NEW POLICE CHIEF TO HEAD NJ TRANSIT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Law enforcement career spans more than 30 years
July 14, 2010
NJT-10-044
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jim Weinstein today announced the appointment of Christopher Trucillo as NJ TRANSIT’s new Police Chief following an extensive, nationwide search.
Trucillo, of Old Bridge, was former Chief of Police at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, where he was employed for 22 years. During his tenure he served in a number of capacities, including Inspector/Commanding Officer for the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Newark Liberty International Airport—two of the busiest facilities in the country.
On September 11, 2001 then Captain Trucillo organized a team to account for the PAPD personnel who were lost or missing in the attack on the World Trade Center and to immediately reach out to their families to provide support, information and assistance. Trucillo personally oversaw this operation in the ensuing aftermath and the effort led to the formation of a Family Liaison Unit within the Port Authority Police Department.
He most recently was the Director of Public Safety at John Jay College in New York City and an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University in the College of Education & Human Services Graduate Program.
“Policing a transit system presents unique law enforcement challenges that require a unique leader and executive, and I am confident that Chief Trucillo is that unique individual,” said Weinstein. “Chief Trucillo emerged as the strongest and most qualified in a very competitive field of candidates through a thorough process guided by the International Association of Chiefs of Police,” he said.
As part of its comprehensive selection process, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)—the world's largest nonprofit membership organization of police executives—conducted an exhaustive review process.
Chief Trucillo was one of nearly 150 candidates who were reviewed by IACP. From that list, five finalists underwent a rigorous and more extensive testing and evaluation process, including written and oral communications, interpersonal insight, problem analysis, and judgment, decisiveness, planning and organizational control.
“It is a privilege to join the NJ TRANSIT team and lead a Police Department that is made up of some of the finest men and women in law enforcement,” said Trucillo. “I am honored to be selected to serve in this capacity and look forward to continuing a strong tradition of pride and integrity as we maintain the safety and security of the State’s public transportation network.”
Chief Trucillo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Rutgers School of Criminal Justice. He starts on July 26.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.