Jerry Speziale: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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'''Gerald Speziale''' is an American [[law enforcement]] officer and Public Safety Director of the [[Paterson Police Department]] and the [[Paterson Fire Department]] in [[Paterson, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=127 |title=Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale|work=patersonpd.com}}</ref> A former member of the [[New York City Police Department]], Speziale has also served as the [[Sheriff of Passaic County, New Jersey]], as Deputy Police Superintendent - Assistant Director of Public Safety for the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/081010_Passaic_County_Sheriff_Speziale_resigns.html |title=Passaic County Sheriff Speziale resigns, accepts Port Authority post |publisher=NorthJersey.com |accessdate=2011-11-23}}</ref> and as Chief of Police for the City of [[Prichard, Alabama]]. He has worked as an undercover officer in the [[United States]] [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA), and for the [[New York City|New York]] Drug Enforcement Task Force while in the NYPD.▼
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Jerry Speziale
| image = Jerry Speziale.jpg
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| caption = Speziale in 2011
| birth_date = {{birth based on age as of date|50|2010|8|11}}<ref name="nypost"/>
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality =
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| other_names =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| known_for =
| notable_works =
| awards =
| office = Police Director of the [[Paterson Police Department]]
| term_start = July 2014
| term_end =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| office1 = [[Police Chief]] of the [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania|Hazleton]] Police Department
| term_start1 = January 2016
| term_end1 = April 2020
| predecessor1 =
| successor1 =
| office2 = [[Police Chief]] of the [[Prichard, Alabama|Prichard]] Police Department
| term_start2 = October 2013
| term_end2 = July 2014
| predecessor2 =
| successor2 =
| office3 = Deputy Police Superintendent and Assistant Director of Public Safety of the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department]]
| term_start3 = August 2010
| term_end3 = October 2013
| predecessor3 =
| successor3 =
| office4 = Sheriff of [[Passaic County, New Jersey|Passaic County]]
| term_start4 = November 2001
| term_end4 = August 2010
| predecessor4 = Edwin Englehardt
| successor4 =
| office5 = [[Police Chief]] of the [[New Hope, Pennsylvania|New Hope]] Police Department
| term_start5 = May 2000
| term_end5 = September 2000
| predecessor5 =
| successor5 =
}}
▲'''Gerald Speziale''' (born {{birth based on age as of date|50|2010|8|11|mos=y|noage=y}})<ref name="nypost"/> is an American [[law enforcement]] officer and Public Safety Director of the [[Paterson Police Department]] and the [[Paterson Fire Department]] in [[Paterson, New Jersey]].<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Public Safety Department |url=https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=127 |titlewebsite=Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale|work=patersonpdwww.compatersonnj.gov}}</ref> A former member of the [[New York City Police Department]], Speziale has also served as the [[Sheriff of Passaic County, New Jersey]], as Deputy Police Superintendent - Assistant Director of Public Safety for the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department]],<ref name="northjersey">{{citeCite web |urllast1=http://www.northjersey.com/news/081010_Passaic_County_Sheriff_Speziale_resigns.htmlCowen |first1=Richard |last2=Cunningham |first2=Jennifer |last3=Alexander |first3=Andrea |date=2010-08-10 |title=Passaic County Sheriff Speziale resigns, accepts Port Authority post |publisherurl=NorthJerseyhttp://www.northjersey.com/news/081010_Passaic_County_Sheriff_Speziale_resigns.html |accessdateurl-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009222406/http://www.northjersey.com/news/passaic-county-sheriff-speziale-resigns-accepts-port-authority-post-1.926709 |archive-date=2014-10-09 |access-date=2011-11-23 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]]}}</ref> and as Chief of Police for the City of [[Prichard, Alabama]]. He has worked as an undercover officer in the [[United States]] [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA), and for the [[New York City|New York]] Drug Enforcement Task Force while in the NYPD.
Jerry Speziale resigned in 2010 and took a position with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Speziale's decision to move from Passaic County to the Port Authority mid-election was the focus of controversy, and prompted allegations that the appointment was political. Sympathizing with Speziale's family situation, because his wife was suffering from a terminal illness, many respected his right to make this move, but local and countywide Democrats were disappointed with the abruptness of his departing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9h9maut6ME/news/081010|title=Speziale steps down as sheriff|publisher=NorthJersey.com |accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref> ▼
▲Jerry Speziale resigned in 2010 and took a position with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Speziale's decision to move from Passaic County to the Port Authority mid-election was the focus of controversy, and prompted allegations that the appointment was political. Sympathizing with Speziale's family situation, because his wife was suffering from a terminal illness, many respected his right to make this move, but local and countywide Democrats were disappointed with the abruptness of his departing.<ref>{{citeCite AV media web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9h9maut6ME/news/081010 |title=Speziale steps down as sheriffSheriff |date=2010-08-11 |publisher=[[NorthJersey.com]] |via=[[YouTube]] |accessdate=2010-08-11}}</ref>
In 2003, Speziale had been described as a "flamboyant figure"<ref name="Rashb">William K. Rashbaumaug, [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/nyregion/20sheriff.html Inquiry Into Ex-Sheriff's Motor Pool], ''The New York Times'', August 19, 2010.</ref><ref name=NYTrides>Jonathan Miller, [https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/09/nyregion/the-law-passaic-sheriff-rides-high-on-attention.html "THE LAW; Passaic Sheriff Rides High On Attention"], ''The New York Times'', February 9, 2003</ref> and as having a "flair for publicity."<ref name=OldJob>Abbott Koloff, [https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180320/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-228047027.html "Old Job Has Sway on Police Director,"] ''The Record'' (Bergen County, N.J.), 18 August 2014: A.1</ref><ref name="patriciaalex">{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-sheriff-jerry-speziale-is-a-no-show-at-motorcycle-run-named-for-him-1.1154456|title=Former sheriff Jerry Speziale is a no-show at motorcycle run named for him|author=Patricia Alex|work=NorthJersey.com}}</ref><ref name=Doblin>Alfred P. Doblin, [http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/steven-slater-has-nothing-on-jerry-speziale-1.247858 "Steven Slater has nothing on Jerry Speziale"],''The Record'' (Bergen County, N.J.) 13 August 2010: A.19.</ref> In 1986, just a few years into his time with the New York City Police Department, Speziale was shot in the line of duty, where Speziale and his partner were ambushed and he was shot. Two other cops were shot and Speziale returned fire and killed the suspect. Speziale, later got involved in undercover drug work that took him to Colombia to help fight the powerful cartels.
In 2003, Speziale had been described as a "flamboyant figure"<ref name="Rashb">{{Cite news |last=Rashbaum |first=William K. |date=2010-08-20 |title=Inquiry Into Ex-Sheriff's Motor Pool |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/nyregion/20sheriff.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617095956/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/nyregion/20sheriff.html |archive-date=2022-06-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="NYTrides">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Jonathan |date=2003-02-09 |title=THE LAW; Passaic Sheriff Rides High On Attention |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/09/nyregion/the-law-passaic-sheriff-rides-high-on-attention.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821170804/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/09/nyregion/the-law-passaic-sheriff-rides-high-on-attention.html |archive-date=2022-08-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and as having a "flair for publicity."<ref name="OldJob">{{Cite news |last=Koloff |first=Abbott |date=2014-08-18 |title=Old Job Has Sway on Police Director |work=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]] |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-228047027.html |url-status=dead |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180320/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-228047027.html |archive-date=2015-09-24 |via=[[HighBeam Research|HighBeam]]}}</ref><ref name="patriciaalex">{{Cite web |last=Alex |first=Patricia |date=2010-08-31 |title=Former sheriff Jerry Speziale is a no-show at motorcycle run named for him |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-sheriff-jerry-speziale-is-a-no-show-at-motorcycle-run-named-for-him-1.1154456 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073014/http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-sheriff-jerry-speziale-is-a-no-show-at-motorcycle-run-named-for-him-1.1154456 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]]}}</ref><ref name="Doblin">{{Cite news |last=Doblin |first=Alfred P. |date=2010-08-13 |title=Steven Slater has nothing on Jerry Speziale |work=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/505308250/ |url-access=subscription |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> In 1986, just a few years into his time with the New York City Police Department, Speziale was shot in the line of duty, where Speziale and his partner were ambushed and he was shot. Two other cops were shot and Speziale returned fire and killed the suspect. Speziale, later got involved in undercover drug work that took him to Colombia to help fight the powerful cartels.
Those experiences formed the basis of his published [[ghostwriter|ghostwritten]] book: “Without a Badge: Undercover in the World’s Deadliest Criminal Organization,” describing his experiences working undercover,<ref name=NYTrides/> and has been featured on the reality TV series [[Cops (TV series)|''Cops'']]. Speziale also played a police captain and served as a "police consultant" for the 2010 film ''[[Brooklyn's Finest]].''<ref name="Reich">{{Cite news |last=Reich |first=Michael |date=2018-11-25 |title=Police chief has gained fame, but remains committed to helping Hazleton |language=en-US |work=[[Times Leader]] |publisher=[[Civitas Media]] |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/725805/police-chief-has-gained-fame-but-remains-committed-to-helping-hazleton],''The Times|url-status=live Leader'' (Wilkes|access-Barre,date=2022-08-30 P|archive-url=https://web.Aarchive.) 25 November 2018org/web/20210208043045/https: C//www.1timesleader.com/news/725805/police-chief-has-gained-fame-but-remains-committed-to-helping-hazleton |archive-date=2021-02-08}}</ref>
==Early life and education==
Speziale was born in [[Paterson, New Jersey]]{{cn|date=August 2022}} to Gerardohis Spezialefather, a barber, and Barbarahis Spezialemother, a paralegal.<ref name=NYTrides/> He grew up in [[Wayne, New Jersey]].<ref name=NYTrides/><ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey">{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/passaic-county-sheriff-speziale-resigns-accepts-port-authority-post-1.926709|title=Passaic County Sheriff Speziale resigns, accepts Port Authority post|author1=Richard Cowen |author2=Jennifer Cunningham |author3=Andrea Alexander |work=NorthJersey.com}}</ref> Jerry Speziale after the death of his wife Maggie Reinhardt Speziale to Cancer in 2013, Speziale married his current wife Beatrice Connors Speziale on September 23rd, 2017 and together they have a blended family of (5) children.
==Law enforcement career==
Speziale joined New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1983.{{cn|date=August 2022}} In 1986, he was shot in the arm during a shootout with ana addictrobber who had taken hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Purdum |first=Todd S. Purdump|author-link=Todd S. Purdum |date=1986-02-26 |title=2 Dead and 4 Hurt, Including 3 Officers, In a Bronx Shootout |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/26/nyregion/2-dead-and-4-hurt-including-3-officers-in-a-bronx-shootout.html 2 Dead and 4 Hurt Including 3 Officers in a Bronx Shootout], ''The New York Times'', February 26, 1986.|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Speziale later worked as a detective on the narcotics squad, and befriended future NYPD Commissioner [[Bernard Kerik]].<ref name=NYTrides/><ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey" /><ref name="lagniappemobile.com">{{citeCite news |date=2013-10-01 |title=Man tapped as Prichard's chief of police has lauded, controversial career |work=[[Lagniappe (newspaper)|Lagniappe]] web|url=httphttps://lagniappemobile.com/man-tapped-as-prichards-chief-of-police-has-lauded-controversial-career/ |titleurl-status=Manlive tapped|url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021051150/https://lagniappemobile.com/man-tapped-as Prichard's -prichards-chief -of -police -has -lauded, -controversial -career/ - LagniappeLagniappe|workarchive-date=Lagniappe2020-10-21}}</ref> During the 1990s, he became an undercover agent for the DEA, and was a member of the DEA's "Group 93," which was tasked with fighting Colombian Drug Cartels.<ref name=NYTrides/><ref name="lagniappemobile.com" /><ref>{{citeCite news |urllast=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015664?refCatIdMcNary |first=13Dave |date=2010-02-23 |title=Project'sPermut, basedSerenity onto trueproduce story'Badge' of|work=[[Variety undercover New Jersey cop(magazine)|Variety]] |publisherurl=Varietyhttps://variety.com/2010/film/news/permut-serenity-to-produce-badge-1118015664/ |dateurl-status=live 2010-02-23|accessdateaccess-date=2011-11-23 |firstarchive-url=Davehttps://web.archive.org/web/20171013225137/https://variety.com/2010/film/news/permut-serenity-to-produce-badge-1118015664/ |lastarchive-date=McNary2017-10-13}}</ref> Having reached the rank of first-grade detective, Speziale retired from the NYPD on a disability pension in 1997, citing injuries. He returned to police work at the Bergen County Sheriff's Department, and served as the Chief of Police for [[New Hope, Pennsylvania]], for five months in 2000, before running for Sheriff of Passaic County in the November, 2001 elections.<ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey" /><ref>{{citeCite news |last=Carmiel |first=Oshrat |date=2000-09-28 |title=Speziale Steps Down As New Hope's Police Chief |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2000-09-28/news/25581546_1_jerry-speziale-new-hope-borough-council-meeting |titleurl-status=Spezialedead Steps Down As New Hope's Police Chief|workarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928214917/http://articles.philly.com/2000-archives09-28/news/25581546_1_jerry-speziale-new-hope-borough-council-meeting |archive-date=2015-09-28}}</ref><ref name="nypost">{{citeCite news |last=Messing |first=Philip |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Kerik pal getting a top PA-cop post |work=[[New York Post]] |url=https://nypost.com/2010/08/11/kerik-pal-getting-a-top-pa-cop-post/ |titleurl-status=Keriklive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093654/https://nypost.com/2010/08/11/kerik-pal -getting -a -top PA-pa-cop -post|work=New York Post/ | first=Philip|last=Messing|archive-date=August 11, 20102019-03-30}}</ref>
===Passaic County Sheriff===
In November 2001, Speziale was elected Sheriff of Passaic County, New Jersey.<ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey" /> Although he had campaigned for republicanRepublican candidates in 1999, Speziale ran as a Democrat, and replaced Republican Edwin Englehardt, who had served as sheriff for 27 years.<ref name=NYTrides/> He was re-elected sheriff twice, in 2004 and 2007.<ref>{{citeCite web news|urllast=http://www.northjersey.com/news/96743064_Sheriff_raises_over__1M.htmlCowen |first=Richard |date=2010-06-20 |title=Passaic County sheriff has raised over $1M in reelection bid |publisherurl=NorthJerseyhttp://www.northjersey.com/news/96743064_Sheriff_raises_over__1M.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623001600/http://www.northjersey.com/news/96743064_Sheriff_raises_over__1M.html |archive-date=2010-06-23 |access-date=June 20, 2010 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref>
In August 2002, federal officials criticized him for a “shameful"shameful media grab at the expense of a federal investigation that was not complete”complete" while conducting a raid of a Paterson office that produced phony documents that were reportedly sold to several 9/11 hijackers. <ref name="NorthJersey.com">{{citeCite web |last=Kelly |first=Mike |date=2016-01-09 |title=Kelly: Jerry Speziale's new beat covers two states news|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/life/community/2016/01/09/kelly-jerry-speziales-new-beat-covers-two-states/94382472/ |titleaccess-date=Kelly:January Jerry9, Speziale's2016 new beat covers two states|publisherwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]] |access-datepublisher=January[[North 9,Jersey 2016Media Group]]}}</ref> Federal officials were upset that Speziale's detectives did not inform the FBI about the raid and Speziale publicly released the details of the Sheriff's Office investigation, and had invited reporters to accompany police on the raid.<ref>Robert{{Cite news |last=Hanley, |first=Robert |date=2002-08-02 |title=U.S. Official Says Passaic Sheriff Damaged a Federal Inquiry |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/02/nyregion/us-official-says-passaic-sheriff-damaged-a-federal-inquiry.html U.S.|url-status=live Official Says Passaic Sheriff Damaged|url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323190137/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/02/nyregion/us-official-says-passaic-sheriff-damaged-a-federal-inquiry.html Federal|archive-date=2021-03-23 Inquiry], ''The New York Times'', August 2, 2002.|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Shortly after the raid, New Jersey's Attorney General ordered all local law enforcement authorities to get permission from a special liaison before seeking terrorism-related search warrants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Richard Lezin, |date=2002-08-09 |title=Police Must Get Authorization In New Jersey Terrorism Cases |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/09/nyregion/police-must-get-authorization-in-new-jersey-terrorism-cases.html Police|url-status=live Must Get Authorization In New Jersey Terrorism Cases], ''The New York Times'', August 9,|url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126122232/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/09/nyregion/police-must-get-authorization-in-new-jersey-terrorism-cases.html |archive-date=2021-01-26 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The incident reportedly led to a "deep chill" in relations between the US Attorney's office and Speziale's staff. Until the raid, the Sheriff's department and the FBI had been investigating jointly.<ref>Robert{{Cite Hanelynews and|last1=Hanley Jonathan|first1=Robert |last2=Miller, |first2=Jonathan |date=2003-06-25 |title=4 Transcripts Are Released In Case Tied to 9/11 Hijackers |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/25/nyregion/4-transcripts-are-released-in-case-tied-to-9-11-hijackers.html 4|url-status=live Transcripts Are Released In Case Tied|url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207044300/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/25/nyregion/4-transcripts-are-released-in-case-tied-to -9/-11-hijackers.html Hijackers], ''The New|archive-date=2020-12-07 York Times'', 25 June 2003.|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Although, Speziale has served since 1994 as ana consultant, instructor and subject matter expert on multi jurisdictionalmultijurisdictional law enforcement investigations involving wiretaps to federal law enforcement agencies around the nation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/life/community/2016/01/09/kelly-jerry-speziales-new-beat-covers-two-states/94382472/|title=Kelly: Jerry Speziale's new beat covers two states|publishername="NorthJersey.com|access-date=January" 9, 2016}}</ref>
Speziale also came into conflict with Passaic County [[Board of chosen freeholders|freeholder]]s (county legislators) and the state Civil Service Commission over the number of [[patronage]] appointments that he was allowed to make as Sheriff. The dispute centered on whether supervisors should count as sheriff's officers when calculating the number of "at-will" investigators the Sheriffsheriff could hire. Initially, the state civil service commission and county freeholders accused Speziale of exceeding his budget by making an excessive number of patronage appointments, ordering him to fire eight investigators who had been hired in addition to the 20 "at-will" officers already added to the force.<ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey" /><ref name="richardcowen1">{{citeCite web |last=Cowen |first=Richard |date=2010-08-09 |title=Passaic County sheriff vows to fight state on patronage power |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/passaic-county-sheriff-vows-to-fight-state-on-patronage-power-1.1156676 |titleurl-status=Passaic Countydead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103356/http://www.northjersey.com/news/passaic-county-sheriff -vows -to -fight -state -on -patronage -power-1.1156676 |authorarchive-date=Richard2016-03-04 Cowen|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |date=2010-08-08 |title=Passaic County sheriff ordered to fire eight patronage appointments |url=httphttps://www.nj.com/news/index2010/08/passic_county_sheriff_ordered.ssfhtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830130043/https://www.nj.com/news/2010/08/passic_county_sheriff_ordered.html |titlearchive-date=Passaic2022-08-30 County|website=[[NJ.com]] sheriff|publisher=[[Advance orderedPublications]] to|language=en fire eight patronage appointments|workagency=NJ.com[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In March 2011, however, the New Jersey Civil Service Commission changed its stance, ruling that supervisors should count as sheriff's officers, and that Speziale had been within his rights to when he hired the eight additional officers. By that time, Speziale had already left the Sheriff's office and the number of staff had been reduced.<ref name="kibretmarkos">{{citeCite web |urllast=Markos |first=Kibret |date=2013-05-10 |title=Jury awards $75G punitive damage to Passaic County sheriff's captain in whistleblower case |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime-and-courts/jury-awards-75g-punitive-damage-to-passaic-county-sheriff-s-captain-in-whistleblower-case-1.580938|title |url-status=dead Jury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920114641/http://www.northjersey.com/news/crime-and-courts/jury-awards $75G -75g-punitive -damage -to Passaic County -passaic-county-sheriff'-s -captain -in -whistleblower -case|author-1.580938 |archive-date=2015-09-20 Kibret Markos|work website= [[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref>
On August 10, 2010, Speziale resigned in order to accept a post as Deputy Superintendent of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police.<ref name="Rashb" /><ref name="patriciaalex" /><ref name="nj.com">{{citeCite web |urllast=Johnson |first=Brent |date=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/-06/wildstein_claims_christie_broke_law_by_revealing_grand_jury_information_report_says.html-08 |title=Wildstein claims Christie broke law by revealing grand jury information, report says |workurl=https://www.nj.com/politics/2015/06/wildstein_claims_christie_broke_law_by_revealing_grand_jury_information_report_says.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830130459/https://www.nj.com/politics/2015/06/wildstein_claims_christie_broke_law_by_revealing_grand_jury_information_report_says.html |archive-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref><ref name="NYTGJ">Kate{{Cite news |last=Zernike, |first=Kate |date=2015-06-08 |title=Ex-Official Says Chris Christie Broke Grand Jury Law |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/08/nyregion/statement-says-chris-christie-broke-grand-jury-law.html "Ex|url-Officialstatus=live Says|url-access=limited Chris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616140931/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/08/nyregion/statement-says-chris-christie-broke-grand-jury-law.html Christie|archive-date=2022-06-16 Broke|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Grandweb Jury|last=Cowen Law"],|first=Richard ''The|date=2010-08-11 New|title=With YorkSpeziale Times''gone, Juneacting 7,sheriff 2015.</ref><ref>{{citelooks to settle down Passaic department web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/with-speziale-gone-acting-sheriff-looks-to-settle-down-passaic-department-1.1155310 |titleurl-status=With Spezialedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095303/http://www.northjersey.com/news/with-speziale-gone, -acting -sheriff -looks -to -settle -down Passaic -passaic-department-1.1155310 |authorarchive-date=Richard2016-03-04 Cowen|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> Speziale cited family reasons as his reason for resigning and abandoning his re-election campaign.<ref name="richardcowen,jennifercunninghamandandreaalexandernorthjersey" /> According to ''Bergen[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'' columnist Alfred Doblin, Speziale's decision to resign so suddenly, and during a campaign, was "a slap in the face to political allies and donors," and his decision to distribute the $1 million in campaign funds that Speziale had already raised to charity - rather than to other Democratic candidates - added "insult to injury."<ref name="patriciaalex" /><ref name="Doblin" /> Republican Assemblyman Scott Rumana told reporters that he had helped to arrange Speziale's new job, in conjunction with the office of New Jersey's republican governor, [[Chris Christie]].<ref name="richardcowen">{{citeCite web |last=Cowen |first=Richard |date=2010-09-15 |title=Passaic County Democrats call for federal probe into Speziale job |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/freeholders-call-for-probe-into-new-speziale-job-1.927764 |titleurl-status=Passaic County Democratsdead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612040509/http://www.northjersey.com/news/freeholders-call -for federal -probe -into Speziale -new-speziale-job-1.927764 |authorarchive-date=Richard2015-06-12 Cowen|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> In response, the Passaic County freeholder board's democratic majority called for a criminal investigation, asserting that Speziale had been offered the job in order to entice him out of the race for Sheriff.<ref name="NYTGJ" /><ref name="richardcowen" /><ref>{{citeCite web |urllast=Strunsky |first=Steve |date=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/-09/ex-passaic_county_sheriffs_mov.html17 |title=Ex-Passaic County sheriff's move to Port Authority angers, baffles N.J. Democrats |workurl=https://www.nj.com/news/2010/09/ex-passaic_county_sheriffs_mov.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830131127/https://www.nj.com/news/2010/09/ex-passaic_county_sheriffs_mov.html |archive-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref> Several years later, the ''BergenThe Record'' reported that "nothing ever came" of the state investigation.<ref name="richardcowen2">{{citeCite web |last=Cowen |first=Richard |date=2013-10-04 |title=Former Passaic sheriff Speziale takes job in bankrupt Southern town |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-passaic-sheriff-takes-job-in-bankrupt-southern-town-1.629806?page=all |titleurl-status=Former Passaic dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802134148/http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-passaic-sheriff Speziale -takes -job -in -bankrupt Southern -southern-town-1.629806 |authorarchive-date=Richard2015-08-02 Cowen|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> Controversy over the appointment resurfaced in June 2015, however, when former Port Authority official [[David Wildstein]] - a key figure in the [[Fort Lee lane closure scandal]] -
alleged in a sworn statement that Christie had arranged for the Port Authority to hire Speziale in order to take both him and his campaign funds out of the race.<ref name="nj.com" /><ref name="NYTGJ" /><ref>{{citeCite web |last=Gass |first=Nick |date=8 June 2015 |title=Report: Christie accused of breaking grand jury law |url=httphttps://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/chris-christie-accused-breaking-grand-jury-law-nyt-118728.html |titleurl-status=Report: Christielive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410052515/https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/chris-christie-accused of -breaking -grand -jury -law|author=Nick-nyt-118728 Gass|archive-date=82021-04-10 June 2015|workwebsite=[[POLITICO]]}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |last=Garver |first=Rob |date=2015-06-08 |title=Former Schoolmate Continues to Plague Chris Christie |url=httphttps://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2015/06/08/Former-Schoolmate-Continues-Plague-Chris-Christie |titleurl-status=Formerlive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212220601/https://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2015/06/08/Former-Schoolmate -Continues to -Plague -Chris -Christie |archive-date=2021-02-12 |workwebsite=[[The Fiscal Times]]}}</ref>
In 2019, a grass roots support group of Jerry Speziale collected 4000 signatures in a few days for him to run for Passaic County Sheriff, in the June 2019, Democratic Primaryprimary Electionelection, but Speziale withdrew after speaking with New Jersey Governor [[Phil Murphy]] and State Democratic Chairman John Currie. Both urged him not to run and divide the party. They asked Speziale to be patient and wait his turn. Speziale agreed, stating “The Democratic Party is very important to me and that the party does not need a divisive primary battle."<ref name="Richard Cowen">{{citeCite web |last=Cowen |first=Richard |date=2019-03-28 |title=Jerry Speziale won't run for Passaic County NJ Sheriff |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/03/28/jerry-speziale-wont-run-passaic-county-nj-sheriff/3300851002/ |titleurl-status=Jerry Speziale won'tlive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017183914/https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/03/28/jerry-speziale-wont-run-passaic-county-nj-sheriff/3300851002/ for Passaic County NJ Sheriff|author1archive-date=Richard2021-10-17 Cowen|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]]}}</ref><ref name="Wildstein">David{{Cite web |last=Wildstein,[ |first=David |date=2019-03-28 |title=Speziale won't run for Passaic sheriff |url=https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/speziale-wont-run-for-passaic-sheriff/"Speziale won't|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330011132/https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/speziale-wont-run -for-passaic-sheriff/ Passaic|archive-date=2019-03-30 Sheriff,newjerseyglobe.com|access-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[New Jersey Globe]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
===NY-NJ Port Authority Police Department===
{{Importance section|date=August 2022}} <!-- This section contains a whole lot of information about the PAPD after Speziale had left, beyond his lawsuit, is this actually relevant to this article? -->
In 2010, Speziale was appointed to the role of Deputy Police Superintendent of the NY - NJ [[Port Authority Policeof Department.<ref>{{citeNew news|last=MessingYork |first=Philipand |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/kerik_pal_getting_top_pa_cop_post_2n2gZH1uzHqUGfG3BDg7uLNew |title=Former NYPD cop, Jerry Speziale, who was Bernard Kerik's partner gets second-in-command post at Port AuthorityJersey Police Department, sources say |publisher=NYPOST]].com<ref |datename=2010-08-11 |access-date=November 23, 2011}}<"nypost"/ref>
In May 2014, Speziale sued the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in federal court, alleging that the Port Authority had retaliated against him after he uncovered wasteful spending by the authority. In the suit, Speziale claimed that the Port Authority had confiscated his work vehicle, denied him security credentials for Port Authority facilities, denied him medical leave benefits, and subjected him to "daily harassment, intimidation, and demeaning conduct" after he reported misspending to his superiors and that Superintendent Michael Fedorko used police emergency lights going through a red light and being issued an automated red light ticket in Newark, NJ, which was allegedly illegally dismissed.<ref>{{citeCite web |urllast=Sharp |first=John |date=http://blog.al.com/live/2014/-05/prichard_police_chiefs_lawsuit.html-08 |title=Prichard police chief's lawsuit against New York/New Jersey Port Authority generates buzz |workurl=https://www.al.com/live/2014/05/prichard_police_chiefs_lawsuit.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830134806/https://www.al.com/live/2014/05/prichard_police_chiefs_lawsuit.html |archive-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[AL.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref><ref name="Speziale vs. Port Authority">{{citeCite web |title=Speziale vs. Port Authority of New York/New Jersey et al |url=https://www.law360.com/cases/536a89c289517466de000005 |titleurl-access=Spezialelimited vs. Port Authority|workwebsite=caselaw360.com[[Law360]]}}</ref><ref name="cbslocal.com">{{citeCite web |date=2014-05-07 |title=Former Port Authority Official Jerry Speziale Sues Agency, Alleges Retaliation Over Whistleblowing |url=httphttps://newyorkwww.cbslocalcbsnews.com/2014newyork/05/07news/former-port-authority-official-jerry-speziale-sues-agency-alleges-retaliation-over-whistleblowing/ |titleurl-status=Formerlive Port|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830135125/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/former-port-authority-official-jerry-speziale-sues-agency-alleges-retaliation-over-whistleblowing/ Authority|archive-date=2022-08-30 Official|website=[[CBS JerryNew Speziale SuesYork]] Agency, Alleges Retaliation Over Whistleblowing|workagency=cbslocal.com[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |date=2014-05-08 |title=More Corruption Alleged at NY Port Authority |url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/05/08/67689.htm |titleurl-status=Courthousedead News Service|workarchive-url=courthousenews.com}}<https:/ref> Speziale's civil complaint reported similar conduct and in April 2018, the Port Authority Inspector General's Office began investigating claims about special treatment Radio Host Rush Limbaugh said he received from Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko on April 12, 2018, by receiving a police escort, lights and siren from Newark Liberty Airport to downtown Manhattan/web. Port Authority protocols prohibit providing a police escort for a celebrityarchive.<ref>{{cite org/web|url=/20150923224431/http://www.njcourthousenews.com/news2014/index.ssf05/201808/04/draft_port_authority_police_superintendent_under_i67689.html/htm |titlearchive-date=Did Rush Limbaugh get rush2015-hour09-23 police|website=[[Courthouse escortNews from Newark to NYC to attend gala?|work=nj.comService]]}}</ref> OnThe Maycase 7,was 2018,put Michaelon Fedorko'shold policein escortJanuary of2016, Rushbecause Limbaughit frominvolves Newarkwitnesses Airportin tothe Manhattancriminal stirredcase controversy.related to Fedorkothe abruptly[[Fort announcedLee hislane retirement,closure less than a week after news reported investigators were looking into a recent "lightsscandal]] and sirens"has escortbeen providedreopened forin RushJanuary Limbaugh2018.<ref>{{Cite Theweb Port|last=Horowitz Authority's|first=Ben ethics|date=2016-01-22 policy|title=Paterson statespolice itdirector's alawsuit conflict of interest for aagainst Port Authority employeeis toplaced useon hishold or her position to achieve or appear to achieve personal financial gain or other advantage|url=https://www. The agency's Inspector General had opened an investigation into the escort Fedorko gave the conservative radio show host from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan, where he was a lastnj.com/passaic-minute speaker at a charity dinnercounty/2016/01/paterson_police_directors_lawsuit_against_port_aut.<ref>{{citehtml web|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512180146/https://www.nbcnewyorknj.com/newspassaic-county/local2016/Port01/paterson_police_directors_lawsuit_against_port_aut.html |archive-Authoritydate=2019-Superintendent05-Resign-Rush-Limbaugh-Police-Escort-481946391.html/12 |titleaccess-date=PortNovember Authority Superintendent Resign Rush Limbaugh2, Police2017 Escort|workwebsite=nbcny[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref><ref name="cbslocal.com" /><ref name="Speziale vs. Port Authority" />
The case was put on hold in January 2016, because it involves witnesses in the criminal case related to the [[Fort Lee lane closure scandal]] and has been reopened in January 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2016/01/paterson_police_directors_lawsuit_against_port_aut.html|title=Paterson police director's lawsuit against Port Authority is placed on hold|website=NJ.com|access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref><ref name="cbslocal.com"/><ref name="Speziale vs. Port Authority"/>
Speziale's civil complaint reported similar conduct and in April 2018, the Port Authority Inspector General's Office began investigating claims about special treatment Radio Host Rush Limbaugh said he received from Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko on April 12, 2018, by receiving a police escort, lights and siren from Newark Liberty Airport to downtown Manhattan. Port Authority protocols prohibit providing a police escort for a celebrity.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sheldon |first1=Chris |last2=McCarthy |first2=Craig |date=2018-04-21 |title=Did Rush Limbaugh get rush-hour police escort from Newark to NYC to attend gala? |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2018/04/draft_port_authority_police_superintendent_under_i.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512174251/https://www.nj.com/news/2018/04/draft_port_authority_police_superintendent_under_i.html |archive-date=2019-05-12 |website=[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref> On May 7, 2018, Michael Fedorko's police escort of Rush Limbaugh from Newark Airport to Manhattan stirred controversy. Fedorko abruptly announced his retirement, less than a week after news reported investigators were looking into a recent "lights and sirens" escort provided for Rush Limbaugh. The Port Authority's ethics policy states it's a conflict of interest for a Port Authority employee to use his or her position to achieve or appear to achieve personal financial gain or other advantage. The agency's Inspector General had opened an investigation into the escort Fedorko gave the conservative radio show host from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan, where he was a last-minute speaker at a charity dinner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Brian |date=2018-05-07 |title=Port Authority Superintendent Resign Rush Limbaugh Police Escort |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/port-authority-superintendent-resign-rush-limbaugh-police-escort/133634/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920122945/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/port-authority-superintendent-resign-rush-limbaugh-police-escort/133634/ |archive-date=2021-09-20 |website=[[NBC New York]]}}</ref>
===Prichard, Alabama police===
After seeking a position as police chief in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Miami, and Cincinnati,<ref name="richardcowen2" /> Speziale accepted a post as the police chief of Prichard, Alabama, in October, 2013.<ref name="richardcowen2" /> According to the ''Bergen Record'', Speziale continued to exhibit a "flair for publicity" as police chief in Prichard. The reality TV show ''Cops'', which had had a relationship with Speziale in Passaic County, filmed a segment in Prichard shortly after Speziale's arrival.<ref name="OldJob" /><ref name="sharp">John{{Cite web |last=Sharp, [http://blog.al.com/live/|first=John |date=2014/-01/bad_boys_bad_boys_cops_film_cr.html-17 "|title=Bad boys, Bad boys: COPS film crew shoots footage of Prichard City Council"], AL|url=https://www.al.com,/live/2014/01/bad_boys_bad_boys_cops_film_cr.html January 16,|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830132327/https://www.al.com/live/2014/01/bad_boys_bad_boys_cops_film_cr.html |archive-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[AL.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]] |language=en}}</ref> Local media reported that Speziale was a "force on the streets" in Prichard, and was known for participating in raids and investigations alongside officers.<ref name="fox10tv.com">{{citeCite web |last=Jones |first=Linda |date=3 July 2014 |title=Prichard names interim top cop following Speziale's resignation |url=http://www.fox10tv.com/story/27810376/prichard-names-interim-top-cop-following-speziales-resignation |titleurl-status=Pricharddead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110034/https://www.fox10tv.com/news/prichard-names -interim -top -cop -following Speziale'-speziale-s -resignation/article_e77ce471-f92c-5dc7-b61f-02234d91b63c.html |archive-date=32018-08-29 July 2014|workwebsite=fox10tv.com |publisher=[[WALA-TV]]}}</ref>
Speziale resigned as chief of the Prichard police after nine months in the post, citing his desire to return to New Jersey to be with his children after the recent death of his wife. His departure surprised Prichard officials.<ref name=OldJob/><ref name="fox10tv.com" /><ref name="auto2">Joe{{Cite news |last=Malinconico, |first=Joe |date=2014-07-02 |title=Ex-Sheriff Speziale Named Acting Police Director |work=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]] |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-226867712.html |via=[[HighBeam Research|HighBeam]] |access-date=July 26, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180307/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-226867712.html "Ex|url-Sheriffstatus=dead Speziale Named Acting Police Director"] ''The Record'' (Bergen County, N.J.) 02 July 2014: L.1.}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |urllast=Sharp |first=John |date=http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/-07/former_prichard_police_chief_j.html-03 |title=Former Prichard Police Chief Jerry Speziale: 'I love my kids ... that's all I have' |workurl=https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2014/07/former_prichard_police_chief_j.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830133202/https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2014/07/former_prichard_police_chief_j.html |archive-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[AL.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref>
===Paterson, New Jersey police===
In July 2014, [[Paterson, New Jersey]] Mayor [[Jose "Joey" Torres|Jose Torres]] appointed Speziale as Paterson's new police director as one of his first acts upon assuming office.<ref name="auto2" /><ref>{{citeCite web |last=Malinconico |first=Joe |date=2014-07-01 |title=Torres picks former sheriff Speziale to be Paterson's new police director |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/torres-picks-former-sheriff-speziale-to-be-paterson-s-new-police-director-1.1044339 |titleurl-status=Torresdead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707100014/http://www.northjersey.com/news/torres-picks -former -sheriff Speziale -speziale-to -be Paterson'-paterson-s -new -police -director-1.1044339 |authorarchive-date=Joe2014-07-07 Malinconico|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> The number of reported crimes in Paterson reached a 25-year-low in 2016, according to data reported by the city. Overall reported crime fell by about 12 percent from 2015 to 2016. The drop is the second annual decrease for the city, after 5,060 crimes were reported in 2016. Mayor Joey Torres said he was encouraged by the statistics and said he was confident Police Director Jerry Speziale would continue to reduce crime. Speziale credited the work of city police officers.<ref name="mylesma">{{citeCite web |last=Ma |first=Myles |date=2017-01-10 |title=Paterson has some good news in fight against crime |url=http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2017/01/paterson_has_some_good_news_in_fight_against_crime.html |titleurl-status=Patersonlive has|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830133548/https://www.nj.com/passaic-county/2017/01/paterson_has_some_good_news_in_fight_against_crime.html some good news in fight against crime|archive-date=MylesMa2022-08-30 |workwebsite=[[NJ.com]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref>
In January 2019, Paterson saw a dramatic 50 percent reduction in the number of homicides in 2018, numbers officials are hailing as evidence that the city is becoming a safer place.<ref>{{citeCite web |last=Malinconico |first=Joe |date=2019-01-02 |title=Is Paterson becoming a safer city? Homicides fall by 50 percent in 2018 |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2019/01/02/paterson-nj-homicides-fall-50-percent-2018/2464586002/|title=Is Paterson becoming a safer city? Homicides fall by 50 percent in 2018|author=Joe Malinconico|workwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]]}}</ref> The city's 12 homicides last year was lower than any other time since 2004, according to the Uniform Crime Statistics report compiled by the New Jersey State Police.{{cn|date=August 2022}}
===Hazleton, Pennsylvania Police Chief===
In January 2016, [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania]] Mayor [[Jeff Cusat]] appointed Speziale as Hazleton City's Interim Police Chief.<ref>{{Cite newsweb |last=Malinconico |first=Joe |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Paterson's Speziale says he will take Hazleton, Pa., police job for max of 120 days |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2016/01/07/patersons-speziale-says-he-will-take-hazleton-pa-police-job-for-max-of-120-days/94377396/|title=Paterson’s Speziale says he will take Hazleton, Pa., police job for max of 120 days|last=Malinconico|first=Joe|access-date=JanuaryDecember 722, 20162018 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] |language=en|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref>
Months later, the ''Hazleton Headlines'' reported that Speziale became Hazleton City's full-time police chief sometime between late January and early February of that same year.<ref>{{citeCite web |last=Wood |first=Lucas |date=2016-08-18 |title=Mayor Says Interim Police Chief Has Been Full-Time Since February |url=http://www.hazletonheadlines.com/news/mayor-says-interim-police-chief-has-been-full-time-since-february |titleurl-status=Mayor Says Interim Police Chiefdead Has Been Full|archive-Timeurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606123041/http://www.hazletonheadlines.com/news/mayor-says-interim-police-chief-has-been-full-time-since-february Since February|websitearchive-date=Hazleton2018-06-06 Headlines|access-date=November 2, 2017 |website=Hazleton Headlines}}</ref>
Crime in Hazleton decreased significantly in 2016. Year-end numbers show a 26 percent decrease in crime reported by the police department in November held steady through the final weeks of December. Police officers and the community working together, along with technology contributed to the [[crime drop|crime decline]], which Hazleton Police Chief Jerry Speziale said is at a 10-year low for the department in the major crime categories. [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania]] Police credit community, technology with 26 percent drop in crime.<ref>{{citeCite news |last=Christman |first=Amanda |date=2017-01-22 |title=Police credit community, and technology with a 26 percent drop in crime |work=[[Standard-Speaker]] web|url=httphttps://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-credit-community-technology-with-26-percent-drop-in-crime/article_5c6baa41-10167-5ca9-8b1e-3804c14e44da.2145400html |titleurl-status=Policelive credit|url-access=subscription community|access-date=November 2, and2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728221711/https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-credit-community-technology -with a -26 -percent -drop -in -crime|first=By-1.2145400 Amanda|last=Christman|website=StandardSpeaker.com|accessarchive-date=November 2, 20172018-07-28}}</ref>
In April 2020, Speziale took a leave of absence from his role at the Hazleton Police Department, after Paterson Mayor [[Andre Sayegh]] had told him to give up the Hazleton job the year prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malinconico |first=Joe |date=2020-05-06 |title=Paterson's Jerry Speziale takes leave from second job as Pennsylvania police chief |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2020/05/06/paterson-nj-public-safety-director-takes-leave-pennsylvania-job/5175887002/ |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Writing and acting career==
In 2003, Jerry Speziale released a book which he co-authored with journalist [[Mark Seal]], titled ''Without A Badge: Undercover in the World's Deadliest Criminal Organization'', about his experiences working undercover in Colombia.<ref name=NYTrides/>▼
In 2019, Paterson's fire department began being featured on "Live Rescue," a new A&E show that follows police and fire departments and EMT squads as they respond to calls. Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale and Fire Chief Brian Mc Dermott and the Paterson Fire Department are riding live and being filmed and featured on A&E television in the show "Live Rescue." <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/paterson/2019/06/13/live-rescue-a-e-feature-paterson-nj-fire-department/1442069001/|title=Paterson Fire Department to be featured on A&E's 'Live Rescue|publisher=NorthJersey.com |accessdate=2019-06-13}}</ref>▼
In 20102009, Speziale played the role of Captain Sidney Geraci in the Hollywoodcrime film ''[[Brooklyn's Finest]]'', directed by [[Antoine Fuqua]].<ref>{{citeCite web |urllast=http://www.northjersey.com/news/86740172_Sheriff_enjoys_his_star_turn.htmlBieselin |first=Robert |date=2010-03-07 |title=Passaic County sheriff celebrates film debut in "Brooklyn's Finest" at screening in Paterson |publisherurl=NorthJerseyhttp://www.northjersey.com/news/86740172_Sheriff_enjoys_his_star_turn.html |accessdateurl-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307144531/http://www.northjersey.com/news/sheriff-enjoys-his-star-turn-1.233287 |archive-date=2016-03-07 |access-date=2011-11-23 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> Speziale also received a credit as the film's "Police Consultant."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law/law-police-forces-sheriffs/14009681-1.html |title=Speziale adds actor to his resume |publisher=Allbusiness.com |accessdate=2011-11-23}} {{Dead link|date=August 2022|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
In 2014, Speziale was featured on the TV show ''[[Cops (TV program)|Cops]]'', while at the Prichard Police Department.<ref name="sharp" />
▲In 2003, Jerry Speziale released a book which he co-authored with journalist [[Mark Seal]], titled ''Without A Badge: Undercover in the World's Deadliest Criminal Organization'', about his experiences working undercover in Colombia.<ref name=NYTrides/>
▲In 2019, Paterson's fire department began being featured on "''[[Live Rescue]]''," aan new[[A&E (TV network)|A&E]] show that follows police andfollowing fire departments and EMT squads as they respond to calls.<ref>{{Cite web Public|last1=Kanzler Safety|first1=Kaitlyn Director|last2=Malinconico Jerry|first2=Joe Speziale and Fire Chief Brian Mc Dermott and the|date=2019-06-13 |title=Paterson Fire Department areto riding live and being filmed andbe featured on A&E's television in the show "'Live Rescue."' <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/paterson/2019/06/13/live-rescue-a-e-feature-paterson-nj-fire-department/1442069001/ |titleaccess-date=Paterson2019-06-13 Fire Department to be featured on A&E's 'Live Rescue|publisherwebsite=[[NorthJersey.com]] |accessdatepublisher=2019-06-13[[North Jersey Media Group]]}}</ref>
In 2022, Paterson's police department began being featured on ''[[On Patrol: Live]]'', airing on [[Reelz]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malinconico |first=Joe |date=2022-07-25 |title=Paterson police to be featured on new reality show, and activists are not happy. Here's why |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2022/07/25/paterson-nj-cops-reelz-reality-show/65380176007/ |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=[[NorthJersey.com]] |publisher=[[North Jersey Media Group]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Speziale himself has appeared on the show, among officers of the Paterson Police Department.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1553514330951454721 |user=danabrams |last=Abrams |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Abrams |title=Here we go #OPNation. It’s Saturday night. Shall we spend it together with these folks? @OfficialOPLive @ReelzChannel |access-date=2022-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1566190265420976128 |user=danabrams |last=Abrams |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Abrams |title=Hey #OPNation! Please join us tonight @ReelzChannel for @OfficialOPLive |access-date=2022-09-12}}</ref>
==References==
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[[Category:New Jersey sheriffs]]
[[Category:American police chiefs]]
[[Category:American police officers]]
[[Category:American police detectives]]
[[Category:People from Paterson, New Jersey]]