Prettyman Approved As New Ocean City Police Chief

The wait is over for Jay Prettyman. Ocean City Council approved Prettyman to become Ocean City's next police chief in Wednesday night's meeting.

Prettyman takes the position next Friday, a day after current Police Chief Chad Callahan formally retires. Prettyman has served in Ocean City's police force since 1993, most recently becoming acting police chief last February.

"Prettyman’s rank, education, experience and exemplary record of service within the department make him the ideal candidate,” Mayor Jay A. Gillian said in a statement. “I’m confident he will continue Ocean City’s proud tradition of public safety.”

Prettyman's salary is still under negotiation. Ocean City police chiefs can make up to $160,000 annually, according to the city.

The 48-year-old began as a seasonal police officer for Ocean City in 1993, while working as a full-time officer in Haddon Heights. He joined Ocean City full-time in 1995. His past positions have included patrolman in the traffic safety unit , sergeant of staff services , patrol lieutenant , detective lieutenant and captain of police.

Prettyman has a master's degree in public safety from St. Joseph's, as well as a bachelor's in law and justice studies from Rowan. He also graduated the FBI National Academy (Session 237) and is a N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police certified law enforcement executive.

Photo provided by Ocean City