North Bergen Police Chief Accused of Disturbing Workplace Misconduct

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

North Bergen NJ, North Bergen Police Chief Robert Farley is facing severe allegations from multiple officers who accuse him of fostering a toxic and abusive workplace culture. The claims, outlined in legal documents filed Wednesday, include spiking coffee with Viagra and Adderall, defecating on floors, and even poking an officer with a hypodermic needle.

Officers Prepare to Sue Over Harassment and Retaliation

A group of five officers has filed legal notices—a precursor to a lawsuit—alleging that since becoming chief in February 2024, Farley has engaged in a pattern of harassment, humiliation, and misconduct. Among the shocking accusations:

• Drugging coffee: Officers claim Farley laced workplace coffee with prescription drugs like Adderall and Viagra, leading them to experience effects unknowingly.

• Physical assault: Special Captain Michael F. Derin alleges Farley jabbed a hypodermic needle into his groin through his jeans in August 2024. When confronted, Farley allegedly dismissed the act as “a joke.”

• Unsanitary behavior: Officers say Farley repeatedly defecated on office floors, including leaving excrement in a trash can for his successor to discover.

• Food tampering: The chief allegedly sneaked hot peppers into meals, causing at least one lieutenant to become physically ill from the fumes.

• Humiliation tactics: Officers claim he shaved his body hair over property and food, sent sex toys and LGBTQ+ flags to a fellow officer’s home, and frequently threw eggs in fits of rage.

Retaliation and Discrimination Allegations

Beyond the shocking acts, the officers say Farley retaliated against those who reported him:

• Captain Derin claims he was fired when he attempted to escalate concerns to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

• His son, Detective Michael A. Derin, allegedly received punitive work shifts in retaliation.

• Officer Rasheed Siyam says he endured racial slurs in the workplace and was reassigned after blowing the whistle on misconduct.

• Officer Christopher Bowen claims he was also unjustly reassigned for refusing to enforce an illegal ticket quota.

North Bergen Officials Stand by the Chief

Despite the damning allegations, North Bergen town officials issued a statement expressing full confidence in Chief Farley’s leadership.

“We strongly deny these false and outrageous allegations made by disgruntled officers who are resorting to attacking the reputation of a dedicated public servant to further their own selfish goals,” a town spokesperson told NBC News.

To ensure transparency, officials have referred the case to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

What Happens Next?

The pending lawsuit could lead to further investigations into the alleged toxic workplace culture within the North Bergen Police Department. If proven true, the accusations could result in disciplinary action, criminal charges, or civil penalties.