The goal of the Professional Standards Unit is to ensure that the integrity of the department is maintained through a system of internal discipline where fairness and justice are assured by objective, impartial investigation and review.

The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the investigation and review of misconduct by employees of this department. Misconduct is defined as: commission of a crime or an offense, violation of departmental rules and regulations, policy, procedures, and special orders or conduct which adversely reflects upon the employee or the department. In addition to allegations of misconduct, the Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the coordination of any other investigation as directed by the Chief of Police or designee, notification of and documentation of all firearms discharges by department personnel that are not related to training, all use of force incidents, all vehicular pursuits undertaken by department personnel, and all collisions involving department vehicles.

The Professional Standards Unit has several important responsibilities, including but not limited to the management of internal investigations. Our department prides itself on fair, impartial and thorough investigations of citizens' complaints. An adequate and fair complaint and investigative process is critical to maintaining public trust, deterring misconduct and inappropriate behavior. This is a responsibility that the Teaneck Police Department takes very seriously, and we strive to meet the expectations of the public while performing our official duties.

An annual report summarizing the types of complaints received and the dispositions of those complaints shall be made available to the public. This report can be statistical in nature, and the names of complainants and subject officers shall not be published. Each agency also shall periodically release a brief synopsis of all complaints where a fine or suspension of ten days or more was assessed to an agency member. This synopsis shall not contain the identities of the officers or complainants, but should briefly outline the nature of the transgression and the fine or suspension imposed.