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Providing police services
can often be a very difficult and complex job.
The Division of State Police recognizes that mistakes may
be made and the actions of our troopers may fall short of
expectations. The Division of State Police has established
rules and regulations and standing operating procedures governing
the professional and personal conduct of employees and acceptable
work performance standards. These guidelines are designed
to protect the well-being and the rights of all citizens and
employees. The Office of Professional Standards will
thoroughly investigate all reports of misconduct by troopers
regardless of the source. Anyone who files a complaint against
a trooper will be treated with courtesy and respect.
To make a complaint you may:
Call the Office of Professional Standards at our toll free
recorded hot line: 1-877-253-4125,
to speak to a representative Monday through Friday, between
9:00 am and 5:00 pm. After 5:00 pm leave a message. You will
receive a return call during business hours from our office.
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Make your complaint in person, call Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, or
write to the Commanding Officer at the Office of Professional Standards office
located at:
810 Bear Tavern Road
Suite 310
West Trenton, NJ 08628
Telephone 1-877-253-4125
Fax (609) 882-2033
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Make your complaint in person or call Monday through Friday,
9:00am to 5:00pm, at the regional Internal Affairs Investigation
Bureau office located at:
1510 Hooper Avenue
Suite 120
Toms River, NJ
(Fax number 732-864-1362)
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Write a letter to the Superintendent of State Police or
the Office of Professional Standards Supervisor at:
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
Fax (609) 882-2033
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You can also make a complaint in person to any supervisor
at any State Police facility which will be supplied with brochures
and Citizen Compliment/Complaint Forms.
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You can also make a complaint in writing to the:
Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards
Department of Law and Public Safety
P.O. Box 080
Trenton, NJ 08625
Please include as much
of the following information as you can remember:
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Date, time, and location of the incident
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Name(s) and badge number(s) of the member(s) involved
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Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses
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Circumstances of the incident
Corrective Action
If the investigation indicates the trooper has committed a violation,
corrective action commensurate with the severity of the violation
will be taken. Mitigating circumstances may be considered by the
Superintendent in determining appropriate penalties. Discipline
under the rules and regulations will not be based on any employee's
race, color, political affiliation, sex, disability, or age. Action
taken by the Division may involve:
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Counseling (non-discipline)
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Remedial training (non-discipline)
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Written reprimand
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Suspension
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Reduction in rank
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Termination
After an investigation is completed, less severe discipline (
written reprimand and five or less days suspension) is administered
directly by the Superintendent. More serious discipline (suspension
for more than five days, reduction in rank, or termination) will
be imposed if the trooper is found guilty at a disciplinary hearing.
In the event the member is subject to a disciplinary hearing,
the complainant and witnesses may be called to testify.
They will be notified in writing by the Office of Professional
Standards when the complaint has been resolved. However, the exact
discipline imposed is a confidential personnel matter and will
not be revealed to the complainant. Members of the Division
can appeal the Superintendent's decision. The Division of State
Police has established procedures for members to follow in filing
their appeals, just as it has established procedures to fairly
and honestly investigate citizens' complaints.
We take your complaint seriously.
However, if a complaint is found to be fabricated and maliciously
pursued, the complainant may be subject to criminal prosecution
and/or civil proceedings.
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