Garry F. McCarthy was born in the Bronx, New York and raised by his father, James, a World War II Marine and a New York Detective, and his mother, Marcella, a nurse. Garry has been married for 21 wonderful years to his wife, Gina, who is a nursing student; they have two daughters, Kyla and Kimberly. Garry McCarthy is the youngest of three brothers: James was a NY State Trooper and presently works for CitiGroup and Sean who works in the technology industry in Wisconsin. 

Garry McCarthy became a New York Police Officer in July of 1981 and quickly rose through the ranks, commanding three separate precincts: the 20 th on the Upper East Side, 33 rd in Washington Heights, and 70 th in Flatbush. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Garry was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Operations in 1999 where he served as the principal crime strategist for the department. During his seven year tenure, the Police Department saw a progressive decline in murders. In 2005, the 540 recorded murders were the lowest in New York’s history since 1963. In September of 2006, Garry F. McCarthy was tapped to lead the Newark Police Department. Under the Police Director’s leadership the Newark Police Department has become stronger, smarter and better equipped. The City of Newark has seen a significant reduction in crime. Murders are down 14%. Shootings are down 29% and overall crime is down 24%.

A combination of a common sense approach and implementing innovative programs in the short time Director McCarthy has taken over the Police Department is beginning to bear fruit.

Director McCarthy has reorganized the department’s staffing structure by sending over 150 police officers from clerical positions to city wide task forces and patrol duties. Our soon to be implemented records management system and an overhaul of the arrest process will also reduce the time officers spend on their paperwork and processing, allowing the officers more time on the street.

The department’s Comstat Program has been revamped. Director McCarthy has pushed authority down to all precinct commanders, while emphasizing accountability. He has also created a new Central Narcotics Division that works hand in hand with the Criminal Gang Intelligence Unit. Director McCarthy is also responsible for the creation of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, as well as establishing a Fugitive Apprehension Unit. The Fugitive Apprehension Unit concentrates on arresting individuals that are wanted on municipal, county and federal warrants. As of April 20 th 2007, The Fugitive Apprehension Unit is responsible for the apprehension of 11 out of Newark’s 12 Most Wanted Felons.

Director McCarthy also recently launched a Quality of Life Initiative. This Quality of Life Initiative works along with a multi-agency task force, consisting of the Police Department, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Fire Department, Health Department, Code Enforcement and Uniform Construction Code Officials. The purpose of the initiative is to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

To further assist police personnel and continue the department’s overall reduction in crime, the City of Newark will shortly implement a public safety camera program. This program will deter, prevent and capture crimes in neighborhoods. To broaden our efforts to modernize the department, we are in the process of procuring a second helicopter and have also formed a Newark Police Foundation. Through the Newark Police Foundation, we have created a Crime Stoppers and Gun Stoppers tip line. The tip lines have generated hundreds of phone calls that resulted in the apprehension of several individuals armed with handguns, shotguns and a street
value of $42,000.00 in narcotics. Also, with the foundation’s support, Director McCarthy will continue to increase the police department’s technological advancements.

Director Garry F. McCarthy has begun to revolutionize public safety in the City of Newark and he will continue to strive toward achieving Mayor Cory Booker’s vision of creating a nationwide model for police departments.

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