Chief of Police

Chief H. David Jaensch began his career with the Riverside Township Police Department in 1997, after graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy in January 1998. He served as a Patrolman, Lieutenant, and Captain before being appointed Chief of Police in 2022.

Throughout his career, Chief Jaensch has served the community in a wide range of specialized roles, including Emergency Medical Technician, Patrol Supervisor, Internal Affairs Supervisor, and investigator with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was instrumental in establishing a strong community policing philosophy in Riverside and has helped develop key initiatives such as the Citizen Police Academy, Kidz FunZone Game Truck, outdoor movie and game nights, expanded social media outreach, and the Haunted Police Station.

Chief Jaensch is a graduate of Rutgers University, the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership and Command Program. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is recognized as a New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Accredited Command Executive.