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Goals of the Internal Affairs
This Internal Affairs (IA) central duty is to monitor
the actions and behavior of Bloomfield Police Department personnel and ensure compliance
with the Department’s Rules & Regulations, Policies, Township ordinances and state
and federal laws.
This IA is responsible for investigating complaints of serious rule infractions,
criminal allegations, firearm discharges, vehicle pursuits and monitoring drug testing
of employees. The IA also investigates complaints of minor rule infractions and
conducts inspections and audits of all commands and their personnel.
Other IA responsibilities include investigating cases of corruption within the
Police Department and other agencies, threats against Township dignitaries and coordinating
with outside investigative agencies.
How to file a Complaint
We take external complaints seriously and understand that public trust and participation
is an integral part of policing in our society. The complaint process should not
be an inconvenient or overwhelming task. We accept complaints in-person, by phone,
or letter or webform. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable
to you.
We accept anonymous complaints, third-party complaints and complaints from unaccompanied
juveniles (though we prefer that juveniles involve their parents).
Immigrants who seek to file complaints will NOT be asked about their immigration
status.
A complaint should be filed when you witness or experience a personal encounter
with Bloomfield Police Department personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct,
abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate
conduct or a violation of rules and regulations of the Bloomfield Police Department.
Here's how to submit a complaint:
In person at any police precinct or directly to the Internal Affairs located at 1 Municipal Plaza, Ralph Colasanti, Law Enforcement Building, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
Ask for the highest ranking supervisor on duty.
By Telephone by calling any police facility or the Internal Affairs directly at 973-680-4069.
At Home or the location where the incident occurred. You
may request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by
calling 973-680-4141.
Online by scrolling to the bottom of this screen and clicking
the Complaint Against Personnel button. After completing the form proceed to print
and mail to:
Internal Affairs
1 Municipal Plaza
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form which is
available at every police facility. The form can be completed at home or at a police
facility, and mailed to the IA (address above). You can also write a letter and
mail it to the IA.
Remember, the more information you provide about what happened, the better we can
assist in addressing your concerns.
How Complaints are Investigated
The Internal Affairs reviews all complaints. The complaints are
then assigned to a supervisor. All citizen complaints are handled with the IA.
Complaints from officers may be handled by IA or referred to the all 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 Complaints 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 department 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 Township
of Bloomfield Police Department 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 Bloomfield Police Officer for his or her actions, you may do so by writing a letter
to the Director's Office