Police captains in Paterson, NJ, are getting new assignments. Here's why

PATERSON – Six of the Paterson Police Department’s 12 captains have been given new assignments as part of a restructuring that officials say is intended to resolve inconsistencies within the patrol division.

“Previously, the patrol division was essentially divided into four separate operational units, each commanded by a captain,” state-appointed chief of operations Isa Abbassi said in a memo to city police last week.

“This often proved problematic because you received inconsistent instructions depending on the platoon and squad you were in,” Abbassi added.

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Under the changes, which took effect July 7, Captain Stephen Iacuzzo will be named commander of the entire patrol division, while Captain Louis DeLucca will serve as his first officer, or number two in command.

Iacuzzo and DeLucca had previously been two of the four captains who oversaw parts of the patrol division.

The New Jersey Attorney General’s office, which assumed control of the police department in March 2023, issued a press release Monday announcing the changes.

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“These appointments represent a shift in leadership philosophy,” Abbassi said in the release. “By ensuring all of our leaders have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, we can better serve the City of Paterson while ensuring accountability.”

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