Detective Sergeant Matthew Nazzaro of the Cranford Police Department graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command and Leadership Academy in January. Participation in the prestigious Command and Leadership Academy is based upon the applicant’s successfully completing a competitive selection process.
In recognizing the challenges in law enforcement during the upcoming decades, the NJSACOP has made a commitment to be in the forefront of innovation and change. The primary component of that commitment is the development of future police leaders.
In 1993, NJSACOP officials traveled to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to work with the Academy’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership to adapt the fabled West Point model of command and leadership to the needs of law enforcement.
The result of this collaboration is the NJSACOP Command & Leadership Academy, a unique blend of theory and application. Candidates with the greatest leadership potential are selected for this highly competitive program from all areas of the State.
Cranford Police Chief Ryan Greco who nominated Detective Sergeant Nazzaro for this program stated, “Graduates of the Command and Leadership Academy have been trained to apply leadership theory and principles as a science, utilizing logic, critical thinking and scientific methodology to solving leadership problems. They learn how to combine their decision- making, counseling, stress management and communication skills in the context of managing a complex law enforcement organization.” He further added, “A program like this requires the participant to be focused and committed to being a law enforcement leader. The training that Detective Sergeant Nazzaro received will serve him, his community and the department well.”
Sergeant Nazzaro is a 15-year veteran of the Cranford Police Department. He is a graduate of Kean University where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Administration. Detective Sergeant Nazzaro currently serves as a supervisor within the Juvenile Bureau.
(above, l-r) Detective Sergeant Matthew Nazzaro, Chief of Police Ryan Greco
