Bayonne Chief Robert Geisler, New Jersey’s highest paid police chief, received a $541,533 severance payout when he retired in October after more than three decades of service, according to city records released on Mar. 13.
Geisler’s retirement highlights ongoing debates about large end-of-career payouts for public officials and the effectiveness of state reforms intended to limit such payments. The issue has drawn criticism from those who argue that these so-called “boat checks” place a burden on taxpayers and are difficult to control despite legislative efforts.
Geisler, who earned an annual salary of $338,254 before retiring at age 54, will also receive nearly $236,000 per year as a pension for life. His severance was based on thousands of hours of unused paid leave accumulated during his career. Critics say these types of payouts persist due to contractual obligations and strong public sector unions that have limited the impact of reforms passed over 15 years ago.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened in state laws where the Legislature has an idea, but the follow through execution is not well addressed,” said Marc Pfeiffer, an expert in municipal governance who teaches at Rutgers University. Pfeiffer said payments like Geisler’s show flaws in previous reform efforts and reflect challenges faced by local governments trying to implement them.
“The answer is it’s more than just a good government issue, it’s a political issue,” Pfeiffer said.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University has been recognized for its research centers focused on community development and policy issues such as transportation and health according to the official website. The school operates as part of Rutgers University and aims to foster socially inclusive and sustainable communities at various levels according to the official website. Stuart Shapiro became dean in 2023 according to the official website, with national rankings placing its graduate urban planning program third and undergraduate public health program fourth according to the official website. The school also recognizes distinguished alumni through its Hall of Fame established in 2013 according to the official website.