with Paul Cell
Paul Cell
Born:
East Orange. Raised and still resides in Bloomfield.
Education:
Graduate of the Essex County Police Academy. Paul has received advanced
training from the FBI, DEA, and New Jersey State Police. He is a certified
police academy instructor and has taught at the Essex and Jersey City
academies.
Favorite spare-time activities:
Traveling. Paul has been all over the world including China, Europe, South
America, Russia and all of the Scandinavian countries.
Favorite Play: "Les Misérables," which he has seen in New York, London and Paris.
Montclair State's new police chief is on a mission: To serve the campus
community 24-7. "That's our main objective," said Paul Cell.
"We are here around the clock and I want the community to feel comfortable
calling us any time for any reason. We are a service-based organization
and it is our duty to provide protection and safety for all members of
our community and visitors."
After a national search, Paul, who has served as interim chief since April,
was officially named to the position. He is the first sworn chief at the
University; former department heads were civilian directors. And although
his title may be new, Paul is a familiar face on campus, serving the community
for more than 21 years, a commitment he takes seriously.
"It is my duty to provide the highest level of safety for the Montclair
State community 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year,"
he said, adding that the University is overall a safe community. "We
have a low crime rate probably equivalent to that of a small town,"
he said. "Our biggest problem is crimes of opportunity" such
as thefts of unattended personal possessions.
Paul has worked his way through the ranks at Montclair State, first as
an officer, then sergeant, eventually heading the Detection Bureau, the
department's investigation unit. He oversees a force of 22 police officers
who are empowered to enforce New Jersey state laws, including motor vehicle
violations as well as the University's own rules and regulations; and
14 civilian security officers.
The University Police Department takes a proactive role when it comes
to safety by providing workshops and classes in crime prevention, security
issues and self-defense. Paul has taught a 12-week self-defense course
here for 10 years. "Part of my job is to take the lead in educating
the community on safety issues," he said. "I want us to be an
active part of the community, not just during troubled times, but always."
In addition to his other responsibilities, Paul plans to continue the
work the department has begun in community relations. "I want the
campus community to see us on a more human level, not just enforcing laws,"
he said. "We are trying to be more diverse and not limit the department
to just safety issues." For example, the department recently sponsored
several bus trips to New York to see Broadway plays, and Paul and other
police officers participate in charity events such as the "Cops and
Lobsters," an event where police officers work as waiters at Red
Lobster to raise money for the New Jersey Special Olympics.
"I enjoy working with the diverse community that exists at Montclair
State," said Paul. "I consider myself to be a people person,
and I look forward to working even more closely with the campus community."
Montclair State President
Susan A. Cole applauds Paul Cell after his official swearing-in as chief
of University Police on Jan. 17.