Bollwage accepts Cosgrove resignation

Elizabeth police director James Cosgrove has resigned after making racist and misogynistic comments to his staff.

The New Jersey Globe first reported Cosgrove’s intention to resign.

“After meeting with the Attorney General today and discussing a path forward, I have accepted the resignation of Police Director James Cosgrove,” Elizabeth mayor Christian Bollwage said in a statement.

Cosgrove will leave his post in two days, the mayor said.

Bollwage said that his conversation with Gurbir Grewal “centered on changing personnel in the Internal Affairs Department, as only the Chief of the Police Department has that power.”

“In addition, the whistle-blower complaint filed by an officer against Police Chief John Brennan was discussed. In order to truly change the culture of the Police Department, I am also calling upon Chief Brennan to step aside during this investigation,” Bollwage said.

Bollwage said that he has asked Cosgrove to use his remaining time to brief city attorney William Holzapfel and business administrator Bridget Anderson “on current personnel and policy issues as it pertains to the police department as the City begins a search for a new Police Director.”