Have you ever felt mistreated by law enforcement in New Jersey? You’re not the only one. Whether it’s verbal abuse, racial profiling, or excessive force, misconduct is real—and it can be reported. Knowing how to file a complaint against police misconduct in New Jersey empowers you to take a stand.
This isn’t about attacking officers. It’s about expecting professionalism, fairness, and adherence to the law. Officers swear an oath. When that oath is broken, accountability must follow.
This article walks you through the process, step by step. From filing locally to escalating statewide, here’s what to do when your rights are violated.
Contact the Local Police Division
The most direct place to start is your local police department. Walk in and request to speak with the Internal Affairs Unit. Every precinct in New Jersey must have one. It’s required under the Attorney General Guidelines.
You’ll usually receive a Civilian Complaint Information Sheet along with a complaint form. The form asks for key details: names, locations, time, and what happened. Try to be specific. Include photos or witness contact info if you have them.
Once submitted, you should receive a tracking number. Use this to follow up. Officers are not allowed to interfere with your ability to file. They cannot ask for your motive or threaten you in any way.
If your report involves serious misconduct—like wrongful arrests or excessive force—it may move to the County Prosecutor’s Office. In more severe cases, state-level agencies or external investigators may intervene.
Keep a copy of everything. Documentation is key. A simple oversight could result in your complaint going unanswered.
Mail an Internal Affairs Report
Prefer to avoid a face-to-face encounter? Mailing your complaint is completely acceptable. In some cases, it may be safer.
Address your complaint to the Internal Affairs Division of the relevant department. Include your name, unless you’re submitting anonymously. Using certified mail is smart—it gives you proof of delivery.
Be clear. Stick to the facts. Include times, names, and exact actions. If any policies were violated, mention them. You can request the department’s Rules & Regulations to reference specific violations.
Once received, your complaint goes into the internal affairs investigation pipeline. The process may lead to a departmental hearing or even criminal referral.
Even if the final outcome is “Not Sustained,” the department is still obligated to explain the decision. You have the right to ask for the result in writing.
Don’t forget to check in. Follow-up ensures your complaint isn’t lost in the shuffle.
Consider Anonymous Complaints
Want to file but keep your name out of it? You can. New Jersey accepts anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers.
Anonymity offers protection. But it also limits investigators’ ability to reach you for clarification. That’s the trade-off.
Anonymous tips are helpful in serious cases. These include illegal drug trafficking, use of force, or racial profiling. Officers can still face discipline even if they don’t know who submitted the report.
Options for anonymous reporting include:
- Dropping a letter at the precinct
- Sending an email to the Internal Affairs Unit
- Submitting an online form (where available)
- Using the Internal Affairs Dashboard
Some departments provide hotlines or mailboxes labeled Confidential Investigations Unit. Use these if you’re unsure where to start.
Even an unsigned note can trigger an investigation. If it points to repeated misconduct, your anonymous report might be the missing puzzle piece.
Filing with Other Agencies
What if the misconduct occurred somewhere like Port Authority property or involved New Jersey State Police? You’ll need to file outside your local department.
Each county has a County Prosecutor’s Office that handles citizen complaints. For example, in Bergen County, reports go to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in Hackensack. In Jersey City, head to the Public Safety HQ on MLK Drive.
Misconduct on state roads, interstates, or during state-led enforcement falls under the New Jersey State Police. Their Internal Affairs Bureau handles these cases. You can find their contact info and complaint forms on their official website.
Forms usually ask if your complaint involves:
- Officer bias or unprofessional conduct
- Excessive or unjustified force
- Improper searches
- False arrests
- Vehicle pursuits or firearm discharges
Always fill these forms truthfully. Do not make false accusations—it’s a criminal offense.
These higher-level agencies must follow the Attorney General’s Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures. They’re legally obligated to investigate your claim.
Use certified mail or online portals when available. This keeps your complaint trackable and secure.
Report it to the Office of Professional Standards (OPS)
Still not getting results? It may be time to go to the top. The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) investigates more serious or escalated complaints.
OPS is part of the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards, under the New Jersey Attorney General. Their team handles:
- Civil rights violations
- Systemic officer misconduct
- Bias incidents
- Misuse of police powers
To report to OPS, visit the Attorney General’s official website. There, you’ll find the Citizen Complaint Form. Submit it online, by fax, or via U.S. mail. Supporting evidence, like video or photos, is welcome.
OPS also accepts complaints through the Civil Rights Reporting Portal, which offers another route for filing securely and anonymously.
Once submitted, your complaint enters formal review. Investigators may contact you. If the issue violates state or federal law, further action may follow.
OPS actions may result in internal discipline, civil litigation, or criminal charges—depending on severity.
Results from sustained complaints are published in Major Discipline Reports, ensuring transparency across New Jersey law enforcement agencies.
A Moment for Real Talk
Let’s break the formality for a second.
A friend once witnessed an incident involving a violent takedown in Newark. He wasn’t directly involved, but he recorded it. He submitted the footage with a written complaint. Weeks passed.
Then he got a letter. One of the officers in the video had been under investigation before. His report sealed the case. That officer was suspended and later removed from field duty.
He didn’t expect results. But results came. His voice mattered—even when he didn’t think it would.
Sometimes, filing a complaint feels pointless. But it’s not. It’s about protecting the public, standing up for justice, and fixing broken systems. You could be the reason change happens.
Conclusion
Filing a complaint against police misconduct in New Jersey isn’t just a right—it’s a responsibility. When officers break the law, the public must respond.
You can file at the local level, through the mail, or stay anonymous. If needed, escalate your complaint to the County Prosecutor or the Office of Professional Standards. Each step builds pressure for accountability.
Documentation matters. So does persistence. Don’t let silence replace justice.
You don’t have to yell to be heard. A well-written complaint might do more than you think.
