BARNEGAT – During their February meeting, the Township Committee officially approved changes in the local law enforcement agency’s leadership roles. They accepted Police Chief Keith Germain’s retirement, effective May 1, while simultaneously appointing Jason D. Carroll as the new Chief of Police, also effective May 1.
Carroll, 52, became a member of the Barnegat Police Department in 2001 when he was hired as a Class II officer at just $7 an hour. While this allowed him to carry a gun while on duty, he was required to lock it up when his shift ended.
“The administration couldn’t afford to hire cops at the time,” said Carroll. “So that’s what they chose to do to save money.”
Soon after joining the local department, Carroll decided to make Barnegat his home. He and his wife have raised their family here, and Carroll says he’s proud to serve the community he lives in.
It took almost two years before Carroll was hired full-time as a regular police officer. Ironically, he wasn’t even in town when the appointment came through.
The reason Carroll was not around when word of his promotion became official has everything to do with his career path before he came to Barnegat. Originally from Massapequa Park, Long Island, Carroll joined the United States Coast Guard directly out of high school in 1989.
“I did eight years active duty and left as a second class petty officer,” Carroll said. “I saw what a 20-year career looked like and decided to stay in the reserves.”
By then, Carroll’s family had relocated to Toms River, and he moved in with them and started classes at Ocean County College. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement but was still busy with his work in the reserves.
When Barnegat officials decided to hire Carroll as a regular police officer, he was on recall during one of the Gulf Wars in 2003. He was specifically in North Carolina for six months, training with other Coast Guard members to keep the ports safe.
Carroll steadily rose through the local law enforcement ranks, with his first promotion to sergeant in 2006. He started 2018 elevated to lieutenant and was promoted to the department’s sole captain’s position at the beginning of 2021.
And while Carroll never graduated from Ocean County College with an associate degree, he certainly recognized the value of education. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
But Carroll isn’t just about experience and education. He firmly believes in community policing, building strong relationships with residents, and fostering trust. He plans to continue the department’s focus on transparency and accountability while expanding outreach throughout the municipality, ensuring everyone feels safe and heard.
While Carroll is humbled and excited to be the new police chief, he also acknowledges that he has big shoes to fill from the man who has been both his friend and mentor.
“It’s going to be difficult taking over for Keith (Germain),” said Carroll. “It’s not like I’m taking over for someone who didn’t do such a great job.”
With 51 officers under his command, Carroll believes clear leadership is key. He emphasizes both consistency, meaning everyone knows what to expect and rules are applied fairly, and delegation, trusting his team to handle tasks with confidence. Carroll feels the combination creates a supportive and open environment for the whole department.
“By consistency, I mean everyone showing up at the same time, leaving at the same time,” Carroll emphasized. “It means treating people equally, consistently enacting discipline when necessary, consistently fighting for and advocating for the department, and also promoting the department.”
“I feel like if you’re not doing things consistently, then the troops won’t know what to expect from me,” continued Carroll. “That’s not good. The administration, sergeants, and patrolmen should be able to anticipate how I would react or what my views would be on certain subjects.”
When he formally assumes the chief position, Carroll will have his first big decision as he selects his successor to become police captain. He’ll pick from either of the department’s two lieutenants, Jeff Ryan and Andrew Parsley. Next will be choosing a sergeant to move up to lieutenant and another officer to fill the prospective open sergeant’s position.
According to the incoming chief, professional development remains a critical part of the local department. This includes a ten-week program once an officer graduates from the academy and field training for officers once they are promoted.
One of the key initiatives Carroll would like to explore is the establishment of a police foundation. This will allow the department to raise funds for additional resources, training, and community programs, further strengthening its connection with the people it serves.
“I really want to make sure we continue to connect with the community,” said Carroll. “Our social media presence is going to be huge. I also plan on taking opportunities to go out and speak with communities that aren’t necessarily as organized as the senior developments. I want the message to get out there that we’re here for everyone.”
