HILLSDALE—Police Chief Sean Smith is on paid administrative leave while a matter involving him reportedly is under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, officials tell Pascack Press.
Details about the investigation and the length of Smith’s leave remain unclear, and local officials said they could not comment publicly on the situation. Attempts to confirm how long Smith has been on leave were unsuccessful.
Reached by Pascack Press, Smith declined to comment. Smith, who served 27 years in the department, was sworn in as police chief last January, succeeding former Chief Robert Francaveglia. (See “Smith, HPD historian, sworn in as police chief,” Michael Olohan, Jan. 14, 2024, thepressgroup.net.)
Mayor Michael Sheinfeld confirmed Smith is on administrative leave, describing the situation as a personnel matter. Sheinfeld said he could not elaborate, citing potential legal concerns if the matter were disclosed publicly. He added, “I hope this situation does not extend beyond the calendar year.”
John Ruocco, Hillsdale’s immediate past mayor and a sitting councilmember, said all members of the governing body were instructed “many weeks ago” to respond to inquiries about Smith’s status with: “Chief Smith is on leave. This is a personnel matter. The borough does not comment on personnel matters.”
Ruocco added, “Nevertheless, as one of seven elected officials of the borough responsible for the public’s safety, I would be derelict in my governance duties if I did not express concern over the length of the leave and my great hope that the matters giving it life are promptly resolved and that Hillsdale once again has an active Chief of Police to run the Police Department.”
Efforts to reach the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for comment were not immediately returned.