Report Misconduct
This Office of Professional Standards (OPS) central duty is to monitor the actions and behavior of Newark Police Division personnel and ensure compliance with the Division’s Rules & Regulations, Policies, City ordinances and state and federal laws. This OPS is responsible for investigating complaints of serious rule infractions, criminal allegations, firearm discharges, vehicle pursuits and monitoring drug testing of employees. The OPS also investigates complaints of minor rule infractions and conducts inspections and audits of precinct commands and their personnel.
Other OPS responsibilities include investigating cases of corruption within the Police Division and other agencies, threats against city dignitaries and coordinating with outside investigative agencies.
How To Report Misconduct
While complaints made in person are preferred, we also accept complaints by phone, mail, email, or online. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable to you.
In-person: Visit the Office of Professional Standards on the 1st floor of 494 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, 07102. Or, go to any police facility and ask to speak to the highest ranking supervisor on duty.
Email: Email the complaint to IAD@ci.newark.nj.us
Telephone: Call the Office of Professional Standards at (973) 733-6171 or any police facility.
Online: Fill out the Report Misconduct form online.
Mail: Complete a citizen complaint form found at every police station. The form can be completed at a police facility or at home and mailed to: Office of Professional Standards, 494 Broad Street, 1st floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102
Citizens can also request to report misconduct at their home or the location where the incident occurred. To request that a supervisor respond to your location and take your complaint, please call (973) 733-6000.
What Kind of Report Can I File Online?
The Office of Professional Standards reviews all complaints. The complaints are then assigned to a supervisor. All citizen complaints are handled by OPS investigators. Complaints from officers may be handled by OPS or referred to the precinct command, depending on how serious a complaint is. Upon completion and review of a thorough investigation, a final disposition is determined. A thorough investigation means interviewing all witnesses, reviewing internal records and assessing the credibility of all claims.
What Can Complainants Expect?
You will be notified of the disposition in writing after the investigation is completed. It will be sent by both certified and regular mail to the address you provide. Investigations generally take 30 days to complete, depending on a number of factors. You may be asked to testify in a criminal court or a departmental hearing if the investigation upholds your allegation against the officer.
An employee may be subjected to the following disciplinary action if found in violation of any division regulations:
- Additional Training and/or counseling
- Reprimand
- Suspension from duty
- Fine imposed
- Termination or demotion
Any disciplinary action against an employee must be in accordance with the City of Newark Police Division rules, state statutes and local civil service rules. We appreciate your time in participating in the complaint and review process. Our Officers are held to the highest standards and we encourage members of the public to bring these matters to our attention. Similarly, if you would like to commend a Newark Police Officer for his or her actions, you may do so by writing a letter to their precinct.
2.C:28-4: False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities
Falsely incriminating another. A person who knowingly gives or causes to be given false information to any law enforcement officer with purpose to implicate another commits a crime of the fourth degree.
Fictitious reports. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he:
- Reports or causes to be reported to law enforcement authorities an offense or other incident within their concern knowing that it did not occur; or
- Pretends to furnish or causes to be furnished such authorities with information relating to an offense or incident when he knows he has no information relating to such offense or incident.