MONTVALE—Alisha R. Foley began her law enforcement career in 1997 with the Montvale Police Department. At her formal swearing-in ceremony on Feb. 14, she became the first female in the department’s history to attain the rank of Captain of Police.
Foley has risen through the ranks, starting in patrol, promoted to patrol sergeant in May 2015, and making patrol lieutenant in August 2018.
She holds a master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Seton Hall University and has attended leadership courses throughout her career.
The department tells Pascack Press Foley continues to lead through a successful re-accreditation process. “A formal reviewing process allowing a third-party auditor to evaluate the leadership standards, personnel accountability, training development, recordkeeping and financial management, arrest and investigation procedures, weapons training and call for service response guidelines.”
Moreover, in the course of her career, Foley has worked closely with domestic violence victims, child safety programs, Special Olympics events, community outreach coordination, Junior Police Academy development, as senior citizen liaison, and in personnel selection.
With this promotion, Foley assumes command of the department’s Internal Affairs Division while continuing the maintenance of accreditation standards, policy compliance, and use of force guidelines.
In addition to her commitment to the police department, Foley serves as a Girl Scout leader and member of the Montvale board of education.
She participates in the annual Police Unity Tour, raising money for police officers killed in the line of duty, and can often be seen at functions supporting youth sports and other character-building events.
According to the 2023 police department salary guide, the salary range for police captain is $200,000 to $225,000. The local salary ordinance is up for final hearing and adoption Feb. 28.
Police Chief Doug McDowell told Pascack Press on Feb. 21, “I know Captain Foley will continue to do great things for the residents of Montvale and for the Police Department.”
Mayor Michael Ghassali added his well wishes: “I am proud of our new captain; she is an incredible public servant, not only in her role in the police department but also in the community and the board of education.”