the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the NJ Transit Police Department’s internal affairs unit is currently investigating allegations of overtime fraud involving officers and supervisors from the Newark Penn division. The investigation, which has been shrouded in secrecy, centers on claims that patrolmen, sergeants, and lieutenants may have padded their overtime pay through no-show court appearances and falsified police reports, according to a source within NJ Transit Police Department.
The allegations suggest that some officers claimed they were subpoenaed to attend court when they were not and still collected overtime pay. In other instances, officers reportedly had court appearances scheduled but did not attend, yet still claimed overtime compensation.
The source, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak to the media, revealed that this alleged misconduct largely occurred in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when court appearances often shifted to a virtual format, making it easier to manipulate and overlook proper protocols.
Ongoing Investigation and Policy Changes
NJ Transit has not disclosed the full scope of the investigation, including how many officers are involved or what triggered the inquiry. Jim Smith, an NJ Transit spokesperson, declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.
Attorney Stuart Alterman, representing the NJ Transit Policemen’s Benevolent Association, acknowledged that there is a review of court time practices within the department but emphasized that, to his knowledge, none of the officers involved had engaged in any intentional wrongdoing.
As the investigation unfolded in 2023, NJ Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo issued several administrative orders aimed at tightening the department’s policies on court appearances. These new measures require officers to handle court responsibilities from their district using department-issued phones or computers, submit detailed documentation, and receive approval from their commanding officers before any overtime is granted.
Broader Context and Accountability
This investigation into NJ Transit police comes amid a broader push for transparency in law enforcement across New Jersey. Since 2021, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has required public reporting on internal affairs investigations that result in significant disciplinary actions, as part of an effort to increase accountability within state, county, and municipal police forces.
The Attorney General’s 2023 report highlighted similar cases of misconduct, including instances from the Secaucus Police Department where officers were suspended for submitting false overtime slips.
However, accessing details of ongoing investigations remains challenging. A request for the internal affairs report on the NJ Transit Police investigation was denied by NJ Transit’s Open Public Records Act department, which cited the directive’s inapplicability to active investigations.
As this investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the final outcomes will be, and how it might impact the department’s operations moving forward. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability within law enforcement, especially in times of crisis.
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Fake news anti-cop propaganda!
Another union organized and protected fiefdom.
Parties over pals.