TOP COP: Matthew Solovay thanked the community after he was sworn in as Princeton’s new police chief on October 27. (Photo courtesy Princeton Police Department)
By Matthew Hersh
The Princeton community has been part of Chief Matthew Solovay’s entire adult life, and for the newly-minted Princeton Police Department (PPD) chief, that is by design. For more than two decades, Solovay has sought to fuse his professional training with his roots in the Princeton community as essential components to effective community law enforcement.
The chief, who was formally sworn into his new post at the Princeton Council’s October 27 meeting while flanked by his family, was initially at a loss for words. Soon enough, it was clear the two decade-effort Solovay has put into his time in Princeton is providing returns for the entire community.
“I have worked to integrate myself into the fabric of this town, building genuine relationships that I believe are essential for effective and meaningful policing,” said Solovay, who added, “The support we receive from the community is something I value deeply. Princeton’s history, culture, and diversity make it a truly unique place, and I could not imagine serving anywhere else.”
Mayor Mark Freda illustrated that support, calling Solovay’s commitment to Princeton a demonstration of “strong leadership and a dedication to community safety.”
The emphasis on “community,” Solovay said, is a guiding principle as he takes the reins of the PPD.
“I am a strong advocate for community policing, and I am proud of how fully our department has embraced this philosophy. Community policing is about building partnerships; relationships that strengthen trust, enhance understanding, and encourage open communication,” he said.
That ethos, he said, was born out 20 years of understanding Princeton, its dynamics, and developing a leadership style that reflects that understanding. And “as chief, I am committed to expanding our outreach efforts even further,” said Solovay.
Solovay started in the Patrol Bureau before being assigned to the Traffic Safety Bureau in 2010. The following year he was promoted to the rank of corporal and returned to the Patrol Bureau. Following the 2014 municipal consolidation, Solovay played a critical role in developing the department’s K9 unit, and became the department’s first K9 handler. He was selected as class speaker at his graduation from the New Jersey K9 Academy.
Solovay served as sergeant for five years starting in 2016, where he supervised the Patrol Bureau before being promoted to lieutenant in 2020. In this role, he oversaw the operations and investigative divisions within the department. Then-Lt. Solovay served as the department’s field training and evaluation commander. He was appointed to the rank of captain in September 2024.
Solovay is aware of the uneasy times the country is going through, from top to bottom, and he noted the department takes intentional steps to ensure residents feel safe and comfortable interacting with law enforcement.
“These can be uneasy times, and we fully understand the concerns many community members may feel,” said Solovay. “Transparency and open communication are central to our approach. Keeping our residents informed helps build trust, reduces uncertainty, and strengthens relationships with our stakeholders.”
This approach can manifest itself in several ways, but Solovay pointed specifically to the success of the Citizens Police Academy, an over-21 program that allows the public to better understand police operations. Focus areas include organizational structure, use of force, police response, arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stops, and officer safety. A ride-along program allows each participant to observe patrol functions first-hand.
“This program has been filled to capacity every year,” he said. “It allows us to learn from the community. Specifically, how the public views policing in Princeton and where we can continue to grow. Initiatives like this help ensure that all residents, including those who may feel vulnerable, know that their voices matter and that their safety is our priority.”
Solovay said a fully-staffed Community Relations Bureau remains a top priority, as well as giving officers the ability to gain different experiences from within the department. “This gives officers the opportunity to connect more closely with residents, gain a deeper understanding of our community, and contribute their own unique ideas and energy to our outreach efforts,” he said. “It also ensures that community policing remains a shared responsibility across the department.”
Solovay resides in Chesterfield with his two children and his wife, Katie, who is a teacher at Riverside School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University, a graduate certificate in criminal justice from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickenson University.
It has been a long road to this day, Solovay said, but he noted that this is the culmination of a commitment to keeping Princeton safe.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of becoming the chief of police,” said Solovay. “It’s something I’ve worked toward every single day of my career with determination, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the people I’ve had the privilege to work with.”