Morris Township’s new police chief, Robert Shearer, believes in continuing education for law enforcement.
One of his plans is creating a “core training curriculum” for all officers, a program tailored to officers’ strengths and interests in community policing, investigations, traffic and leadership.
It fits with Shearer’s aims of making the Township “the safest place to live and travel through” and continuing to encourage residents to feel comfortable reporting complaints and problems.
“I love putting the uniform on and interacting with the public,” said the 18-year police veteran, who assumed the reins this month.
He succeeds Chief Mark DiCarlo, who retired after a 26-year career. DiCarlo served as chief since 2017.
“Although police are often called at the worst possible times, it is a privilege and an honor to be able to do whatever we can to assist those people in their times of need,” said Shearer.
Township Administrator Tim Quinn, a former Township police chief, cited Shearer’s experience, and his tutelage by DiCarlo. Shearer rose through the ranks as a detective sergeant, lieutenant and, for the last three years, captain, running operations including patrols and traffic, Quinn said.
“He’s firm, he’s calm, he’s organized and will get things done” in the $180,000 position, the administrator said. “I’m sure he will do very well in his new role.”
Quinn likened Shearer’s core curriculum plan to continuing education for teachers, or a college major. Officers will be enrolled in seminars and courses offered by the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, and by the State Police, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies, Quinn said.
“It’s a phenomenal idea” that will give police more tools for serving the public, he said.
Shearer oversees a force of 44 sworn officers and five special officers assigned to schools in the regional Morris School District.
The Parsippany native graduated from Parsippany Hills High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at York College in Pennsylvania.
Shearer resides in Sparta with his wife and their three children, Kellen (11), Greyson (8) and Machlan (2). He coaches wrestling and youth lacrosse, and enjoys traveling with his family.
Leading the Morris Township police is an honor, he said.
“We have such an outstanding group of men and women that are committed to serving the public, day in and day out. This commitment extends from our uniformed officers, detective bureau, school resource officers, and our support staff,” Shearer said.
He sees his greatest challenge as recruitment.
“We have to continue to be creative with our recruitment to continue to draw in the best candidates,” Shearer said.
