Princeton Police Chief Nicholas Sutter is retiring Oct. 1, capping a 25-plus year career that began as a patrolman with the former Princeton Borough Police Department and that ends with his leadership of the Princeton Police Department.
The former Princeton Borough Police Department and the former Princeton Township Police Department merged into the Princeton Police Department when the two towns consolidated in 2013.
Sutter said the decision to retire, which he said was “bittersweet,” comes after many months of discussion with family, friends and colleagues. As a result of those discussions, Sutter said, “it led me to the decision that this was the right time for my family, the department and me.
“Leading this department for over seven years has been the culmination of a lifelong dream. My colleagues have become my extended family, and it is the men and women of this department and my friendships with all of them that have made this decision so difficult,” Sutter said.
The Princeton Police Department was built on a “one town, one vision” philosophy when consolidation occurred in 2013, he said. The new police department had a solid mission, honorable values, progressive and innovative ideas and processes, “but most of all, it was built by the finest men and women law enforcement has to offer,” he said.
The Princeton Police Department is positioned to focus on the challenges facing it, as well as the changes that law enforcement is “undoubtedly” going to experience in the United States, Sutter said.
“Our officers deserve consistent and transformational leadership that will result in positive change moving forward. Change is not new to our department,” Sutter said.
The Princeton Police Department’s leadership is prepared to continue the type of forward thinking and positive change that has been advocated for more than seven years, Sutter said.
“I will work with the department leadership, municipal administration, Mayor Liz Lempert and members of Princeton Council to ensure that this transition is seamless,” Sutter said.