995, and has been an adjunct instructor at the Passaic County Community College since 1999. His area of teaching includes Title 2C and Police Administration. Chief Quatrone is an MOI Certified Instructor. On his Police Chief's exam, he had the highest score in the state.
Deputy Chief Rich Verticelli
Deputy Chief Richard Verticelli has served with Camden Police Department since 1997. He is currently the Commander of the 100 plus member Investigative Division that includes Homicide, Narcotics, Shooting and Robbery Teams, Juvenile, Special Victims, General Investigations, and Task Force detectives assigned to various state and federal agencies. As a Bernstein student in 2014 he scored # 1 on the Police Captain's exam. In 2017, he had the highest score statewide on the Deputy Chief exam. Capt. Verticelli was the lead instructor for the Camden County Police Academy Street Survival School from 2002-2011, and the SWAT Team Commander for the former Camden Police Department from 2008-2012. He currently provides Arrest, Search and Seizure instruction to all current and incoming members of the Camden County Police Department Metro Division. He is also a certified MOI instructor. His areas of instruction include the NJ Attorney General Guidelines, Criminal Code 2C, Case Law, and the Management & Supervision textbook.
Lt. Frank Bialecki
Frank Bialecki is a senior instructor with Bernstein and Associates. Frank is a retired police lieutenant who served with the Voorhees Township Police Department for 26 years. He has extensive experience in both patrol and investigations. Frank scored # 1 on his prior promotional exams. He is an outstanding instructor who specializes in Supervision and Management. He has the uncanny ability to go through a police management textbook and find all of the potential test questions. Whether it’s a police entry or police promotion class, Frank always presents in an informative and entertaining manner.
Director Andrew Ely
Andy Ely brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience to Bernstein & Associates. He has held sworn positions in municipal, county, state, and federal agencies and assignment in patrol, motorcycles, field training, inspectional services, chief of staff, and municipal police director. Andy is a certified NJ Police and Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor and has served as an instructor at the Essex County Police Academy since 2004. He developed the Field Training Program and authored the Patrol Guide for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and was that department’s Officer of the Year for 2003. A 28 year member of the US Coast Guard Reserve, he is a Chief Petty Officer and was twice involuntarily recalled to active duty. Serving in the Coast Guard’s Tactical Operations unit, he is a certified tactical operator. As Chief of Training and Development, he oversaw the training and re-certification of more than 75 federal law enforcement officers. Andy has been involved in the planning and response to numerous National Security Events, notable being Presidential visits and United Nations General Assemblies. Has received numerous police awards and commendations including Life Saving, two Exceptional Police Duty awards, the NJ Honor Legion for bravery, forty-three military decorations, and New Jersey’s Outstanding Military Reservist for 2004. His bachelor’s degree is from Seton Hall and he is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Management. He also holds certifications in various professional areas including Homeland Security. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, among them the National Association of Field Training Officers, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police for whom he also consults. He is also an active consultant for the US Department of Justice.
Chief Ralph Scianni
Chief Ralph Scianni has served with the City of Bayonne Police Department retiring with 34 years of service. Chief Scianni is a former Bernstein student having scored #1 on his upper level command exam excelling from Police Officer to Chief. Chief Scianni has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management & Organization from St. Peter’s University. He has also earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource & Training Development from Seton Hall University attaining a 4.0 GPA. He is a certified M.O.I. Instructor and a Certified Public Manager. Chief Scianni is also a graduate of the West Point Leadership & Command School which was coordinated by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). He is also a member in good standing with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Hudson County Police Chiefs Association. He is also currently on staff as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Excelsior College. Chief Scianni is presently the Training Coordinator/Law Enforcement for the County of Hudson at the Hudson County Public Safety Training Center (Police Academy). Chief Scianni provides instruction for Bernstein and Associates in all areas of study with a specialty in the oral and written components of the testing process.
Chief Kenneth Ferrante
Chief Kenneth Ferrante has served with the Hoboken Police Department since 1993. He is a Bernstein student, who obtained one of the highest scores in the State on his Chiefs Oral Assessment. Chief Ferrante holds a Masters of Science degree in Criminal Justice, as well as a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. He has extensive experience in patrol, community policing and emergency management. Chief Ferrante is MOI certified, has prior experience teaching promotional exam preparation classes, and is a former union president. He has received numerous commendations and awards, including the Combat Cross for apprehending a suspect who had disarmed and injured officers. He also received the Honorable Service award for quelling a riot and making arrests with no injuries to officers, and for apprehending a sexual predator who was extorting money from youths. His areas of instruction include the NJ Attorney General Guidelines, NJ Criminal Code 2C, and Case Law.
Bernstein & Associates Inc. was founded in 1985 by Dr. Jeff Bernstein on two important principles, QUALITY and CREDIBILITY. For over 30 years we have been the leader in public safety test preparation. We provide individuals and law enforcement / public safety personnel with professional assistance in preparing for entrance-level positions and promotional exams. Dr. Bernstein and his highly qualified associates have helped more than 100,000 men and women get hired as police officers, sheriffs officers, corrections officers, and firefighters. Year after year, Bernstein students have consistently scored 1st on the list for entry and each rank thereafter. Each of our training programs are customized to the specific test of the individual and officer. Our students are provided with the opportunity to review concepts, techniques, and skills relevant to the entry level and promotional process. Additionally, all Bernstein Test Prep training programs have been designed to prepare officers to do their jobs more effectively. We are proud of our role as a leader and innovator in the field. The services and results we provide are unparalleled and are second to none.
Mission and values
Bernstein Test Prep ensures their students obtain the highest possible test scores and achieve their career goals. Our core values define our company culture and provide the framework for what we deliver to our students each day.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in everything we do.
Knowledge
We offer expert resources to help you achieve your goal: a career or promotion in the public safety field.
Support
We give you the tools you need to succeed.
Results
We're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals – we succeed when you succeed.
