Solovay Appointed New Princeton Police Chief, Addresses Decline In Speeding Tickets

PRINCETON, NJ – Council on Tuesday approved the appointment of Captain Matthew Solovay as the next police chief.

Solovay will step into the shoes of current Chief Christopher Tash, who is set to retire on Sept. 30, after 28 years of service. His appointment will be effective Oct. 1

During his briefing to Council, Solovay addressed concerns about declining speeding citations, explaining that the trend reflects broader changes in law enforcement practices rather than reduced commitment to traffic safety.

The decline in speeding summonses, raised a few weeks ago by Councilman Cohen, is part of a statewide and national pattern that began in 2020, according to Solovay. While the drop was significant that year, citation numbers have remained relatively steady since then, he said.

"That trend is real, but it isn't sudden, and it isn't unique to Princeton," Solovay told council. "The issuance of motor vehicle traffic summons is drastically down across the state and the nation."

Solovay identified several contributing factors to the decline, including staffing constraints, revisions to state legislation, changes in officer mentality, and a broader shift in policing toward education and officer discretion. He emphasized that policing practices have fundamentally changed since 2019.

Despite the reduction in written citations, the new police chief stressed that the department's commitment to street safety remains unchanged. The approach now emphasizes a three-pronged strategy combining traffic engineering, education, and enforcement.

"What hasn't changed is our commitment to safer streets," he said. "This is achieved through traffic engineering, education and yes, enforcement."

The police department is working closely with municipal partners, including the local engineering department, to implement traffic engineering solutions. The department has also expanded community education efforts, including a recent summer seminar for community members focusing on vulnerable road users.

While the number of speeding citations has declined, Solovay noted that motor vehicle enforcement continues through traffic stops. The key difference is in the outcomes, with officers increasingly using discretion to educate rather than cite drivers.

Solovay also outlined plans to strengthen the department's traffic safety capabilities. The police department has faced challenges staffing its dedicated traffic safety bureau due to vacancies in recent years.

"As we reach full strength in the coming months, we plan to assign additional officers to that unit," Solovay said. "That will allow more directed patrols, high visibility details and follow through on resident complaints."

The enhanced unit will aim to maintain a balance between education and enforcement while addressing community concerns about traffic safety.

Solovay said the department's primary goal is not citation production but creating safe, welcoming roadways for all users. The comprehensive approach integrates engineering solutions, community education, and strategic enforcement.

"Our ultimate goal isn't to be known for summons production," he said. "Our goal is safe, welcoming roadways. Engineering, education, and yes, traffic enforcement each play a role in making that a reality."

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com