the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, a public disciplinary hearing is set for next week in Saddle River, where Sgt. Diana Golonek, the only female police officer in the borough, faces contested charges from the Saddle River Police Department.
Background on the Case
Sgt. Golonek, a 12-year veteran of the force, was hit with disciplinary charges in March 2024 following an alleged report-modification incident involving a subordinate officer. However, in response, she filed a lawsuit against the department, alleging that the charges are part of a long-standing pattern of harassment and discrimination.
Her lawsuit, filed in September 2024, calls out “unchecked” bullying, ridicule, and harassment that she claims she has faced throughout her tenure.
Allegations of Gender Discrimination
Golonek was originally hired in 2013 by former Police Chief Timothy McWilliams. However, when Chief Jason Cosgriff took over in 2018, she alleges that he openly expressed that he “did not want female officers” in the department.
Her 47-page lawsuit details claims of preferential treatment for officers who supported the chief, while those who sympathized with her were allegedly silenced through threats or penalties.
Examples of Alleged Harassment
Golonek’s lawsuit outlines multiple incidents of discrimination, including:
- Labeling her squad the “blonde stupid squad.”
- Discouraging fellow officers from associating with her, branding her “negative” and “not a good officer.”
- Subjecting her to more frequent drug testing than male officers, including a 2021 test where red Gatorade was poured into a toilet to prevent sample tampering.
- Accusing her of being a motorcycle gang member and leaving a book about gangs in her mailbox.
- Relocating taser and camera-charging equipment to the men’s locker room, restricting her access.
- Denying her request to wear an equipment vest—a tool used by other officers to ease back strain.
- Blaming her lawsuit for delays in officer promotions.
Upcoming Disciplinary Hearings
The public hearings on the department’s disciplinary charges against Golonek will take place on:
📅 Tuesday & Wednesday
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Saddle River Borough Hall, 100 E. Allendale Road
What’s Next?
Neither Mayor Albert Kurpis nor Chief Cosgriff have publicly commented on the case or the upcoming hearings.
With allegations of gender discrimination and workplace harassment at the center of this legal battle, the outcome of the hearings could have significant implications for Saddle River’s law enforcement culture and the treatment of women in policing.
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It seems to be a pattern of women cops always alleging discrimination.
I think that’s a stupid comment
If i am a police officer fighting for my life with a suspect, then whatever officer backs me up MUST be CAPABLE of physically subduing the subject as I. PERIOD. Its a mans job unless the woman is a big ‘amazon’ type.
Seems? Nay, it is. I know not ‘seems.’
But let’s give the ladies the benefit of the doubt. Let’s admit that there is discrimination in some of these cases, because there very well could be. Men are naturally territorial; they don’t want other men encroaching on their territory and they certainly don’t want women, whom they may perceive to be less capable, doing so. It’s a matter of survival. You can’t fault them for that. Any woman is going to be treated like a weak man — as a liability. Now it’s beginning to make sense.
The difference being, the weak man will not cry “discrimination!” He’ll either rise to the occasion and be welcomed into the fold by the same men who previously would have torn him to pieces, or he’ll be eaten alive and no one will give a crap. If a woman fails to rise to the occasion, however, she will be treated differently.
Long story short, what constitutes discrimination to a woman, is just ordinary life for a man. Let that raise whatever questions it must.
Small town politics at its best
Who knew USR PD was so screwed up?
Montville is worse