One in an occasional series
NJSACOP Legends & Pioneers
Chief George Tenney
The first meeting of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police was held February 12, 1912, at the Newark Court House. It was attended by approximately 20 state chiefs united by the desire to advance the law enforcement profession and to better serve their communities. Chief William Tolen acted as temporary president for the meeting, where Chief George C. Tenney from the Elizabeth Police Department was elected the first official NJSACOP president. Chief Frank Monahan from Jersey City was appointed vice president. Chiefs Monahan and Tenney had also been chosen to head the Committee on Organization and Bylaws, and they“ reported and furnished a copy of the same.” Chief Tenney addressed the members and pledged to do everything in his power“ to advance the objects of the Association and work for the betterment of police departments.”
A motion was passed to order stationery and supplies, and meetings were set for the first Thursday of each month, a tradition that continues to this day.
George Channing Tenney, born in 1851, was Elizabeth’ s chief of police for two decades and a member of the department for more than three, as well as past vice president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Information provided by the Elizabeth Police Department states that Chief Tenney’ s family“ dated its immigration from England to 1638 and, as the son of a judge, he was one of the few officers to have had any formal education. During his tenure, the State Legislature passed the Tenure of Office Act, which enabled him to remain chief until his death.” These documents also note that“ The chief was quite progressive and considered public relations a major part of the police function... Under Tenney, telephone service, the Gamewell Police Call System, roving patrol wagons and automobiles were obtained.”
The Association’ s second year started somberly with the January 1 st death of Chief Tenney at age 62. No official business was conducted at that January meeting; the members instead made plans to attend their first president’ s funeral. They honored their brother by appearing as one united and imposing body. The New York Times published a brief item on the passing of Chief Tenney, which noted his status as president of NJSACOP.
In recognition of Chief Tenney’ s contribution to the founding of the NJSACOP and to professional police leadership in New Jersey, the“ Chief George Tenney Award” was established in 2005 by the New Jersey Chiefs Foundation to honor an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to professional law enforcement.
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