Paterson Police Department Announces Patrick Murray Has Assumed Command as Officer in Charge of the Department

PATERSON – The Paterson Police Department today announced that Patrick Murray has officially taken command as Officer in Charge of the Paterson Police Department. Murray replaces Isa Abbassi, who was appointed by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in May of 2023.

Officer in Charge Murray is a 39-year veteran of the Paterson Police Department and most recently served as second-in-command of the Department as Executive Officer and Deputy Officer in Charge. Murray was born and raised in Paterson and followed in his father’s footsteps to join the PPD.

During his career, he has been assigned to the Patrol Bureau, Burglary Squad, Anti-Crime Unit, Major Crimes Unit, and Special Investigations Division. In 2006, at the time a Detective Sergeant, he became a supervisor of the newly established Ceasefire Unit, which was tasked with the responsibility of reducing gun violence in the City. As a Captain he commanded the Specialized Investigation Division which oversees the Shooting Investigation and Community Stabilization Units. He is a strong advocate for police and community working together and continues that commitment by keeping close contact with community members and advocates.

“It is an honor to be chosen by Attorney General Platkin and Executive Director Abbassi to be the next Officer in Charge of the Paterson Police Department,” said Officer in Charge Murray. “Residents can expect a continuation of the progress, policies, and strategies put in place by Executive Director Abbassi to improve public safety in Paterson with a strong focus on building community relationships while reducing crime in our city. I have dedicated my life to the City of Paterson and am confident the PPD will continue on its path into the next generation of public safety.”

“Officer in Charge Murray is an incredible police leader in Paterson and signed up with us on day one,” said Attorney General Platkin. “I am confident that he and the monitor team are going to continue the progress we have made in Paterson, which has been undeniable. OIC Murray brings decades of experience to his new role and I have full confidence in him.”

Former Officer in Charge Abbassi will continue his work to further excellence in policing in New Jersey by serving as Executive Director of the newly created Office of Policing Strategy and Innovation (OPSI) in the Department of Law and Public Safety. OPSI will promote consistency across law enforcement agencies with the goal of achieving excellence in policing in New Jersey. Executive Director Abbassi will remain involved in the Attorney General’s supersession of the Paterson Police Department as his appointed Monitor.

“There is no person more deserving of this role than Patrick Murray,” said Executive Director Abbassi. “He has been with us 100% in our effort to move this police department forward, and I know he will continue and build upon the progress we have made in the relatively short time we have been in Paterson. In my new role as Public Safety Monitor, I will still be working very closely with Officer in Charge Murray to ensure that the PPD continues on its path toward our NextGen vision, and I am excited to see what OIC Murray will do in his new role.”

Last month, the Paterson Police Department provided a one-year update to the Strategic Plan which was unveiled in the Fall of 2023 by Attorney General Platkin and then-Officer in Charge Abbassi. In just one year, nearly three-quarters of the 55 goals and initiatives outlined in the plan have been completed, with the rest already in progress. Officer in Charge Murray will continue that trajectory forward as the PPD continues to be recognized nationally as a constitutionally-focused, accountable, and responsible police department.

“I have always had great pride to wear a Paterson Police uniform and am extremely proud of every man and woman who puts on that same uniform and goes above and beyond for the residents of this city,” said Officer in Charge Murray. “They are the ones who truly deserve the praise, and I am humbled to serve as their next leader.”

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