The Office of Professional Standards of the Essex Fells Police Department is responsible for ensuring that members of the department meet the highest standards of professional conduct and are responsive to the citizens they serve. The Office of Professional Standards is also responsible for the thorough investigation of all complaints of misconduct against members of the Essex Fells Police Department.

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The Office of Professional Standards can be reached by telephone at: (973) 226-3000, email at internalaffairs@essexfellspd.org or citizens may visit the Essex Fells Police Headquarters located at 255 Roseland Avenue Essex Fells, N.J. 07021.

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• Captain Scott Jones #184 (Supervisor)

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• Sergeant Leigh Leaf #197 

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To commend an Essex Fells Police Department officer you may:

Telephone the Office of Professional Standards or the Office of the Chief of Police by calling (973) 226-3000

  

Write to the Office of the Chief of Police at:

Essex Fells Police Department

255 Roseland Avenue

Essex Fells, NJ 07021

 

The employee and his/her supervisor will be notified of the commendation. A copy will also be included in the employee's personnel file.

 

How to File a Complaint Against an Officer:

The Office of Professional Standards will thoroughly investigate all reports of misconduct by officers regardless of the source. Anyone who files a complaint against an officer will be treated with courtesy and respect.

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To make a complaint you may:

· Call the Office of Professional Standards at (973) 226-3000 and either speak with an officer or leave a message. You will receive a call back from our office.

 

Make your complaint in person at police headquarters at any time or write to the Officer in Charge of Professional Standards located at:

Essex Fells Police Department

255 Roseland Avenue

Essex Fells, NJ 07021

 

Whenever making a complaint, please try and include as much of the following information as you can:

· Date, time and location of the incident

· Name(s) and identification number(s) of the member(s) involved

· Names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses

· Circumstances and the nature of your complaint

 

Corrective Actions:

If the investigation indicates the officer has committed a violation, corrective action commensurate with the severity of the violation will be taken. Mitigating circumstances may be considered by the Chief of Police in determining appropriate penalties. Action taken may involve:

· Counseling (non-disciplinary)

· Remedial Training (non-disciplinary)

· Oral Reprimand

· Written Reprimand

· Suspension

· Demotion

· Termination

 

In cases where officers face serious disciplinary action, they are entitled to a disciplinary hearing. In this case, the complainant and witnesses may be called to testify. Complainants 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 department can appeal the decision of the Chief of Police. The Essex Fells Police Department has established procedures for members to follow in filing their appeals, just as it has established procedures to fairly and honestly investigate citizens' complaints.

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The Essex Fells Police Department takes 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.