N.J. Stat. Ann. § 32:14-4.1

Any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, the commission may, by resolution, appoint a chief of police, who shall have served as a superior police officer and shall possess at least 5 years' administrative and supervisory police experience. The chief of police shall be in the unclassified service of the Civil Service and shall receive such salary as shall be authorized by the commission.