New Brunswick Police Chief Honored for Community Outreach and Tech Initiatives

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (July 1, 2026) - New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Sabo has received the Leadership Award from the Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association for his efforts to strengthen community relations and modernize the department.

Chief Sabo, a 34-year veteran who became chief in January 2024, established the department's first community policing unit last June to build trust with residents and local business owners.

"New Brunswick's diversity is one of its greatest strengths," Chief Sabo said, sharing credit for the award with his department and the community.

Under Chief Sabo's leadership, the department has expanded its technology-including adding more than 160 citywide cameras and plans for its first drone-while hiring 20 new officers. The initiatives come as the department handles roughly 60,500 calls annually. City statistics show firearm seizures have doubled over the past two years, while homicides have dropped by 60 percent.