Maplewood Appoints Its First-Ever Female Police Chief

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood will soon have its first-ever female chief of police, and she’s a familiar face in the township.

Niheema Malloy was appointed as the successor for outgoing chief Albert Sally at the township committee meeting on Tuesday.

Sally will retire on July 31. Malloy will officially take over as police chief on Aug. 1.

Malloy addressed attendees at the meeting directly:

“To all the residents of Maplewood, thank you. Your trust is not given lightly, and your safety is not taken for granted. I offer you a simple pledge: policing that is built in community partnership. As a department, we will listen to your concerns, your ideas and your vision of what proactive service looks like – encouraging valuable preemptive conversations before a crisis occurs. Our officers will continue to be trained in de-escalation, crisis and mental health responses, along with best tactics in criminal detection. Safety is our mission, but collaboration is our strength.”

According to a statement from the township, Malloy comes to the position with more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, having served in Maplewood since 2006. She was promoted to deputy police chief in Maplewood in January 2023.

Malloy earned a master of arts degree from Seton Hall University (majoring in human resources personnel management), completed the Rutgers University certified public manager program, and completed the Northwestern University supervision of police personnel program.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for July 21.

The soon-to-retire chief of police gave Malloy a resounding endorsement, saying the MPD will “thrive and succeed” under her leadership.

Sally said he plans to use the next few months to help Malloy transition into her new role as top cop.

“I have full confidence that our new chief will remain dedicated to the safety of the Maplewood community,” Sally added.

Malloy also got high marks from Mayor Vic De Luca.

“I first met Deputy Chief Malloy in 2006, when the township committee interviewed her to become a Maplewood police Officer,” De Luca said.

“We knew that she would accomplish great things in Maplewood and happily made the appointment,” the mayor added. “She spoke about the importance of being a partner with the community and she certainly has followed that practice.”

Malia Herman, deputy mayor and public safety committee chair, thanked Sally for his dedicated 25 years of service to the MPD, including the past three and a half as chief.

“At the same time, we are excited to welcome Deputy Chief Niheema Malloy as Maplewood’s next chief of police and the first woman to lead the Maplewood Police Department,” Herman continued. “She brings a strong record of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service, along with a vision for community-centered policing that makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide the department into the future.”

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