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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 Department personnel and ensure compliance with the Department’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 Department and other agencies, threats against city dignitaries and coordinating with outside investigative agencies.
How to file a Complaint
We take 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 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 Department 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 Department.
Here's how to submit a complaint:
In person at any police precinct or directly to the Office of Professional Standards located at 247 16th Avenue, Newark NJ 07103. Ask for the highest ranking supervisor on duty.
By Telephone by calling any police facility or the Office of Professional Standards directly at (973) 733-6171. You can also call our anonymous hotline at 1-888-NWK-IADI. You are not required to provide your name or other identifying information.
At Home or the location where the incident occurred. You may request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling (973) 733-6000.
Online by scrolling to the bottom of this screen and clicking the Complaint Against Personnel button. After completing the form proceed to print and mail to:
Office of Professional Standards
247 16th Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07103
By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form which is available at every police facility. The form can be completed at home or at a police facility, and mailed to the OPS (address above). You can also write a letter and mail it to the OPS.
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 with the OPS. 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 Complaints 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 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 City of Newark Police Department 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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