Leadership
Isa Abbassi
Executive Director
Isa Abbassi is a senior law enforcement executive with extensive experience in transformational leadership. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Policing Strategy & Innovation, where he leads the state’s efforts in advancing municipal policing strategies, training, and policy development. Abbassi has held key leadership roles in both the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Paterson Police Department, including Chief of Strategic Initiatives at NYPD and Public Safety Monitor in Paterson. He is known for his progressive approach to policing, focusing on community partnership, trust-building, and reducing violence. Abbassi has overseen large-scale initiatives in NYPD, managed policy development, and led reform efforts, particularly following high-profile events like the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and has attended prestigious institutions, including Columbia University’s Police Management Institute.
Joseph Walsh
Deputy Executive Director
Deputy Executive Director Joseph Walsh brings more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, prosecution, and criminal justice reform. He previously served as a Deputy Attorney General at the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, where he was instrumental in shaping statewide law enforcement policies, internal affairs oversight, and use-of-force protocols. Walsh has advised the Attorney General on critical policing initiatives, overseen county prosecutors, and played a key role in implementing major reforms, including police body-worn cameras, early warning systems, and criminal justice policy enhancements. His distinguished career includes service as a prosecutor, law enforcement instructor, and detective supervisor. He holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law and has been recognized with multiple Attorney General Awards for his contributions to policing initiatives.
James Haggarty
Deputy Executive Director
Deputy Executive Director James Haggerty has over 20 years of experience with the New York City Police Department, where he served in a variety of patrol, investigative, and administrative roles. He was assigned to the Office of Management Analysis and Planning, where he played a pivotal role in drafting police policies and procedures, and later served as the Executive Officer of the Legal Bureau. Following his tenure with the NYPD, he was appointed Chief of Staff for the Paterson Police Department, overseeing all internal departmental functions. Deputy Executive Director Haggerty holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.