Rockaway Borough Police Department Internal Affairs

The establishment of a meaningful internal affairs policy and procedure(s) are of extreme importance to everyone in law enforcement, as well as the citizens that law enforcement personnel are sworn to protect.

Citizen confidence in the integrity of a police department is enhanced by the establishment of meaningful and effective complaint resolution procedures. Toward that end, the information below will help citizens and police officers conscientiously implement the Attorney General Guidelines with respect to the handling of citizen complaints.

Recognizing the key role played by officers assigned to the Internal Affairs function, it is important that the law enforcement community is properly prepared for the task. The Rockaway Borough Police Department is committed to ensuring the fair and effective resolution of matters brought forward to us.

Each Police Department within Morris County, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, has formal procedures for investigating your internal affairs complaint. These procedures ensure fairness and protect the rights of both citizens and law enforcement officers.

Making Reports of Officer Misconduct

It is the policy of the Rockaway Borough Police Department to accept and investigate all allegations of officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen. Anyone, including anonymous sources, juveniles, undocumented persons, and persons in custody may file a complaint at any time, either in person, in writing, through email, or over the telephone.

The Rockaway Borough Police Department's Internal Affairs policy is followed in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General's Internal Affairs Policy and Procedure, which must be adhered to by every police agency in the state. In order to fulfill that policy, located here are the necessary forms and information to answer any questions that a citizen may have regarding the process. A citizen may make a report of officer misconduct or wrongdoing by following the instructions listed below:

1. Citizens may to respond to police headquarters and speak with a supervisor about filing their complaint. If citizens are unable to appear in person, there are numerous other options outlined below.
2. Regardless of how the complaint is received, the complaint will be accepted regardless of the hour or day of the week.
3. Citizens will be asked to complete an Internal Affairs Complaint Form, which will include as much descriptive information about the complaint that the citizen can provide. It is not mandatory that the report be completed, but it will assist in a complete and thorough investigation by the Internal Affairs Office.
4. If the citizen cannot make the complaint in person, a representative from the police department can be assigned to visit the individual at his/her home, place of business or another reasonable location to complete the report. Citizens can also file complaints telephonically by contacting the Internal Affairs Office via phone at 973-627-1851 ext 9. If the citizen wishes to make their complaint via email, they may do so at
   internal-affairs@rockawayboropd.org
5. Citizens may make the report anonymously. When this occurs, it makes it very difficult for the Internal Affairs Investigator to ask follow up questions or obtain further information.
6. After a complaint is received by the department, it will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Investigator of the Rockaway Borough Police Department for investigation. The investigator will immediately inform the Police Chief upon receipt of a complaint.
7. The citizen shall be notified upon completion of the Internal Affairs Investigation.

While every member of the Rockaway Borough Police Department is trained in the proper reception and handling of citizen complaints, the citizen may contact the Chief of Police directly if they feel it is necessary or if they have any additional questions. Please see the links below for additional resources.

Contact

Email Internal Affairs at:
internal-affairs@rockawayboropd.org

All correspondence by mail should be directed to:
Office of Internal Affairs
Rockaway Borough Police Dept.
33 Maple Avenue
Rockaway, NJ 07866

Document Links

Civilian Complaint Information Sheet

Click here for Civilian Complaint Information Sheet (English)

The information sheet is available in additional languages. Click here for the list.

Internal Affairs Report Form

Instructions for submitting online:

1. CLICK on the INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT FORM button.
2. FILL OUT the form.
3. SAVE completed form (usually to your desktop)
4. CLICK the SUBMIT the INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT button. This will open your email program.
5. ATTACH your saved complaint form to the email.
6. SEND email.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT FORM (English)

The report form is available in additional languages. Click here for the list.

SUBMIT the INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT

You may also complete the form, print, and postal mail it or drop it off at the police station.

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Annual Internal Affairs Summary

Click here to view the Annual Internal Affairs Summary for 2023.
Click here to view the Annual Internal Affairs Summary for 2022.
Click here to view the Annual Internal Affairs Summary for 2021.
Click here to view the Annual Internal Affairs Summary for 2020.

Major Discipline

Click here for 2023 Major Discipline Reporting Form
Click here for 2022 Major Discipline Reporting Form
Click here for 2021 Major Discipline Reporting Form
Click here for 2020 Major Discipline Reporting Form

Rockaway Borough Police Department Early Warning System Policy

Click here to view the Rockaway Borough Early Warning System Standard Operating Procedures.

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Languages

The Civilian Complaint Information Sheet and Report Form are available in the following languages. PDF documents will open in a new browser window