1st African-American Chief Detective Instated In Essex County

Quovella M. Spruill, a veteran officer in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, has been selected to serve as Acting Chief of Detectives, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Spruill is the first African-American woman to hold the title of Chief of Detectives for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and is believed to be the first in all of New Jersey, authorities stated.

She replaces former Acting Chief Anthony F. Ambrose III, who recently accepted the position of Director of Public Safety for the City of Newark.

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“We expect a smooth and seamless transition as Chief Spruill takes over,’’ said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray. “Most recently, [Spruill] served as deputy chief under Chief Ambrose. She has worked closely with him throughout his tenure and has played a critical role in running several key units in the office. Consequently, she has been able to hit the ground running as she leads the policing side of the office.”

Spruill was sworn in a private ceremony on Dec. 28.

According to a release, Spruill began her public service with the City of Newark as a student assistant and rose to become a manager in the city’s Neighborhood Services before moving to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Spruill joined the ECPO in 1998 and has held the positions of County Investigator, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief. She has been assigned to various units including Child Abuse/Sex Crimes, Homicide and Internal Affairs.

She is a graduate of Saint Vincent Academy in Newark, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in Human Resources Training and Development from Seton Hall University.

Spruill is also married with two children, ages 10 and 12, a release stated.

“I would like to thank Prosecutor Murray for this opportunity to continue to serve the people of Essex County. It is an honor and privilege to work in the community where I grew up and learned the life lessons that have guided my career in law enforcement,” Spruill said.

Photo via the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office