New Princeton Police Chief Sworn Into Office

PRINCETON – Matthew Solovay, a 21-year veteran of the Princeton Police Department who helped establish its canine program and rose through every rank, was sworn in as chief of police on Monday night.

The ceremony was attended by officers, family, and community members.

"This position isn't the finish line. It's a new beginning," Solovay said after taking the oath. "As hard as I worked to get here, I absolutely promise to work even harder now that I am here."

Solovay began his law enforcement career with the Princeton Township Police Department in January 2005, initially serving in the patrol bureau before moving to the traffic safety bureau in 2010. He was promoted to corporal the following year.

In 2014, following the consolidation of Princeton Township and the Borough of Princeton, Solovay played an instrumental role in establishing the department's canine program and became its first canine handler.

He was selected as class speaker at his graduation from the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy, where he trained alongside his partner, Harris.

His rise through the ranks continued steadily - sergeant in January 2016, lieutenant in 2020, and captain in September 2024, when he served as the department's executive officer.

Throughout his career, Solovay commanded both the Operations Division and Investigative Division while also serving as field training and evaluation commander, training coordinator, accreditation manager, and head of policy development and management.

Princeton’s new police chief holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University, a graduate certificate in criminal justice education from the University of Virginia, and a master's degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is also a graduate of the 294th session of the FBI National Academy.

During his remarks, Solovay became emotional as he reflected on the support that made his achievement possible.

"I recently asked the internet what it considered to be the greatest experiences in life," he said. "The very first answer was falling in love."

He credited his wife, Katie, a third-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School, with not only watching his career unfold but helping shape it. "She constantly inspires me to not only be a better police officer, but to be a better person," Solovay said.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his two sons, Charlie and Cameron, who have missed birthdays, holidays, and family moments due to the demands of police work. "They know the sacrifices this job demands, and they've met them with love and grace," he said.

Solovay closed his remarks with a simple but powerful message he learned from "a very special young girl": Be you.

"That's what I will tell every officer who joins our department," he said. "We hire you because of who you are, your heart, your character and your humanity. Be you, and we will be successful."

Mayor Mark Freda and other municipal officials attended the swearing-in ceremony, along with former chiefs Christopher Tash and John Bucchere, whom Solovay thanked for their guidance.

"To the people of Princeton, thank you for trusting us, for challenging us and for standing with us as partners," Solovay said. "To the incredible women and men of the Princeton Police Department, thank you. Your professionalism, your compassion and your dedication to this community make this job truly meaningful."

Solovay lives in Chesterfield with his wife and two sons.

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