Chief Barnwell has been in law enforcement for 29 years, 15 of which have been in a supervisory role. He is currently the Acting Officer in Charge of the Clark Police Department and the Chief of Detectives at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. In these roles, he is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the investigative team.
Prior to his current positions, Chief Barnwell served as a Lieutenant in the Criminal Case Control Unit, where he supervised three Detective Sergeants and seventeen Detectives. He also provided support to eighteen Assistant Prosecutors working in a variety of units.
Before being promoted to Lieutenant, Chief Barnwell served on the Homicide Task Force, where he supervised three Detective Sergeants, six Union County Prosecutor’s Detectives, and four Task Force Detectives. He also supported six Assistant Prosecutors with homicides, suspicious deaths, baby deaths, and motor vehicle fatalities.
Chief Barnwell began his law enforcement career with the Irvington Police Department, where he served for eight years. During his time with the Irvington Police Department, he was assigned to several units and county task forces, including the Detective Bureau, the Homicide Task Force, the Narcotics Unit, and the Patrol Unit.
Chief Barnwell has conducted countless investigations and made arrests for various drug offenses, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, car jackings, robberies, and murders. He is also a highly decorated police officer, having received numerous awards for his service.
In addition to his many years of experience as a police officer, Chief Barnwell is also a highly educated individual. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison College, a Master of Science degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Master of Education degree from Seton Hall University. He is also a candidate for a Doctorate of Education degree in K-12 School Administration from Seton Hall University. Barnwell also completed his studies at the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy and earned his police officer’s certification and teaches at the Union County Police Academy as well as an assistant lecturer at Union College, Union County New Jersey.
Chief Barnwell is a strong advocate for community policing and believes that law enforcement officers should be active participants in the communities they serve. He is also a strong supporter of education and believes that it is the key to a successful future.
Experience
Chief of the Union County Prosecutor’s Officer June 2021- present
Officer in charge of the Clark Police Department July 2020 – present
Years at UCPO: 20
Years in Law Enforcement: 29
Current Rank of Deputy Chief: Acting 11/2020, Official 3/1/21
Years as Captain: 2
Years as Lieutenant: 5
Years as Sergeant: 3
1994-2002 Irvington Police Department, Patrol, Detective. Narcotics, Gun report coordinator
1997-1999 Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Narcotics
1999-2002 Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force
2002-2003 Union County Prosecutor’s Office Criminal Case Unit
2003-2018 Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Homicide Task Force
2018-July 2018 Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Criminal Case Control Unit
July 2018-Present Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Criminal Case Control Unit, and Homicide