Agency History

In the early days, Longport was an easy target for "empty house" burglaries. Appointed citizen marshals rather than trained policemen responded to calls for help.

In 1923, Longport’s 25th year of incorporation, an appeal by Mayor Edwin Lavino brought a young Richard DePamphilis to Longport. He came to us "on loan" from Atlantic City and has been a part of Longport ever since. As a plain clothed marshal here in Longport, he was quite successful in solving the burglary problem. In 1925, Mayor Lavino invited him to join the Borough’s police force.

The Longport Police Department was officially created by a temporary ordinance in the latter part of 1931 and Richard DePamphilis was named Police Chief. The position became permanent on February 6, 1932 and he has been referred to as "Chief" ever since.

Pictured Left to Right: Chief Dennis Pacentrilli (Chief #4), Chief Richard DePamphilis,Jr (Chief #2), Chief Richard DePamphilis,Sr (Chief #1), Chief Sam Cianci (Chief #3), & Chief A.Scott Porter (Chief #5 - Current)

Under Chief DePamphilis, Longport was the third city in the country to install a two-way police radio system. This radio system is currently on display in the Longport Historical Society Museum. Longport was also the first police department in Atlantic County to procure a Thompson Machine Gun and train men in its technique and use.

For 55 years, the name DePamphilis appeared on the Longport Police Register. The Chief formally retired on August 23, 1974 and was succeeded by his son, Richard DePamphilis, Jr until his own retirement in 1980. His successor was Samuel Cianci, nephew of Chief DePamphilis, and held the position of Chief until July 1, 1992. Dennis Pacentrilli, another nephew, was sworn in as Chief of Police.

Chief A. Scott Porter assumed command of the department July of 2001 upon the retirement of Chief Dennis Pacentrilli and remained chief for nearly 10 years, retiring April 1st, 2011 at which time Captain Vincent Pacentrilli was named his successor. Chief Pacentrilli, is a cousin to retired Chief Dennis Pacentrilli and is also another nephew of Chief DePamphilis. Chief Vincent Pacentrilli's promotion continued the long family tradition of leadership to the Longport Police Department and dedicated service to the citizens and visitiors of the Borough of Longport. 

Chief Pacentrilli retired on March 31st, 2015 paving the way for Longport's current chief, Frank Culmone, who was sworn in on April 1, 2015. Culmone, a member of the Longport Police Department since 2001 is in charge of twelve (12) full-time police officers, 4 Special Law Enforcement Officers, and an administrative aide.

Pictured: Chief Vince Pacentrilli (2011-2015), Longport’s 6^th Police Chief