Aug 5, 2009

Prepared By: Captain Frank Locantore

The Evesham Township Police Department has released a report summarizing the number and type of internal affairs complaints received by the agency in 2008. Each law enforcement agency in the State of New Jersey is required by statute and Attorney General Guidelines to receive and thoroughly investigate each complaint made by a citizen against a law enforcement officer. Complaints received are often the result of misunderstandings or as an attempt at retaliation against an officer for performing his or her duties. There are occasions when mistakes are made or  acts of misconduct occur. When a thorough investigation has determined that an officer has committed an act of misconduct or violated departmental procedures, the appropriate sanctions are imposed. Sanctions may range from verbal counseling to suspension, demotion or dismissal. When the alleged misconduct is criminal in nature, the offending officer faces prosecution and possible incarceration. In 2008, The Department completed sixty internal affairs investigations. In 2008 there were no allegations of criminal misconduct made against a member of the Department. The majority of the complaints involved rule violations in the form of motor vehicle accidents involving agency vehicles. Of the 60 internal affairs complaints, 26 were sustained. Sustained complaints are those where an officer was found to have committed a rule violation. 23 complaints received a disposition of exonerated meaning the officer’s actions were consistent with Department policy. 4 complaints were not sustained which means there was not enough information available to either prove or disprove the allegations against the officer. 1 complaint was categorized as unfounded as the investigation proved it did not occur. 3 complaints were administratively closed.

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Members of the public may file an internal affairs complaint against a member of the department at any time. During business hours complaints may be filed with a member of the internal affairs staff. After normal business hours, complaints may be filed with the on-duty Watch Commander. Complaints may also be filed by mail or via e-mail through the feedback link on the Department’s web site. Any individual who is not satisfied with the disposition of an internal affairs investigation may contact the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office with their concerns.