The NJ Police Chief Magazine - Volume 31, Number 3 | Page 5

FROM THE PRESIDENT ’ S DESK CHIEF JOHN RUSSO , RUTHERFORD PD

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2024

The responsibilities of the NJSACOP Elected Board of Officers continue to move forward at a feverish pace . Since being sworn in as President back in June , I had not really had the time to reflect on the gravity of this position , but I have recently been thinking about what this represents . I find it hard to put into words how honored I am to be able to represent all of the Chiefs of this Association . I know I speak on behalf of the entire Board as well as our Executive Director when I say that we take all of your concerns as if they were our own . I am so proud of this group and look forward to continuing our mission .

On November 14th , I took part in a Strategy Meeting with Attorney General Platkin and law enforcement leaders from across the State to discuss a plan to address the home invasion issues most of our jurisdictions and agencies are dealing with . I appreciate the call from the AG to take part in this meeting , as I firmly believe any statewide policy or initiative needs this Association ’ s input to be effectively implemented .

IF you recall , home invasions were the topic of our testimony last spring in front of the Senate Judiciary . This most recent legislation signed by Governor Murphy was in part due to those hearings we took part in along with the State PBA President and several County Prosecutors . I would like to thank Governor Murphy for signing that legislation and most importantly , the legislators from both parties who pushed for this change : Senators Bucco , Stack , and Gopal , and Assembly Members Stanley , Karabinchak , and Schnall . Collaboration with our legislators is a win for this Association and for law enforcement and I have to thank Michael Turner and Edmund Devereaux of our government relations firm who have really helped with these introductions and guidance .

Just recently , the OAG announced a new division within their office , the Office of Police Strategy and Innovation . I will be meeting with the Executive Director of the division during late November to offer the NJSACOP assistance in those new policy endeavors . Director Isa Abbassi has already approached the Association with an offer to work together and I look forward to that partnership . Obviously , we may not always be in alignment with policy ideas , but with the NJSACOP being offered a seat at that table , the future bodes well for OPSI .

In closing , please don ’ t forget to register yourself and your personnel for our Mid-Year 1-Day Conference to be held on December 5 . Our presenters look to be engaging and the topics very appropriate , as many of us across the State have already begun our FIFA World Cup 2026 planning . The World Cup will touch on all parts of the State , so having your personnel involved at this early stage will be a benefit to your agencies .

Finally , I wish you and your families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving !

NJSACOP Monthly State Chiefs Briefings

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