Professional Standards

What is the function of the Internal Affairs Unit?

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for receiving, processing, and supervising internal affairs investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct made against members of the Lyndhurst Police Department. The Internal Affairs Unit ensures that allegations made against members of the Lyndhurst Police Department are thoroughly and objectively investigated to their logical conclusion. The Internal Affairs Unit maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received against all members. This information is submitted to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on an annual basis.

What does the Internal Affairs Unit do?

To whom does the Internal Affairs Unit report?

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

How do I file a complaint against an Officer or Employee of the Police Department?

Internal Affairs What is the function of the Internal Affairs Unit? The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for receiving, processing, and supervising internal affairs investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct made against members of the Lyndhurst Police Department. The Internal Affairs Unit ensures that allegations made against members of the Lyndhurst Police Department are thoroughly and objectively investigated to their logical conclusion. The Internal Affairs Unit maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received against all members. This information is submitted to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on an annual basis. What does the Internal Affairs Unit do? The Internal Affairs Unit has the responsibility to investigate all allegations of misconduct by members of the Lyndhurst Police Department, and to review and adjudicate all minor complaints which are handled by supervisors. In addition, the Internal Affairs Unit will review all firearms discharges by department personnel that are not related to training, all use of force incidents, all vehicular pursuits undertaken by department personnel and all collisions involving department vehicles. To whom does the Internal Affairs Unit report? The Internal Affairs Unit reports directly to the Chief of Police. How do I file a complaint against an Officer or Employee of the Police Department? Complaints will be accepted in person, by telephone, or by letter or email. It is preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against the Lyndhurst Police Department employee, so we can ascertain as much information as possible to effectively investigate the complaint. Those individuals who do not wish to make a complaint in person or over the telephone should complete the attached Internal Affairs Complaint Form.

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The completed form can then be submitted in any of the following ways:

By email: internalaffairs@lyndhurstnjpolice.gov
By U.S. mail
: Lyndhurst Police Department
Attn: Internal Affairs Unit
367 Valley Brook Avenue
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Or dropped off in person to the Lyndhurst Police Department

Please note that in-person complaints are usually taken by a supervisor or member of the Internal Affairs Unit but any police officer can accept a complaint. The complaint will then be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit for investigation for review. The complaint will be investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit or it will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor for investigation.

All complaints of officer misconduct shall be accepted from any 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. In the event you wish to file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Unit we encourage you to do so as soon possible. Additional information regarding the internal affairs process can be found on the Civilian Complaint Information Sheet.

How are complaints investigated?

Your complaint will be sent to an 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.

Do any other agencies investigate complaints made against Department members?

Yes, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office conducts a review of any complaint that alleges that a crime was committed.

What rights do police officers have during an investigation?

Police officers are protected by the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights and their labor contract. 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.

Is there any risk in making a complaint against a member?

No. But if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against a member, that person may be criminally prosecuted or held civilly liable. N.J.S. 2C:28-3 Unsworn Falsification to Authorities states, “a person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he makes a written false statement which he does not believe to be true, on or pursuant to a form bearing notice, authorized by law, to the affect that false statements made therein are punishable.” Those who provide false information to members of the Internal Affairs Unit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

What happens when the investigation is concluded?

Once accepted, your complaint form will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit for review and investigation. Once the investigation is complete, you will be advised of the outcome in written form. 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.

How do I contact the Internal Affairs Unit?

The Internal Affairs Unit can be reached by calling (201) 939-2900 ext. 2601 or by email at internalaffairs@lyndhurstnjpolice.gov