The primary duty of the Internal Affairs Unit (IA) is to monitor the actions and
behavior of North Bergen Police Department personnel and ensure compliance with
the Department’s Rules & Regulations, Policies, Attorney General Guidelines and
Directives, as well as township ordinances, state law and federal law.
The IA Unit is responsible for investigating complaints of serious rule infractions,
criminal allegations, firearm discharges, vehicle pursuits and monitoring drug testing
of employees. The IA Unit also investigates complaints of minor rule infractions
and conducts inspections and audits of police property, facilities, and its personnel.
Other IA Unit responsibilities include investigating cases of corruption within
the Police Department and other agencies, threats against city dignitaries and coordinating
with outside investigative agencies.
How to File a Complaint
The North Bergen Police Department takes citizen 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 through this website. If you cannot
come to us, we can come to a location suitable to you.
The IA Unit accepts anonymous complaints, third-party complaints and complaints
from unaccompanied juveniles (though we suggest that juveniles involve their parents).
People 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 North Bergen Police Department personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct,
abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate
demeanor, inappropriate conduct or a violation of rules and regulations of the North
Bergen Police Department.
IA Citizen Complaint Forms:
Arabic
Chinese
English
Haitian
Hindi
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Spanish
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Submitting a Complaint
- In person 24 hours a day at the North Bergen Police Department, located at 4233
Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen, NJ 0704. Ask for the highest ranking supervisor on
duty; however any officer can and will accept your complaint.
- By Telephone 24 hours a day by calling the North Bergen Police Department at (201)
392-2100. Ask to speak to the supervisor on duty; however any officer can and will
accept your complaint. You are not required to provide your name or other identifying
information should you wish to remain anonymous.
- At your home or the location where the incident occurred. You may request that a
supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling (201) 392-2100;
however any officer can and will accept your complaint.
- Online, the Citizen Complaint Form is available by clicking the Citizen Complaint Form
tab above, completing the form and submitting it in person or by mailing it as described
below. An IA investigator will contact you to confirm receipt of your complaint, unless
you choose to remain anonymous.
- By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form which is available at every police
facility. Simply write a letter or note addressed to:
Chief of Police Robert J. Farley, JR
North Bergen Police Department
4233 Kennedy Blvd
North Bergen, NJ 07047
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By sending an email to ia@northbergenpd.com.
When writing a letter, please keep in mind that the more information you provide
about what happened, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns.
How Complaints are Investigated
The IA Unit reviews all complaints. Complaints may be handled by IA Unit or referred
to command-level personnel, depending on the nature of the complaint.
Upon completion and review of a thorough investigation, a final disposition is determined.
A thorough investigation means interviewing all witnesses, reviewing any physical
evidence, 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 certified 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 North Bergen Police Department rules, state statutes and civil service rules.
We appreciate your time in participating in the complaint and review process. North
Bergen Police Department personnel are held to the highest standards of our profession
and we encourage members of the public to immediately bring matters of concern to
our attention. Similarly, if you would like to commend a North Bergen Police Officer
for his or her actions, you may do so by writing a letter to the Chief of Police.
IA Summary Documents