09/04/2026
Our newest board of Advisors Member!
Chief Battavio of Bridgeton Police Department, NJ Senior public safety and community partnership advisor
We are so honored to have chief Battavio agree to be an important part of our advisory board!
Chief Battavio started his career with the Bridgeton Police Department February 1st 2000 and graduated from the Vineland Police Academy, Class 4. After graduation from the police academy, he was assigned to Patrol and then eventually the Criminal Investigation Division, where he worked secondary investigations, including homicides, aggravated assaults, burglaries and robberies. He was then assigned to the Anti-Crime Team working on street-level narcotic investigations and search warrants.
In 2004, he was promoted to sergeant and worked as a Patrol Supervisor, Anti-Crime Supervisor and Case Detective Supervisor during that span. In 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as a Watch Commander, Internal Affairs Commander and then eventually the Criminal Investigations Division Commander. In 2015, he was promoted to Captain as the Executive Officer of the department in charge of all operational units. He was promoted to Chief of Police July 1, 2025.
During his career, Chief Battavio has been awarded numerous citations and awards for exemplary police service, which include, the departments Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a member of the police department, a Combat Cross Medal, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, a Life Saving Medal, an Exceptional Duty Medal, a Firearm/Narcotic Enforcement Medal, 3 Unit Citation Awards and 2 Educational Achievement Awards.
Chief Battavio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Pfeiffer University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State University and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He has been an Adjunct Professor with Rowan College of South Jersey since 2013, where he teaches numerous courses in criminal justice. He also is a member of the teaching cadre in the Command and Leadership program through the NJ Chiefs Association, where he trains police executives in the area of group leadership, focusing on Socialization, Cohesion and Decision Making.
Chief Battavio has attended numerous police training courses and has completed several Law Enforcement Executive Level training courses including the FBI National Academy Class 263, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the NJ Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership program and the NJ Certified Public Manager course through Fairleigh Dickinson University. Chief Battavio has been designated as an Accredited Command Executive by the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association.
He is married to his wife Lisa of 25 years and the father of Brayden, Talia and Walker.
