Chief of Police

Chief James E. Ryan was sworn in on September 1, 2026.

Chief Ryan is a 31-year veteran of the South Brunswick Police
Department and brings a lifetime of law enforcement experience, leadership, and
community service to his new role. He has served as Deputy Chief for the past
eight years, overseeing the daily operations of the department.

Ryan is the first chief in department history to have served in
every rank of the South Brunswick Police Department. His career has included
assignments as a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective
sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief.

“I am truly blessed to have raised my family in this great
community and now have the opportunity to become its police chief,” said Chief
James E. Ryan. “This community has given me so much throughout my career and
throughout my life. To now have the opportunity to give back as chief is an
incredible honor. I am grateful to the residents of South Brunswick, and I am
committed to making our department the very best it can be for the people we
serve.”

Ryan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kean University and a Master’s
Degree from New Jersey City University. He has served as an adjunct professor
at Middlesex College for 20 years. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy
and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership
Academy.

His commitment to service extends well beyond his career in law
enforcement. Ryan has served on the boards of the South Brunswick Soccer Club,
South Brunswick Education Foundation, Catholic Charities, NJ State PBA Survivor
and Welfare, and Woman Aware. He coached youth soccer and basketball in South
Brunswick for more than 10 years.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Ryan headed
the South Brunswick 9/11 Relief Fund, helping provide assistance to local
families. After Hurricane Katrina, he coordinated disaster relief efforts
between South Brunswick and D’Iberville, Mississippi. Following Hurricane
Sandy, Catholic Charities appointed him to oversee disaster relief efforts
throughout Middlesex County.

Ryan has also served as a delegate to the New Jersey State PBA. In
2008, he received the PBA Member of the Year Award for creating the NJ Cop Shot
reward program and expanding community outreach.

His expertise in communication and community engagement has also
made him a sought-after instructor and lecturer. He currently serves as an
instructor for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on
communication and community engagement. He has lectured on law enforcement
topics at Fordham Law School, Seton Hall Law School, and Rutgers University
School of Communication.