Internal Affairs

What is the function of the Internal Affairs Unit?

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for receiving, processing, supervising, and controlling investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct against members of the Bordentown Township Police Department.

The Internal Affairs Unit ensures that allegations made against members of the police department are thoroughly and objectively investigated.

The Internal Affairs Unit maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received against all members.

What does the Internal Affairs Unit do?

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for investigating:

  1. Allegations of criminal conduct made against any member of the department.
  2. Allegations of misconduct made against any member of the department.
  3. Allegations of unnecessary or excessive use of force used by any member of the department in the performance of their duties.

To whom does the Internal Affairs Unit report?

The Internal Affairs Unit reports directly to the Chief of Police.

How does one file a complaint?

All complaints of officer misconduct shall be accepted from all persons who wish 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.

Complaints may be made in person, by telephone, by letter, or by e-mail. If internal affairs personnel are not available to accept the complaint, supervisory personnel will accept the complaint.  If no supervisory personnel are available, complaints will be accepted by any law enforcement officer. At no time will a complainant be told to return at a later time to file his report.

Citizens are encouraged to submit their complaints as soon after the incident as possible.  Under no circumstances shall it be necessary for a citizen to make a sworn statement to initiate the internal affairs process.

How are complaints handled?

Complaints of minor violations are forwarded to the employee’s supervisor or division commander to investigate.  Once the investigation is complete, the Internal Affairs Unit reviews it to determine the appropriate disposition.

If the complaint is of a serious nature, the Internal Affairs Unit will investigate the complaint directly.  If the complaint alleges a criminal violation, the Internal Affairs Unit will coordinate the investigation with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

All complaints are thoroughly investigated until a logical conclusion is reached based upon the available facts.

What rights do employees have during an investigation?

Bordentown Township Police officers have certain rights as NJ Civil Service employees along with protections in their labor contract.

Internal investigations remain confidential until they are completed.  No one involved in the investigation may disclose any information regarding the specifics of an ongoing investigation.

Is there any risk in making a complaint against an employee?

No.  But if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against an employee, that person may be criminally prosecuted and held civilly liable.

What happens when the investigation is complete?

The complainant and employee will be notified of the results of the investigation.

If you wish to file a complaint click here and select complaint as form type.  If you have any further questions then you may contact Chief Brian Pesce at 609-298-4300, ext. 2129.

View 2018 Internal Affairs Summary Report

Click Here to view