Goals of the Office of Professional Standards

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 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 Newark Police Division 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 Newark Police Division.

Although the recommended method for making a complaint is to respond to Internal Affairs located on the 1st floor of 494 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, 07102, complaints can also be filed:

• In person : Go to any police facility and ask to speak to the highest ranking supervisor on duty.
• By Email : Email the complaint to IAD@ci.newark.nj.us
• By Telephone : Call the Office of Professional Standards at (973) 733-6171 or any police facility.
• At Home or the location where the incident occurred : You may also request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling (973) 733-6000.
• Online : Scroll to the bottom of this screen and click the Complaint Against Personnel button. After completing the form, click the Submit Complaint button to electronically send the form to OPS:
• By Mail : Complete a citizen complaint form which is available at every police facility. The form can be completed at a police facility or at home and mailed or faxed to the OPS (address and fax number provided below). You can also write a letter and mail it or fax it to OPS.
• FAX number : (973) 353-8469
• Mailing Address :
  
  Office of Professional Standards
  494 Broad Street, 1st floor (Free onsite parking)
  Newark, New Jersey 07102
• Anonymous Complaints :
  

  We will accept and investigate your complaint even if you do not wish to provide your personal information and prefer to remain anonymous.

Remember, the more information you provide about what happened, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns.

How Complaints are Investigated

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.

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