JACKSON – Captain Mary Nelson has been appointed interim police chief. Not only is she the township’s first female interim chief, she was also the first female lieutenant and captain.
A statement posted to the township’s website describes Nelson as representing “leadership, professionalism and the future direction of the township police department. Chief Nelson brings a high level of experience, integrity and forward-thinking vision that reflects the values and expectations of Jackson Township.”
Nelson started her law enforcement career with the Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Department in 2001 and served as a dispatcher for a year and a half prior to attending the Burlington County Police Academy in early 2003. She was hired by the Jackson Police Department in August of 2004.
She served as a patrol officer and also field training officer before being promoted to sergeant in 2011. She was assigned to supervise a patrol squad. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2018 and assigned to supervise a patrol platoon.
The interim chief earned a master’s degree in administrative science through Fairleigh Dickinson University and has attended the Certified Public Manager’s course through Rutgers University. Additionally, she has also earned numerous other certifications throughout her career.
In June of 2022, Nelson was promoted to the rank of captain during a Township Council meeting. Chief Matthew Kunz – whose last day is January 31 – said during her promotion to captain that Nelson had served as an instructor for the department and at the Ocean County Police Academy. Additionally, she had served as the administrative coordinator for the Police Explorer Program and assisted in the coordination of the Police and Fire Christmas Toy Drive.
Last winter, Nelson and other members of the police department took part in a local version of the game show Family Feud playing against clients who are served by the Commission for the Disabled. Nelson told The Jackson Times at that event that she always enjoyed police participation with events involving the community.
Nelson also coordinated the annual August National Night Out events for several years as well.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn noted the need for unity and collaboration within the department. “We are on team,” she said during a recent roundtable session where the announcement of Nelson’s appointment as interim chief was made. Also on hand were Council President Mordechai Burnstein and Business Administrator Charles Terefenko who offered their congratulations and expressed confidence in her selection and ability to lead the department. The date and time of her swearing in ceremony will be released soon.
Kunz’s retirement comes after leading the department for 17 years. His departure included an agreement settling litigation he filed toward the end of 2024 that will also provide him some back pay. No details have been released by the council concerning exactly how much the chief will receive and The Jackson Times has asked officials for those figures and did not receive a response.
What is known is that Kunz will receive payment that will reimburse him for years of raises he didn’t receive despite many subordinates who did receive yearly increases.
During his tenure as chief the township police department roster rose from 60 officers to 110. School resource officers returned and more detectives were added to the force. A special enforcement unit was also created that focused on drug enforcement and serious crimes.
He also brought back the department’s canine and motorcycle units and also added S.W.A.T. and drone units. At the time when the Council voted to approve the settlement agreement, it was noted that an officer in charge or interim chief would be named by February as it would take several months to interview and hire a new chief. Kuhn indicated at the time that the vacant position of public safety director which featured a salary of over $200,000 would not be filled as members of the department only wanted the spot to assist them during Kunz’s time as chief.
During recent meetings of the Township Council, officials have stressed their commitment to strengthen public safety efforts within the community.
