Women in Law Enforcement

The Barnegat Police Department is proud to have a higher percentage of female police officers than any other police department in Ocean County.

The department presently has four female officers employed in various positions throughout the agency.

Officer Sarah Girgenti: Officer Girgenti paved the way as the first female police officer in Barnegat when she was hired in May of 2002. In 2005 Sarah worked several internet child predator cases where she posed online as a juvenile female. Her work resulted in several important arrests. Sarah currently serves in the Administrative Services Division where she is a critical member of the department’s accreditation team.

Detective Maryann Cirulli: Detective Cirulli joined the department in April of 2003. Maryann has extensive training in both narcotics and arson investigation and is the department’s first female detective. She and Officer Julie Yakes were also founding members of the department’s Bicycle Unit. Maryann holds a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Richard Stockton State College.

Officer Lauren Keilitz: Officer Keilitz was hired in February of 2004. Lauren is currently assigned to the patrol division where she serves with the other patrol officers who represent the backbone of the agency. Lauren distinguished herself as the first female SWAT officer in Ocean County and is the department’s first female Firearms Instructor.

Officer Julie Yakes:  Officer Yakes was hired in February of 2004. Julie had prior experience as a police officer and bicycle officer with the Point Pleasant Beach police department from which she came highly recommended. Julie serves in the patrol division and was a founding member of the department’s Bicycle Unit.