Palisades Park Police Department Faces Yet Another Leadership Change

Sixth Officer in Charge in Five Years as Department Grapples with Lawsuits and Controversy

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Palisades Park NJ, is once again witnessing a shift in leadership within its Police Department, marking the sixth officer in charge in just five years. This change comes amid a long history of internal strife, lawsuits, and frequent turnover in top positions.

A Troubled History of Police Leadership in Palisades Park

For over a decade, the Palisades Park Police Department has struggled with stability. In the past 12 years, five different police chiefs have led the department, which has been marred by suspensions, lawsuits, and internal conflicts. The department’s troubles date back even further—reaching the 1990s—when officers were caught running a burglary ring, putting the borough in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Since Chief Mark Jackson’s controversial retirement in 2019 following a damning report on department deficiencies, the department has undergone multiple leadership changes, often filling the top position with temporary appointments.

New Officer in Charge: Capt. George Beck

The latest shake-up took place during the Feb. 24 Borough Council meeting, where Capt. George Beck was appointed as the new officer in charge. Beck replaces Capt. James Rotundo, who took over after the retirement of Chief Anthony Espino.

Unlike an official police chief, an officer in charge serves as an interim leader, receiving neither the salary nor pension benefits of a full-fledged chief.

Leadership Change Amid Lawsuit Settlements

The appointment of Capt. George Beck comes shortly after the borough settled lawsuits involving both him and his brother, Lt. Christopher Beck. In 2022, the two officers sued the borough, leading to a settlement approved on Dec. 30, 2024.

• George Beck was promoted to police captain and received a $175,000 settlement.
• Christopher Beck was promoted to lieutenant and received a $125,000 settlement.

When asked whether the leadership change was influenced by these lawsuits, the borough’s public relations firm, Visions Media, released a joint statement from Beck and Rotundo.

“Making this change will be the fairest way for borough officials to assess both of our leadership styles so that the most informed decision on who is to head the Palisades Park Police Department into the future can be made. We both come from a department-first mentality and look forward to continuing to support each other as we strive to make the Police Department the best it can be to serve the needs of our community.”

A Pattern of Leadership Instability

This latest transition follows a long history of leadership turmoil within the department. Over the years, the borough has struggled to maintain a permanent chief, with officials frequently rotating interim leaders.

Notable Leadership Changes:

• 2020 – Capt. Anthony Muccio served as officer in charge after Chief Mark Jackson’s departure.
• Late 2020 – Muccio retired, and Anthony Espino was appointed as officer in charge.
• 2022 – Espino, who had previously sued the department, took over the role from Capt. Shawn Lee, whom he was also suing.
• 2022 – Lee, named in multiple lawsuits, resigned as part of a settlement after an investigation into a prisoner escape.
• 2022 – Espino was promoted to chief and received a $40,000 settlement from the borough the same night.
• 2024 – Espino retired, and Capt. James Rotundo was appointed officer in charge.
• 2024 – George Beck replaces Rotundo as the newest officer in charge.

What’s Next for Palisades Park Police Department?

With yet another leadership change, Palisades Park officials now face a crucial decision—who will be the department’s next permanent police chief? Given the borough’s history of lawsuits and leadership disputes, only time will tell whether stability will finally return to the department.

For now, residents and local officials will be watching closely to see if Capt. George Beck can bring the stability and leadership the borough desperately needs