First Woman Chosen To Lead NJ State Police

Gov. Mikie Sherrill made a trailblazing nomination on Wednesday, picking Jeanne Hengemuhle to become the first woman superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

Hengemuhle is a long-time law enforcement officer, who most recently served as lieutenant colonel. She worked her way up through the ranks after 26 years with the state police.

Hengemuhle took over as acting superintendent on Thursday. She replaces Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has been serving as interim superintendent since Jan. 1.

According to the governor’s office, Hengemuhle’s resume includes service as branch commander of the Administration Branch of the New Jersey State Police, where she oversaw recruiting, personnel development and training strategy. She graduated from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and police science, and a master’s degree in education. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th class.

A Bergen County native, Hengemuhle currently lives in Middlesex County.

“It is an honor to once again answer the call to protect and serve the state of New Jersey,” Hengemuhle said.

“As a veteran of the state police, I know firsthand the critical role our troopers play in building strong community partnerships and safeguarding our residents against potential harm,” Hengemuhle said, adding that she plans to lead with the NJSP’s core values of “honor, duty and fidelity.”

Gov. Sherrill said she is looking forward to working alongside the state police force’s newest top cop.

“Jeanne Hengemuhle is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in the state police,” Sherrill said. “She understands not only the responsibilities of the job, but also the profound duty to serve and protect our communities each and every day.”

Sherrill also thanked Sierotowicz for showing “unwavering dedication” during his time as interim superintendent.

Hengemuhle’s permanent installation as superintendent is still pending confirmation from the state Senate.

The NJSP’s new top cop is inheriting several challenges and controversies at the agency, including allegations of racial disparities and gender discrimination. Recently, a high-ranking NJSP officer was accused of making an antisemitic remark about the state’s former attorney general Matt Platkin.

Other recent controversies include accusations about false records involving DWI cases, criticism over the use of “courtesy cards,” and the NJSP’s handling of a double murder and suicide in Hunterdon County.

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According to long-term trend data from the FBI, the Garden State has seen a big drop in violent crime over the past decades – especially from levels seen in the 1980s and 1990s. It continues to see crime rates well below the national average.

New Jersey’s crime rates dropped in 2024 after ticking up for two years following the COVID pandemic. The state also saw a drop in property crime.

>> READ MORE: Crime Is Down In NJ, Latest FBI Data Shows

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