Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs
The members of the Mantua Township Police Department are committed to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective, and impartially applied. It is in the best interest of everyone that any complaint about the performance of an individual officer is resolved fairly and promptly.
The Police Department has formal procedures for investigating complaints. These procedures ensure fairness and protect the rights of both citizens and law enforcement officers. If an internal affairs complaint is filed against an officer in the department, there are certain aspects of the process in which the complainant should be aware.
The complaint will be sent to a superior officer or a specially trained internal affairs officer who will conduct a thorough and objective investigation. The complainant might be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or to provide other important information. All complaints against law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated. The complainant will be advised in writing of the outcome of the investigation.
If an internal affairs investigation shows that a crime might have been committed, the County Prosecutor will be notified. The complainant might be asked to testify in court. If an internal affairs investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of departmental rules, the complainant might be asked to testify in a departmental hearing. If an internal affairs investigation shows that the complaint is unfounded or that the officer acted properly, the matter will be closed.
All disciplinary hearings are closed to the public unless the defendant officer requests an open hearing. Citizens wishing to file an internal affairs complaint should either stop into the police station or call (856) 468-1920 and request to speak with an internal affairs officer. If there is not one currently working, a supervisor or any officer can take your complaint for you.
Alternatively, Citizens can email mantuaia@mantuatownship.com with a complaint as well. Please be as specific as possible regarding the complaint. Although not required, it is helpful for us to have a name and good contact information as well for any potential follow-up questions.
Click here to download the Citizen Complaint Sheet
Click here to download the Internal Affairs Report
Please visit https://www.nj.gov/oag/iapp/ if you need an Internal Affairs Report in a different language.
