Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced the retirement of Thomas J. Eicher, the inaugural executive director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). Eicher, who has served in this role for over five years, is set to retire in mid-April.

Eicher's retirement marks the end of a tenure during which he played a pivotal role in implementing major police reforms in New Jersey and overseeing high-profile investigations of fatal police encounters and public corruption. Under his leadership, significant changes were made to police use-of-force policy, and he was instrumental in introducing police licensing in the state.

Reflecting on Eicher's contributions, Attorney General Platkin praised his dedication and impact on the law enforcement profession, stating, "Tom assumed a role that enabled him to have a transformative, positive impact on the law enforcement profession, and to strengthen the public’s trust in government institutions, particularly the criminal justice system."

Drew Skinner, currently Senior Counsel to the Attorney General, will succeed Eicher as the Executive Director of OPIA. Skinner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in complicated criminal matters at the federal level to this critical role.

In response to Eicher's retirement, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay V. Ruotolo commended his unwavering efforts to make reforms and hold the powerful accountable, stating, "His unwavering efforts to make reforms and to hold the powerful to account have been a tremendous asset to the public."

Expressing gratitude for his time in office, Eicher himself remarked, "Any accomplishments are the result of the extraordinary professionalism, dedication, and hard work of the attorneys, investigators, and staff in OPIA who have been dedicated to a simple concept – doing what is right and just every day."

Looking ahead to his new role, Skinner expressed his honor in following Eicher's footsteps, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work of cleaning up corruption and ensuring the public's trust in government.

Eicher's successor, Drew Skinner, brings a wealth of experience from his time as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Skinner's impressive career led to him receiving the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2019.

Eicher's legacy includes significant contributions to law enforcement policies and procedures in New Jersey, as well as his dedication to transparency, accountability, and justice. His retirement signifies the end of an era at OPIA, while Drew Skinner prepares to take on the responsibilities of leading the office into the future.