Filing a Complaint

How to File a Complaint

We take external complaints seriously and understand that public trust and participation is an integral part of policing in our society. The complaint process should not be an inconvenient or overwhelming task. We accept complaints in-person, by phone, letter or online with the IA Complaint Form. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable to you.

We accept anonymous complaints, third-party complaints and complaints from unaccompanied juveniles (though we prefer that juveniles involve their parents).

Immigrants 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 Bloomfield Police Department personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct, abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate conduct or a violation of rules and regulations of the Bloomfield Police Department.

Submission

Here's how to submit a complaint:

In Person

In person at any police precinct or directly to the Internal Affairs located at:
1 Municipal Plaza
Attention: Ralph Colasanti
Law Enforcement Building
Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Ask for the highest ranking supervisor on duty.

By Telephone

By telephone by calling any police facility or the Internal Affairs directly at 973-680-4069.

From Home

At Home or the location where the incident occurred. You may request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling 973-680-4141.

Online

Online by submitting the following IA Complaint Form. After completing the form please submit it and an internal affairs officer will respond back to you.  

Mail

By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form here Complaint Against Personnel Form (PDF) and which is also available at every police department. This form can be completed at home or at a police department, and mailed to the Internal Affairs Office.
Internal Affairs
1 Municipal Plaza
Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Remember, the more information you provide about what happened, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns.

How Complaints Are Investigated

The Internal Affairs reviews all complaints. The complaints are then assigned to a supervisor. All citizen complaints are handled with the IA. Complaints from officers may be handled by IA or referred to the all command, depending on how serious a complaint is.

Upon completion and review of a thorough investigation, a final disposition is determined. A thorough investigation means interviewing all witnesses, reviewing internal records and assessing the credibility of all claims.

What Can Complaints Expect

You will be notified of the disposition in writing after the investigation is completed. It will be sent by both certified and regular mail to the address you provide. Investigations generally take 30 days to complete, depending on a number of factors. 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
  • Fine imposed
  • Reprimand
  • Suspension from duty
  • Termination or demotion

Discipline

Any disciplinary action against an employee must be in accordance with the Township of Bloomfield Police Department rules, state statutes and local civil service rules. We appreciate your time in participating in the complaint and review process. Our Officers are held to the highest standards and we encourage members of the public to bring these matters to our attention. Similarly, if you would like to commend a Bloomfield Police Officer for his or her actions, you may do so by writing a letter to the Director's Office