Princeton Honors Retired Police Chief After 28 Years Of Service In Law Enforcement

PRINCETON, NJ – The Municipality of Princeton has recognized retired Police Chief Christopher Tash for his decades of dedicated public service as he retired after 28 years in law enforcement, including 26 years with the Princeton Police Department.

On Wednesday, the Municipality issued a proclamation honoring Tash for his service.

Tash began his law enforcement career in November 1997 with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, serving as an investigator within the Division of Criminal Justice and Division of Gaming Enforcement.

He joined the Princeton Borough Police Department as a patrol officer in January 2000.

Throughout his tenure with Princeton Police, Tash steadily advanced through the ranks from patrol officer to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and ultimately chief of police in 2024. In each role, he demonstrated “professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to community policing,” according to the proclamation.

As a patrol officer, Tash served as a Field Training Officer, received the Chief's Award in 2004, and earned certification from the U.S. Department of Justice as a Community Policing Officer. In his detective roles, he investigated major crimes, oversaw juvenile cases, supervised complex investigations, and served as evidence custodian.

Tash supervised units in the Patrol and Safe Neighborhood Bureaus as seargent, coordinating community programs including the Youth Police Academy, Community Night Out, and school safety initiatives. These efforts strengthened relationships between the police department and Princeton residents.

In his role as lieutenant, Tash commanded the Investigative Division, overseeing the Safe Neighborhood Bureau, Traffic Safety Bureau, Communications Bureau, and Records Bureau. As captain, he supported the chief of police while managing Internal Affairs, strategic planning, dignitary visits, departmental inspections, media relations, and securing grant funding.

Upon his promotion to chief of police in 2024, Tash focused on strengthening community trust, enhancing officer training and wellness initiatives, and expanding public safety partnerships.

He is recognized as an Accredited Chief Executive through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence in policing.

Mayor Mark Freda and the Princeton Council congratulated Tash on his retirement and thanked him for his service to the community.

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