The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for receiving, processing, and supervising internal affairs investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct or acts of misconduct made against members of the department. The Office of Professional Standards ensures that allegations made against members of the Absecon Police Department are thoroughly and objectively investigated to their logical conclusion. The Office of Professional Standards maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received against all members. This information is submitted to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office on an annual basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What does the Office of Professional Standards do?
The Office of Professional Standards has the responsibility to investigate all allegations of misconduct by members of the department, and to review and adjudicate all minor complaints which are handled by supervisors.
In addition, the Office of Professional Standards will review all firearms discharges by department personnel that are not related to training, all use of force incidents, all vehicular pursuits, and all collisions involving department vehicles.
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To whom does the Office of Professional Standards report?
There is a prescribed hierarchy. The Office of Professional Standards reports directly to the Chief of Police. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is responsible for overseeing the reporting and disposition of all internal affairs complaints in the county, and they in turn report to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
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How do I file a complaint against an officer or employee of the Absecon Police Department?
Complaints will be accepted in person, by telephone, by letter, by email, or through our online form. It is preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against the Absecon Police Department employee, so we can ascertain as much information as possible to effectively investigate the complaint.
Those individuals who wish to make a complaint should download one of the IA Report Forms (11 languages available) or complete the online report form. Information related to how individuals may submit the completed document can be found on the bottom of the form.
- Usually a Supervisor or member of the Office of Professional Standards will take the complaint, but any Police Officer can accept a complaint.
- The complaint will be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards for investigation.
The complaint will be investigated by the Office of Professional Standards or it will be forwarded to the appropriate Supervisor for investigation.
All complaints of officer misconduct shall be accepted from any persons who wishes to file a complaint, regardless of the hour or day of the week. This includes reports from anonymous sources, juveniles, and persons under arrest or in custody. In the event you wish to file a complaint with the Office of Professional Standards we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
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How are the complaints investigated?
- Your Complaint will be sent to a superior officer, or a specially trained internal affairs investigator, who will conduct a thorough and objective investigation. If the complaint alleges minor violations of departmental policies or procedures or the complaint alleges acts of discourtesy, the complaint will be forwarded through the chain of command to the member’s immediate supervisor for an investigation.
- You might be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or providing other important information.
- All complaints against law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated. You will be advised in writing of the outcome.
- 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 or regulations, 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.
- All disciplinary hearings shall be closed to the public unless the defendant officer requests an open hearing.
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Do any other agencies investigate complaints made against Department members?
Yes, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office conducts a review of any complaint that alleges that a crime was committed. Any use of deadly force is automatically reviewed by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
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What rights do Police Officers have during an internal affairs investigation?
Police Officers are protected by the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights and their labor contract. If the allegations are of a criminal nature, Police Officers have the same Constiutional rights as any other citizens.
Internal investigations remain confidential until they are concluded. By law, no person involved in the investigation, to include the complainant, witnesses, investigated members, or the Investigators may disclose any information regarding the investigation until it is concluded.
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Is there any risk in making a complaint against an officer or employee?
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What happens when the investigation is concluded?
Once accepted, your complaint form will be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards for review and investigation. Once the investigation is complete, you will be advised of the outcome in writing by mail. Complaints from the public, whether substantiated or not, increase the awareness of the leadership of this agency to actual or potential problems, as well as the perceptions of the community. This feedback will ultimately assist in determining whether the mission statement and goals of this agency are being attained. All conclusions are then reported annually to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
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Are your officers equipped with body worn cameras?
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How do I contact the Office of Professional Standards?
Lieutenant Jeffrey Mazer #851
Phone: (609) 641-0667 ext. 233
Email:
