Citizen Complaints

Accepting Complaints

The Professional Standards Unit accepts anonymous complaints, third-party complaints, and complaints from juveniles. People who seek to file complaints will not be asked about their immigration status. All department personnel are directed to accept reports of agency or employee misconduct from all persons who wish to file a complaint, regardless of the hour or day of the week.

Citizens are encouraged to submit their complaints in person as soon after the incident as possible. The Teaneck Police Department takes citizen complaints seriously and understands that public trust and participation are an integral part of policing in our society. The complaint process should not be an inconvenient or overwhelming task. We accept complaints in-person, over the telephone, by letter, or through email. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable to you.

Instructions for Submitting a Complaint

1. In person, 24 hours a day at the Teaneck Police Department, 900 Teaneck Road Teaneck, NJ 07666. Alternatively, you may request that a supervisor respond to your home or the location where the incident occurred to take your complaint. However, any officer can and will accept your complaint.
2. You may contact the Tour Commander by calling (201) 837-2572 and make a complaint over the telephone at any day or time. 
3. You may print out the online complaint form and send it to the Professional Standards Unit via standard mail addressed to:
   Teaneck Police Department
   Professional Standards Unit
   900 Teaneck Road
   Teaneck, NJ 07666
4. You may email your completed complaint form to the Profession Standards Unit.

How Complaints are Investigated

The Professional Standards Unit reviews all complaints. Complaints may be handled by the Professional Standards Unit 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 certified mail to the address you provide.

Investigations generally take 30 days or more 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
• Reprimand
• Monetary fine
• Suspension
• Demotion
• Termination

If you have any questions please contact the Professional Standards Unit at (201) 837-2809.