Red Bank Welcomes New Chief Of Police

RED BANK, NJ — Red Bank Police Captain Michael Frazee was officially sworn in as the new Chief of Police on Friday, Oct. 11 during a ceremony at Borough Hall.

Held in the courtyard of Borough Hall, the swearing-in ceremony began at 3 p.m. and marked the official start of Frazee’s time as chief. Frazee was joined by friends, family, community members, and Red Bank and Monmouth County officials for the ceremony.

“Congratulations to newly appointed Red Bank Police Chief Michael Frazee,” the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association said in a Facebook post. “The Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association welcomes you and we look forward to working with you!”

Members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office attended Friday’s ceremony as well.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr., and Director of Investigations Hoda Soliman welcomed Frazee as chief and sent him their best wishes.

“On behalf of Prosecutor Santiago and the staff of the MCPO, we wish you the best, Chief Frazee, as you embark on your new role,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in a Facebook post.

Frazee’s appointment as chief follows former Chief Darren McConnell leaving the police department in September.

McConnell parted ways with Red Bank Police following an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office into complaints of mismanagement. In the investigation, the state focused on two main allegations against McConnell.

The first alleged that McConnell 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.

McConnell was put on leave in March from his role as chief while the investigation took place.

At the end of the investigation, the Attorney General’s Office ultimately recommended that McConnell be fired from his role.

In a statement sent to Patch on Sept. 30, Red Bank Borough Manager James Gant confirmed that 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.”

Now Red Bank's official chief of police, Frazee will take over for McConnell and serve as the department's leader.

In his remarks at Friday’s ceremony, Red Bank Green reported that Frazee described his vision for the department's future as well as his goals.

“My goal is to foster an environment of trust, transparency and collaboration while maintaining peace and enforcing the law,” Frazee said. “Respect between the police and the community must be of equal value and not just one-sided.”

In the statement sent to Patch on Sept. 30, Gant expressed his confidence in Frazee's appointment as chief and in the police department's future.

"We are confident in the future of the Red Bank Police Department under the leadership of Captain Mike Frazee," Gant said. "This marks an opportunity to rebuild public trust and share a positive vision for the RBPD's future, and we are excited for the continued service and safety of our community under Chief Frazee’s leadership."

Related:

• New Red Bank Police Chief To Be Sworn In On Friday
• New Police Chief To Take Over In Red Bank
• Red Bank Police Chief Should Be Fired, Attorney General Report Says
• Red Bank Police Chief Put On Leave Amid State AG Scrutiny