Crime & Safety
New Red Bank Police Chief To Be Sworn In On Friday
Captain Michael Frazee will take over for Chief Darren McConnell, who parted ways with the police department in September.
RED BANK, NJ — The new Red Bank Police Chief will officially be sworn in on Friday during a ceremony at the Borough Hall Courtyard.
Captain Michael Frazee will take over after Chief Darren McConnell left the department in September following an investigation by the state Attorney General's Office into complaints of mismanagement.
McConnell was first put on leave from his role as chief in March while the investigation took place. In the investigation, the state focused on two main allegations against McConnell.
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The first alleged that he failed to "conduct business according to the highest ethical standards of public service," and the second alleged that he failed to “report his supervisor/subordinate dating relationship with an officer,” who ultimately became his wife.
The investigation found that McConnell knowingly made decisions that benefitted his girlfriend/wife, and continued to do so even after disclosing their relationship in September 2021.
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Once the investigation concluded, the state Attorney General’s Office recommended that McConnell be fired from his role as Chief.
In a statement emailed to Patch on Sept. 30, Red Bank Borough Manager James Gant said McConnell reached a settlement with the Borough and was no longer serving as police chief.
“We believe the Chief was justly penalized for the charges brought against him,” Gant said. “While we acknowledge the severity of the situation, we also recognize that Chief McConnell’s misconduct reflected an unfortunate blemish in an otherwise exemplary career. The Borough expresses its gratitude to Chief McConnell for his years of dedicated service to our residents.”
On Friday, Captain Frazee will officially take over as chief in a swearing-in ceremony held at Borough Hall.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
"As we move forward, the Borough, the police department, and the community look ahead to a new chapter," Gant said. "This marks an opportunity to rebuild public trust and share a positive vision for RBPD’s future, and we are excited for the continued service and safety of our community under Chief Frazee’s leadership."
Borough Hall is located at 90 Monmouth Street, Red Bank.
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