the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TEANECK, NJ — A Bergen County jury has awarded Teaneck Police Officer Glenn Coley more than $2.1 million after he alleged he was targeted and retaliated against for exposing excessive force within his department.
On Aug. 7, the jury sided with Coley, a 21-year veteran of the force, granting him $937,200 in compensatory damages and $1.18 million in punitive damages in a case that has drawn attention to whistleblower protections for law enforcement officers.
Retaliation After Testifying in Police Brutality Case
According to the April 2022 lawsuit, Coley faced harassment and career setbacks after he testified on behalf of a Black Teaneck woman who was brutally assaulted by officers in 2014. Coley, who is also Black, stated in court filings that he physically intervened to protect the woman from further abuse by fellow officers — including stopping them from assaulting, threatening, and terrorizing her.
The lawsuit accused former Chief Glenn O’Reilly, Capt. Michael Ferrante, Capt. Kenneth Croonquist, Sgt. Jeanne Williams, and Sgt. Kenneth Egbert of engaging in a campaign of retaliation, with O’Reilly allegedly fabricating allegations to justify suspending Coley.
Suspension Over Park Encounter
Court records detail that Coley was suspended without pay for 15 days after a nighttime encounter in a public park, during which he detained a suspect believed to have a gun. The weapon, hidden inside the suspect’s high-top sneaker, was only discovered during a second pat-down.
Coley’s attorney, Eric Kleiner, argued that his client had no backup at the scene, acted appropriately, and likely prevented a dangerous situation from escalating. The lawsuit claimed the suspension was part of a broader pattern of retaliation.
“Glenn Coley is a hero and we thank the jury for all its hard work,” said Kleiner. “We hope this decision sends a message to protect police officers who act as whistleblowers.”
Town to Appeal
Attorneys for Teaneck, the police department, and the officers named in the suit maintain Coley was disciplined for failing to conduct an “adequate pat-down” and say they intend to appeal the verdict.
“It is important that the police department be able to hold officers accountable,” said defense attorney Scott Salmon. “We disagree with the jury’s decision but appreciate their service.”
The case underscores ongoing debates over police accountability, whistleblower protections, and racial bias in law enforcement, and could influence similar lawsuits across New Jersey.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com