FROM THE PRESIDENT ’ S DESK CHIEF JOHN RUSSO , RUTHERFORD PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | January 2025
Happy New Year . I hope your holiday season was fulfilling and uneventful , but now that 2025 has finally arrived , it ’ s time to get back at it . Year-end and budget prep are over , so there is no better time than now to revisit some of your policies or back-burner initiatives . I am currently in the middle of accreditation with the NJSACOP , and being hands-on with the process , I am reminded how fast our policies and procedures become stale and outdated . For any Chief that is still contemplating applying for accreditation , please choose to do it . There is no better way to get that goal accomplished than through the NJSACOP , with Harry Delgado and his team guiding you through every step . Also , don ’ t forget the grant funding available for you chiefs looking for first-time accreditation . Please reach out to our Executive Director , Mitch Sklar for more on that .
For those of you who were not at our last Monthly Chief ’ s Meeting , we will have 2 candidates running for the 4th Vice Presidency vacancy which will be sworn-in at this year ’ s conference and expo . We haven ’ t had a contested election in quite sometime , and I think this interest in becoming part of this great board of officers is a testament to the hard work done by the President and Boards we have had over the past years . When it comes to the business of this Association , every chief ’ s voice ( and vote ) counts . So , do your due diligence and make some time to meet our candidates to better understand who you will be electing to represent the great NJSACOP .
Earlier this month , I was honored to be invited to Governor Murphy ’ s press conference to highlight New Jersey ’ s crime stats , more specifically our significant decrease in gun violence and auto theft . It is always encouraging to have our law enforcement efforts acknowledged by the political arena . And rightfully so . All of us have worked very hard to bring these decreases to fruition . Congratulations to all of you and your agencies .
The Governor also held his final State of the State Address in January . There were a few initiatives that he mentioned that will have a direct impact on law enforcement , specifically changes in our parole system and enhancements to our motor vehicle laws . This Board and I will work to ensure we have a seat at these tables to relay the Chief ’ s input and experience .
January also brought the second inauguration of President Donald J . Trump . I am hoping for a peaceful transition of power for the incoming President and have fingers crossed that we will all see some stability brought back to our world . I know New Jersey Law Enforcement will remain prepared to do what is needed , as we always have , to ensure our communities are safe and thriving . All the best to the President of the United States .
Finally , I ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers our fellow first responders , and all those affected by the tragic terrorist events in New Orleans as well as the horrific fires in California .
The NJSACOP sends its sincerest condolences to the families of :
Chief Richard Colombaroni , Bound Brook PD Active Member
Chief Harry Wilde Retired Life Member
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