INTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Internal Affairs Unit monitors the actions and behavior of Jersey City Police Department personnel to ensure compliance with the Department’s rules, regulations, policies, Attorney General Guidelines and Directives, and city ordinances, as well as state and federal law.

The Internal Affairs Unit has the responsibility to investigate all allegations of misconduct involving sworn members of the Jersey City Police Department. Our obligation to investigate accusations of misconduct also extends to acts committed off duty and outside the jurisdiction of the City of Jersey City. Additionally, this office investigates any other action or inaction by an officer that may demonstrate they are unable, unwilling, or unfit to perform their official duties.

REPORT A COMPLAINT OR COMMENDATION

Use the form below
Email [email protected]
Download a pdf HERE and bring it to your district

INFORMATION ON MAKING A COMPLAINT

A complaint should be filed when you witness or experience a personal encounter with Jersey City Police Department personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct, abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate demeanor, inappropriate conduct, or a violation of rules and regulations of the Jersey City Police Department.

The Jersey City Police Department takes citizen complaints seriously and understands 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.

People who seek to file complaints will not be asked about their immigration status.

Complaints are accepted twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, by either an Internal Affairs officer, a police supervisor, or if necessary any available police officer. Complaints are accepted in person, on the telephone, or by mail. Juveniles, anonymous persons, and other interested third parties may also file a complaint.

You can access and print the Jersey City Police Department Complaint Form using the link below:
JCPD Complaint Form

To submit a complaint by mail or in person please use the following address:
Jersey City Police Department
Internal Affairs Unit
1 Journal Square Plaza
4th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306

When writing a letter, please keep in mind, the more information you provide about the incident of police misconduct, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns.

If you wish to file a complaint by telephone, you may call 201-547-5472 to contact the Internal Affairs Unit. You may also submit the complaint form via fax to: 201-547-5512.

Additionally, you may file a complaint at any Jersey City Police Department District and your complaint can be accepted by any sworn member of the department.

The Internal Affairs Unit reviews all submitted complaints. Complaints may be handled by an Investigator from the Internal Affairs Unit or referred to command-level personnel, depending on the nature of the complaint.

What you can expect when you make an Internal Affairs complaint:

Your complaint will be sent to a superior officer or a specially trained Internal Affairs investigator who will conduct a thorough and objective 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 may be asked to testify in court.

If our investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of department rules or regulations, you may be asked to testify in a departmental hearing.

If our investigation shows that the complaint is unfounded, or there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation, 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.

You can access and print the Jersey City Police Department Citizen Complaint Information Form using the link below:
JCPD Complaint Information Form

Upon completion and review of a thorough investigation, a final disposition is determined. A thorough investigation means interviewing witnesses, reviewing any physical evidence, reviewing internal records, and assessing the credibility of all claims.

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 Jersey City Police Department rules, state statutes, and civil service rules. Any time you spend in participating in the complaint and review process will be appreciated. Jersey City Police Department personnel are held to the highest standards of our profession and we encourage members of the public to immediately bring matters of concern to our attention.

Similarly, if you would like to commend a Jersey City Police Officer for their actions, you may do so by writing a letter to the Chief of Police at the address listed below.

Jersey City Police Department
Office of the Chief of Police
1 Journal Square Plaza
4th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306

DOCUMENTS

The JCPD accepts complaints in-person, by phone, or letter.

JCPD Complaint Form

Learn more about the formal procedures the JCPD takes for investigating your complaint.

JCPD Citizen Complaint Information

Statistics on complaints filed, agency dispositions, and court dispositions.

A brief synopsis of all major complaints.