the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Palisades Park NJ, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the internal affairs investigations for the Palisades Park Police Department, raising concerns about oversight, political influence, and law enforcement accountability.
Prosecutor’s Office Steps In
On March 3, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office assumed control of internal affairs investigations for the Palisades Park Police Department. According to Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer, the transition was made under the guidance of Prosecutor Mark Musella and Chief Matthew Finck. However, borough officials claim they were given no prior notice or justification for the move.
At a March 24 borough council meeting, the public first learned about the takeover when Councilman Michael Vietri inquired about it. The meeting was subsequently moved into a closed session, leaving residents with little clarity on the decision.
According to a statement from borough spokesperson Sara Rossi, no investigation has been launched against the borough, its police department, or any officials. Despite this, the borough has fully complied with the Prosecutor’s Office and has requested a meeting to discuss when local control of internal affairs will be reinstated.
Allegations of Retaliation and Political Influence
Just one day after the Prosecutor’s Office took over, Police Officer Michael DeBartolo filed a tort notice, signaling his intent to sue. DeBartolo alleges that an internal affairs investigation was initiated against him in retaliation for his cooperation in an investigation involving Mayor Paul Kim. His lawyer, Richard Malagiere, claims the investigation was a pretense to deny DeBartolo a promotion and silence his whistleblower complaint.
This is not the first instance of alleged misconduct within the department’s internal affairs division. Lawsuits filed by former Police Chief Anthony Espino and Lieutenant Christopher Beck accused officials of manipulating internal investigations. Similar concerns prompted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to assess the department’s operations in 2023.
A Troubled History of Leadership and Oversight
The Palisades Park Police Department has undergone six leadership changes in just five years, creating instability in its operations. In February, Captain George Beck was appointed as the officer in charge, replacing Captain James Rotundo, who had been serving since December. The frequent shifts in leadership have raised concerns about the department’s ability to maintain oversight and accountability.
In 2023, an assessment by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office found that the department was heavily influenced by political factors. The report revealed that many officers had ties to political organizations and believed these influences hindered proper supervision and discipline. The assessment followed years of complaints, lawsuits, and disciplinary issues within the department.
Ongoing Investigations and Historical Issues
This latest intervention follows decades of controversy surrounding the Palisades Park Police Department. A 2019 independent review described it as a “rudderless agency” with outdated policies and no clear chain of command. Previous reports have highlighted:
- A school security scandal where borough officials failed to conduct background checks on hired guards.
- Allegations of theft, misconduct, and substance abuse among officers.
- A 1998 federal investigation that uncovered a culture of corruption within the department.
In 2022, a prisoner escape prompted another review, leading to the resignation of two officers. While no criminal charges were filed, the incident further eroded public trust in the department.
What’s Next for Palisades Park Police?
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to indicate when control over internal affairs will be returned to the Palisades Park Police Department. Officials continue to push for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of local government autonomy.
As investigations continue, the question remains: Will the state’s intervention bring lasting reforms to a department plagued by controversy, or will history repeat itself? Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Same Prosecutors office that had drugs taken from an evidence locker and sold for cash.
$600,000 in cash deposits.
Who’s taking over the BCPO Internal Affairs?
Palisades Park has taken the crown as Bergen’s most dysfunctional town