Chief Richard Skinner
Pictured Above – Left Chief Richard Skinner / Right Captain John Calamari
Dear Township of Washington Residents,
Welcome to The Township of Washington Police Department website. This is one of many tools we use to communicate with you, our residents, who we proudly protect and serve. The site was designed to help you learn more about our department, and to express community issues and concerns. The Township of Washington Department strongly believes in open communication, and public awareness. We are active on several popular social media platforms and encourage you to follow us. Your input allows us to continually evaluate and improve our efforts to enhance public safety while always maintaining respect for individual’s rights and human dignity.
As a department, we strive to improve the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As Chief of Police, I am extremely proud of the work my officers do every day. They hold themselves to high professional and ethical standards. These officers always strive to earn your trust and confidence. Thank you for entrusting us with your safety and welfare.
Sincerely,
Richard Skinner
Chief of Police [email protected]
Chief Richard Skinner Accomplishments
- Chief Rich Skinner has been proudly serving and protecting the citizens of The Township of Washington since 1993. He grew up in the Township and is proud to raise his family here.
- Prior to joining the police department, Rich served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
- Chief Skinner holds a Master of Administrative Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.
- As a young police officer, Chief Skinner was a founding member and of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Force where he later served as a Platoon Commander and less lethal weapons coordinator. He currently serves as the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association liaison to the RDF.
- As a former member of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Computer Crime Task Force, Chief Skinner was active in the investigation and arrest of child predators on the internet.
- As a police motor officer, Chief Skinner was certified by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol in basic police motorcycle operations.
- Chief Skinner considers Community Policing to be the highlight of his career. One of his favorite assignments was being a D.A.R.E. Officer working with our Children. He was also a member of the D.A.R.E NJ State Training team where he had the opportunity to train new Dare Officers at several police academies throughout the state.
- In 2000, Rich started the Washington Township Jr. Police academy. This program has grown to become the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy, with over 100 students attending per year. He took great pride in helping several other police departments start their own Junior Police Academy programs.
- Chief Skinner also enjoyed the opportunity to engage with kids and parents by coaching youth football and baseball in Washington Township.
- Chief Skinner has been recognized for service by several police and community organizations to include:
- 2002 Knights of Columbus Police Officer of the Year.
- 2013 North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officer of the year.
- 2014 Irish Echo Leaders in Law Enforcement Award.
- 2015 Knights of Columbus Community Service Award
- https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/hackensack/police-fire/accomplished-washington-township-police-veteran-rises-to-chief/780134/