Former deputy chief and director of public safety William Krause has been named East Brunswick’s first chief of police in 48 years. Krause stresses the importance of building a partnership between the community and the department. For newly promoted Chief of Police William Krause Jr., leading the East Brunswick Police Department involves a commitment to fostering community involvement.
“Law enforcement cannot be successful today unless it is approached as a partnership between the police and the community,” he said.
“We need each other to succeed. Our department has embraced this philosophy, and we are continually looking for ways to improve on this,” he said.
“Our officers are constantly cognizant of the importance of being seen as part of the community, not just as a service in the community.” According to Krause, the department hierarchy has learned to do more with less in the face of cash-strapped municipal budgets and ever more expensive technology upgrades.
“While manpower is lower than it was 20 years ago, we’ve become extremely resourceful at deploying our officers to maximize our presence around the township. As well, technology continues to change, and it is expensive trying to keep up. We are always working very closely with our township administration and, when circumstances permit, improve on these issues,” said Krause.
Krause became the first chief of police in nearly a half-century.
Formerly deputy chief, Krause was promoted to the rank of chief on Oct 22 in a ceremony at the East Brunswick municipal courtroom.
The move comes after the Township Council voted to create the rank of chief of police as the highest sworn rank in the department.
Previously, the highest sworn rank in the department was that of the deputy chief and the director of public safety was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department.
Krause assumed the dual positions of deputy chief and director of public safety in 2011.
“I am extremely honored to be the first chief of police in East Brunswick in 48 years,” he said. “While the title change makes sense from an organizational standpoint, it is also the result of the work of the truly dedicated men and women who have committed themselves to ensuring this is a safe community. I am proud to be part of this organization.”
Mayor David Stahl who attended the ceremony, congratulated the new chief of police, explaining the importance of creating the new rank.
“It is my honor to promote Bill Krause to the position of chief of police. I am a firm believer in strong organizations and the East Brunswick Police Department … should be commanded by a chief of police. The men and women serving today, as well as those in the past, have earned that respect.
“Having worked closely with deputy chief Krause over the years, I know that he has earned my respect and the title as chief,” he said.
Krause began his service with the department in the Patrol Division as a patrolman, rising to the rank of sergeant; moving on to the Investigative Division as a sergeant. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant and in 2010, was promoted to the rank of captain.
Krause graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in public administration.
Contact Michael Nunes at [email protected].