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City Manager Michael Capabianco has appointed Deputy Chief David Kelso to the role of Chief of Police.

Kelso, who was promoted to Deputy Chief in April 2017, has headed the daily operations of the over 91 member police force, often promoting from within the ranks. He also oversaw the police department’s accreditation process, granted in April.

In his role, Kelso will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and will assume all the duties and responsibilities associated with the chief’s position, officials said. The last person to hold the chief’s position was Chief Mark Kinmon, who retired in 2014. 

“We want to thank Deputy Chief Kelso for his continued years of service to Asbury Park,” Mayor John Moor said in a written statement. “We’re proud of his accomplishments as deputy chief and look forward to his successes as chief of police.”

A private swearing in will take place with family at the request of Deputy Chief Kelso, officials said.

“As chief of police, I’ll be working with the talented men and women in the Asbury Park Police Department to continue to reduce crime in the City,” Kelso said.  “We will continue to grow our relationships with area law enforcement including the [Monmouth County] Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, drug enforcement agency, State Police and the U.S. Marshall in a united effort make our City’s streets safer.”

Kelso, 51, who has a long history with the city, was born in Neptune, and raised in Asbury Park. He attended Asbury Park High School and the Monmouth County Police Academy. 

Upon graduating from the Police Academy, he joined the Asbury Park Police Department in March of 1992 and a few months later was assigned to the patrol division. He’s since been promoted through the ranks and served in a variety of roles, including as a road supervisor while holding the rank of sergeant, as watch commander during his service as a lieutenant, as well as commander of the detective bureau, patrol division, and of the administration division.

“The City Council continues to be proud of the work Deputy Chief Kelso does to make Asbury Park a safer place,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “The last Uniform Crime report showed an 11 percent decrease in reported crimes, thanks to the efforts of Deputy Chief Kelso and his team. They’ve made community outreach a priority which helps keep the [APPD] visible, educates the public on safety, and encourages open dialogue.”

For more information on the City of Asbury Park, visit cityofasburypark.com.

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