Chief

Matthew R. Nazzaro Appointed as New Police Chief in Cranford

Matthew R. Nazzaro Appointed as New Police Chief

**Cranford, NJ** – Matthew R. Nazzaro was sworn in as the twelfth Police Chief of the Cranford Police Department on Tuesday. The swearing-in ceremony took place with US Magistrate Judge Justin Quinn administering the Oath of Office.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Nazzaro commended the dedication of the Cranford Police Department’s personnel, emphasizing their role in maintaining the township as a safe and appealing place to live. He assured township residents of the high caliber of protection and service provided by the department.

Chief Nazzaro joined the department in June 2002 as a Communications Officer and became a Police Officer in December 2003. During his tenure, he has served in all divisions and held key positions, including Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain before his promotion to Chief. He holds degrees in Public Administration from Kean University and has played significant roles such as School Resource Officer and Executive Director of the Cranford Police Athletic League.

Members of the community are encouraged to extend their good wishes to Chief Nazzaro as he begins his new role leading the department.

Englishtown Police Chief Charged with Criminal Offenses

Englishtown Police Chief Charged with Criminal Offenses

**FREEHOLD, NJ** – The Englishtown Chief of Police faces criminal charges following an investigation announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Tuesday.

Chief Peter S. Cooke, aged 58, has been charged with third-degree Computer Theft and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting. The investigation, led by the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit, uncovered that between February 2019 and August 2023, Cooke misused a law-enforcement database to access personal information about two individuals without a lawful purpose.

Additionally, it was revealed that Cooke, while on administrative leave, assisted a co-conspirator in committing multiple shoplifting incidents at a local grocery store during August and September. The charges against Cooke were served earlier this month, with proceedings set to occur in Monmouth County Superior Court.

MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Professional Responsibility Unit, is prosecuting the case. Debbie Simon, based in West Orange, represents Cooke. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, with all rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and State law.