Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday nominated retired State Police lieutenant colonel Jeanne Hengemuhle to serve as superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, positioning her to lead roughly 3,300 troopers across the state.
If confirmed, Hengemuhle would become the first woman to hold the post, taking over an agency that has faced sustained criticism in recent years over allegations of racial bias, internal misconduct, and weak accountability systems.
The nomination comes as the State Police continues to grapple with the fallout from multiple investigations into traffic enforcement practices, workplace culture, and internal discipline. Reviews conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and outside investigators found what they described as “deeply troubling conduct,” including reports that minority troopers were reluctant to report discrimination for fear of retaliation. Investigators cited instances of racial slurs and discriminatory remarks within the ranks.
Hengemuhle is set to replace Dave Sierotowicz, who became acting superintendent following the retirement of Patrick Callahan on Dec. 31.
Hengemuhle joined the State Police in 1997 and retired in 2024 after more than 26 years of service. During her career, she rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel and held several leadership roles.
Her father, Joseph F. Hengemuhle, served as an FBI agent for 35 years in New York and Washington, specializing in counterintelligence before retiring in 1987. Her mother, Agnes, worked as a human resources supervisor for Macy’s in Paramus. Hengemuhle is the youngest of seven children.
A resident of Middlesex and Bergen counties, Hengemuhle is a member of The College of New Jersey Athletic Hall of Fame and was named NCAA Division III softball player of the year in 1991. She earned a degree in criminal justice and later completed a master’s degree in education.
Her nomination now moves to the state Senate for confirmation, where lawmakers are expected to closely examine her plans for restoring trust, strengthening oversight, and implementing reforms within the embattled agency.
I trust our police already……. concentrate on putting criminals behind bars…that’s your only job…..
What a joke…..
More DEI BS. What another WOKE JOKE? What a joke and farce.
Exactly!
She was retired. Was Acting Director incompetent?Inexperienced? Reason he was not considered?
It’s unusual to not hire from within. Especially within a huge Department.
Typical political appointment.