The Office of Professional Standards of the Fairfield Police Department is responsible for ensuring that members of the department meet the highest standards of professional conduct and are responsive to the citizens they serve. The Office of Professional Standards is also responsible for the thorough investigation of all complaints of misconduct against members of the Fairfield Police Department.

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The Office of Professional Standards reports directly to the Chief of Police. The Office is charged with administering the investigative and disciplinary processes for the Fairfield Police Department. The primary mission of the Office of Professional Standards is to assure that the members of the Fairfield Police Department meet the highest standards of integrity and ethical performance.

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The Fairfield Police Department is dedicated to providing the best possible police service to the citizens it serves. Officers are carefully selected and receive the best possible training to help them perform their duties in a fair, honest, impartial, and professional manner. Your assistance helps the Fairfield Police Department maintain the integrity of the organization. If you feel strongly about the conduct of an officer, positively or negatively, please let us know.

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The Office of Professional Standards can be reached by telephone at: (973) 227-1400, or citizens may visit the Fairfield police headquarters located at 230 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, N.J. 07004.

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Professional Standards Section Commander:

· Lieutenant John McNish #60

 

Professional Standards Section Supervisor:

· Sergeant RJ Casendino #75

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How to Commend an Officer:

Recognition for a job well done is important and it is as well to the officers and civilian employees of the Fairfield Police Department. If an officer or other member of the Fairfield Police Department renders a service that you feel is worthy of a commendation, we would like to hear about it.

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To commend a Fairfield Police Department employee you may:

· Telephone the Office of Professional Standards or the Office of the Chief of Police by calling (973) 227-1400

 

· Telephone the members supervisor directly

 

· Write to the Office of the Chief of Police at:

Fairfield Police Department

230 Fairfield Road

Fairfield, N.J. 07004

 

The employee and his/her supervisor will be notified of the commendation. A copy will also be included in the employee's personnel file.

 

How to File a Complaint Against an Officer:

 

Providing police services can often be a very difficult and complex job. The Fairfield Police Department recognizes that mistakes may be made and the actions of our officers may fall short of expectations. The Fairfield Police Department has established rules and regulations and standard operating procedures governing the professional and personal conduct of employees and acceptable work performance standards. These guidelines are designed to protect the well-being and the rights of all citizens and employees. The Office of Professional Standards will thoroughly investigate all reports of misconduct by officers regardless of the source. Anyone who files a complaint against an officer will be treated with courtesy and respect.

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To make a complaint you may:

· Call the Office of Professional Standards at (973) 227-1400 and either speak with an officer or leave a message. You will receive a call back from our office.

 

· Make your complaint in person at police headquarters at any time or write to the Officer in Charge of Professional Standards located at:

Fairfield Police Department

230 Fairfield Road

Fairfield, N.J. 07004

 

Whenever making a complaint, please try and include as much of the following information as you can:

 

· Date, time and location of the incident

· Name(s) and identification number(s) of the member(s) involved

· Names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses

· Circumstances and the nature of your complaint

 

Corrective Actions

 

If the investigation indicates the officer has committed a violation, corrective action commensurate with the severity of the violation will be taken. Mitigating circumstances may be considered by the Chief of Police in determining appropriate penalties. Action taken may involve:

 

· Counseling (non-disciplinary)

· Remedial Training (non-disciplinary)

· Oral Reprimand

· Written Reprimand

· Suspension

· Demotion

· Termination

 

In cases where officers face serious disciplinary action, they are entitled to a disciplinary hearing. In this case, the complainant and witnesses may be called to testify. Complainants will be notified in writing by the Office of Professional Standards when the complaint has been resolved, however the exact discipline imposed is a confidential personnel matter and will not be revealed to the complainant. Members of the department can appeal the decision of the Chief of Police. The Fairfield Police Department has established procedures for members to follow in filing their appeals, just as it has established procedures to fairly and honestly investigate citizens' complaints.

 

The Fairfield Police Department takes your complaint seriously. However, if a complaint is found to be fabricated and maliciously pursued, the complainant may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil proceedings.