Office Professional Standards

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS?
The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for receiving, processing, supervising, and controlling investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct against members of the Burlington Township Police Department.

The Office of Professional Standards ensures that allegations made against members of the police department are thoroughly and objectively investigated. The Office of Professional Standards maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received against all members.

What does the Office of Professional Standards do?
The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for investigating;
1. Allegations of criminal conduct made against any member of the department.
2. Allegations of misconduct made against any member of the department.
3. Allegations of unnecessary or excessive use of force used by any member of the department in the performance of their duties.

To whom does the Office of Professional Standards report?
The Office of Professional Standards reports directly to the Director of Public Safety.

How does one file a complaint?
Complaints will be accepted in person, by telephone or by letter. It is preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against the police department employee.

Any officer of supervisory rank may accept a complaint. They are in fact obligated to accept the complaint in person while the complainant is at police headquarters.

How are complaints investigated?
The accused employee’s division commander reviews all complaints. If the employee’s immediate supervisor or the division commander cannot resolve the complaint, it is forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards for investigation and action.

If the complaint is of a serious nature or the complaint alleges that the employee has committed a criminal offense, the Office of Professional Standards will conduct the investigation in cooperation with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

If the complaint alleges violations of department policies or procedures or discourteous or unbecoming conduct, the complaint will be investigated within the department.

What rights do police officers have during an investigation?
Police officers are protected by the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights and employees by their labor contract.

Internal investigations remain confidential until they are completed. No one involved in the investigation, to include the complainant, witnesses, employees investigated, or the investigators may disclose any information regarding the investigation.

Is there any risk in making a complaint against an employee?
No. But if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against an employee, that person may be criminally prosecuted and held civilly liable.

What happens when the investigation is completed?
The complainant and employee will be notified that the investigation has been completed and of the results of the investigation.