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5 Major Updates: The Cranford Police Department's Progressive Shift Under New Leadership (2025-2026)

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The Cranford Police Department (CPD) in New Jersey is currently undergoing a significant period of modernization and progressive change, marked by new leadership and a series of cutting-edge technological and community-focused initiatives. As of December 2025, the department is actively implementing programs designed to enhance public safety, increase transparency, and deepen its bond with the Cranford community, solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking law enforcement agency in Union County.

This comprehensive overview dives into the most recent and impactful developments, from the ascension of its new Chief of Police to critical policy shifts taking effect in early 2026. Readers will find up-to-the-minute details on new public safety programs, key departmental entities, and the CPD’s strategic focus on issues like pedestrian safety and fraud prevention, ensuring you have the freshest information available about the Cranford Police Department today.

The New Era of Leadership: Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro's Profile

The Cranford Police Department’s direction is being steered by Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro, who was appointed to lead the agency in a unanimous vote by the Cranford Township Committee. His official swearing-in ceremony took place on December 3, 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the department.

Chief Nazzaro’s leadership is significant, as he is a homegrown talent who spent his entire career rising through the ranks of the Cranford Police Department. His deep roots in the community and extensive experience provide a foundation for his vision, which emphasizes a blend of traditional crime-fighting and modern, community-centric policing.

Key Biographical and Professional Highlights:

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, Cranford Police Department.
  • Appointment Date: Sworn in on December 3, 2024.
  • Local Roots: Grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, and spent his entire career with the CPD.
  • Education: Holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
  • Certifications: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).
  • Early Career: Served as an Emergency Medical Technician and Director of Per Diem EMS from 1999 to 2002.
  • Professional Affiliations: Member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Chief’s message centers on fostering a culture of empowerment and recruitment, aiming to make the CPD one of the best police departments in the region by prioritizing professional development and community engagement.

Key Initiatives and Major Updates Shaping Cranford Policing in 2025-2026

The Cranford Police Department has made headlines throughout 2025 with several progressive, high-impact changes that affect both internal operations and public interaction. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to modern policing standards and increased transparency.

1. Critical 2026 Alarm Monitoring Policy Change

One of the most important updates for Cranford residents is a major policy shift within the Records and Technological Services Bureau. Effective January 1, 2026, the Cranford Police Department will cease to directly monitor any alarm systems. This change is crucial for residents and businesses to note, as the department will no longer be held liable for any failure to monitor or respond to alarms directly linked to their previous system. Residents should ensure their alarm services are fully transitioned to a private, third-party monitoring service well before the new year.

2. Full Rollout of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC)

The department completed the full rollout and implementation of Body-Worn Cameras for officers working in the Patrol Division. This move is a major step toward enhancing transparency and accountability, providing an objective record of police-citizen interactions. The use of BWCs aligns the CPD with best practices in modern law enforcement and helps build public trust.

3. Heightened Focus on Pedestrian and Bike Safety

In April 2025, the Cranford Police Department announced a prioritization of pedestrian safety initiatives and bike safety education across the township. This focus is a direct response to the need for safer streets and is part of a larger effort to manage traffic flow and protect vulnerable road users in and around the downtown area and residential zones.

4. Recent High-Profile Case and Accountability

The CPD was involved in several significant events throughout 2025. In September 2025, the department, along with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, announced charges against a Garwood juvenile with two counts of murder following a fatal hit-and-run incident in Cranford. Separately, in December 2025, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office confirmed that a State Grand Jury declined to criminally charge Cranford officers involved in a prior incident, a decision that underscores the rigorous review process for use-of-force cases.

Community-Centric Policing: Programs and Public Safety Entities

The Cranford Police Department is staffed by approximately 53 sworn law enforcement officers and 8 civilian Communications Officers, all dedicated to a proactive, forward-thinking approach. Their commitment to community policing is evident in a robust suite of outreach and specialized programs.

The Vital Role of the Patrol Division

As the primary first responders, the Patrol Division is often called "the face" of the Cranford Police Department. These uniformed officers operate marked radio cars 24 hours a day, seven days a week, handling all calls for service and proactively engaging in crime prevention efforts across the township.

Key Community Outreach and Public Safety Entities

The CPD utilizes several specialized programs to foster a strong bond with residents and address specific public safety needs.

  • Citizen's Police Academy and Youth Police Academy: These programs offer residents and young people an insider's look at police operations, promoting transparency and mutual understanding.
  • Fraud & Scam Prevention Talk: In 2025, the department held talks with the Thursday Morning Senior Club to educate the most vulnerable residents on the latest scams and how to avoid financial exploitation.
  • Cranford Police Athletic League (PAL): The PAL is a non-profit organization that provides supervised recreational programs, coached by Cranford Police Officers and community volunteers, strengthening the relationship between youth and law enforcement.
  • Project Medicine Drop: This initiative provides a safe and secure way for residents to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, helping to combat the opioid crisis and prevent drug abuse.
  • Civilian Camera Program: A voluntary registry that allows residents and businesses to inform the police that they have surveillance cameras, which can be a valuable tool for investigators during criminal incidents.
  • Special Needs Registry: A critical program designed to assist officers in safely interacting with and locating residents with special needs during an emergency.

Ensuring Public Safety Through Data and Transparency

The Cranford Police Department is committed to transparency, making its annual reports publicly available, including the 2023, 2022, and 2021 Annual Reports, which contain detailed crime statistics and operational data. While Cranford is generally considered a very safe community, with a low violent crime rate, the department remains vigilant. Current projections for 2025 indicate a continued focus on addressing property crime and maintaining the town’s high quality of life.

From the proactive deployment of Body-Worn Cameras to the strategic policy change regarding alarm monitoring in 2026, the Cranford Police Department, under Chief Nazzaro’s leadership, is clearly dedicated to a modern, community-focused mission. By embracing technology and fostering deep community ties through programs like the PAL and the Fraud Prevention Talk, the CPD is setting a high standard for progressive policing in New Jersey.

5 Major Updates: The Cranford Police Department's Progressive Shift Under New Leadership (2025-2026)
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