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INTERNAL AFFAIRS BUREAU

The primary duty of the Internal Affairs Bureau is to monitor the actions and behavior of Hudson County Sheriff's Office personnel and ensure compliance with the agency's Rules & Regulations, Policies, Attorney General Guidelines and Directives, as well as local ordinances, state law, and federal law.

 

IAB is responsible for investigating complaints of serious rule infractions, criminal allegations, firearm discharges, vehicle pursuits, and monitoring drug testing of employees. IAB also investigates complaints of minor rule infractions and conducts inspections and audits of Sheriff property, facilities, and its personnel.

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HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

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The Hudson County Sheriff's Office takes citizen complaints seriously and understands that public trust and participation are integral parts of policing in our society. The complaint process should not be an inconvenient or overwhelming task. We accept complaints in-person, by phone, by mail, or through this website. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable for you.

 

IAB accepts:

  • Anonymous complaints

  • Third-party complaints

  • Complaints from unaccompanied juveniles, though we suggest that juveniles involve their parents.

 

People who seek to file complaints will not be asked about their immigration status.

 

A complaint should be filed when you witness or experience a personal encounter with Hudson County Sheriff's Office personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct, abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate demeanor, inappropriate conduct, or a violation of rules and regulations of the Hudson County Sheriff's Office.

 

SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT

  • Weekdays between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Internal Affairs Bureau located in Room G-8 at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, N.J. 07306, or by calling (201) 795-6300 Ext 7220.

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  • ​In-person 24 hours a day at the Hudson County Sheriff's Office located at 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, N.J. 07302. Ask for the highest-ranking supervisor on duty; however, any officer can and will accept your complaint.

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  • By Telephone 24 hours a day by calling the Hudson County Sheriff's Office at (201) 915-1300. Ask to speak to the tour commander; however, any officer can and will accept your complaint. You are not required to provide your name or other identifying information should you wish to remain anonymous.

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  • At your home or the location where the incident occurred. You may request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling (201) 915-1300; however, any officer can and will accept your complaint.

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  • By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form which is available below and at every Sheriff's facility. Simply write a letter or note addressed to:

 

Internal Affairs Bureau
Hudson County Sheriff's Office

595 Newark Avenue

Jersey City, N.J. 07306

 

When writing a letter, please keep in mind that the more information you provide about what happened, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns. 

 

An Internal Affairs Investigator will contact you to confirm receipt of your complaint unless you choose to remain anonymous. You are not required to provide your name or other identifying information.

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HOW COMPLAINTS ARE INVESTIGATED

IAB  reviews all complaints. Complaints may be handled by IAB or referred to command-level personnel, depending on the nature of the complaint.  Upon completion and review of a thorough investigation, a final disposition is determined. A thorough investigation means interviewing all witnesses, reviewing any physical evidence, reviewing internal records and assessing the credibility of all claims.

 

WHAT CAN COMPLAINANTS EXPECT?

You will be notified of the disposition in writing after the investigation is completed. It will be sent by mail to the address you provide.  You may be asked to testify in a criminal court or a departmental hearing if the investigation upholds your allegation against the officer.

 

An employee may be subjected to the following disciplinary action if found in violation of any department regulations:

  • Additional Training and/or counseling

  • Reprimand

  • Suspension from duty

  • Fine imposed

  • Termination or demotion

 

Any disciplinary action against an employee must be in accordance with Hudson County Sheriff's Office rules, state statutes, and civil service rules. We appreciate your time in participating in the complaint and review process. Hudson County Sheriff's Office personnel are held to the highest standards of our profession and we encourage members of the public to immediately bring matters of concern to our attention. Similarly, if you would like to commend a Hudson County Sheriff's Officer for his or her actions, you may do so by writing a letter to the Sheriff:

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Sheriff Frank X. Schillari

Hudson County Sheriff's Office

595 Newark Avenue

Jersey City, N.J. 07306

Internal Affairs Reports and Stats

INTERNAL AFFAIRS PUBLIC ANNUAL SUMMARY

Each year, the Internal Affairs Bureau issues a report which displays the total number of complaints, the type, and disposition.

Annual Major Discipline Reporting Form

Annual Internal Affairs Summary Report

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