moonachie police department professional standards
The Moonachie Police Department has internal affairs policies in place for the purpose of investigating and resolving complaints of police misconduct that originate with private citizens or are generated by the supervisors, officers or civilian employees of our agency. The goals of these policies are to maintain and enhance the integrity of the Moonachie Police Department, improve the delivery of police services, assure the citizens that complaints of police misconduct are properly addressed. We are dedicated protecting the constitutional and civil rights of all citizens.
The Department conducts internal affairs investigations under the direct supervision of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Internal affairs investigations will be conducted by strictly following the policy guidelines set forth by the Attorney General.
The Early Warning System is a tool the police department uses to detect patterns and trends in police conduct before misconduct escalates. The Early Warning system serves to: Identify and Remediate problematic officer conduct that may be a risk to the public, the agency, and/or the officer Increase public safety and confidence Assist officers through early intervention
The Moonachie Police Department strictly follows the New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines for Internal Affairs matters as well as numerous directives that are promulgated by the New Jersey Attorney General and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Our officers are continually monitored for their adherence to: Moonachie Police Department Rules and Regulations Moonachie Police Department Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders NJ Attorney General Guidelines (All) All New Jersey Traffic and Criminal Laws as well as the United States and New Jersey State Constitutions.
random drug testing
All sworn members of the Moonachie Police Department are subject to random drug testing twice per year (New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2018-2). At least 10% of our officers will be tested each time. The random selection process is completed using software provided and maintained by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Any officer that tests positive or illicit drugs is immediately terminated from employment by the Borough of Moonachie and permanently barred from law enforcement in the State of New Jersey.
The members of the Moonachie Police Department are committed to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective, and impartially applied. It is in the best interests of everyone that your complaint about the performance of an individual officer is resolved fairly and promptly. The Police Department has formal procedures for investigating your complaint. These procedures are designed to ensure fairness and protect the rights of both citizens and law enforcement officers:
1. Reports or Complaints of officer/employee misconduct must be accepted from any person, including anonymous sources, at any time.
2. omplaints shall be accepted regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status of the complaining party.
3. your complaint will be sent to a superior officer or a specially trained internal affairs officer who will conduct a thorough and objective investigation.
4. you might be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or providing other important information or documents.
5. all complaints against law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated. You will be kept informed of the status of the investigation and its ultimate outcome, if requested, and you provide contact information. The exact discipline imposed is confidential, but you will be advised of the ultimate finding, namely:
A. Sustained: A preponderance of the evidence shows an officer violated any law; regulation; directive, guideline, policy, or procedure issued by the Attorney General or County Prosecutor; agency protocol; standing operating procedure; rule; or training.
B. Unfounded: A preponderance of the evidence shows that the alleged misconduct did not occur.
C. Exonerated: A preponderance of the evidence shows the alleged conduct did occur, but did not violate any law; regulation; directive, guideline, policy, or procedure issued by the Attorney General or County Prosecutor; agency protocol; standing operating procedure; rule; or training.
D. Not Sustained: The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation.
If our investigation shows that a crime might have been committed, the county prosecutor will be notified. You might be asked to testify in court. If our investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of department rules, you might be asked to testify in a departmental hearing. If our investigation shows that the complaint is unfounded or that the officer acted properly, the matter will be closed. Internal affairs investigations are confidential and all disciplinary hearings shall be closed to the public unless the defendant officer requests an open hearing. You may call the Moonachie Police Department and ask for the Internal Affairs Investigator at 201-641-9100. Or visit us at 70 Moonachie Road, Moonachie, NJ.