Internal Affairs

Divisions

Our Internal Affairs unit receives, investigates, and oversees complaints alleging criminal conduct or misconduct by Riverside Police Department members, ensuring thorough, impartial investigations reach fair conclusions. We maintain a detailed index of all complaints and submit annual reports to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. Comprehensive annual reports on internal affairs complaints, dispositions, and use-of-force incidents are shared online to promote transparency and trust.

What does Internal Affairs do?

Internal Affairs has the responsibility to investigate all allegations of misconduct by members of the Department, and to review and adjudicate all minor complaints which are handled by supervisors. Any complaint involving a criminal allegation against an officer is referred to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office for review. After reviewing the matter, the Prosecutor’s Office may assume responsibility for the investigation or return it to our Internal Affairs investigators for handling.

In addition, Internal Affairs reviews all firearms discharges by this agency 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.

To whom does Internal Affairs report?

Internal Affairs report directly to the Chief of Police.

Who can file an Internal Affairs complaint?

All complaints of officer misconduct shall be accepted from all persons who wish to file a complaint, regardless of the hour or day of the week. This includes reports from anonymous sources, juveniles, undocumented immigrants, and persons under arrest or in custody.

How do I file a complaint against an Officer or Employee of the Police Division?

Submit complaints in person, by phone, mail, email, fax, or our easy online form below, which is available and translatable in multiple languages for accessibility.

The complaint will be investigated by Internal Affairs or it will be forwarded to the appropriate Supervisor for investigation.

All complaints of officer misconduct shall be accepted from any persons who wish to file a complaint regardless of the hour or day of the week. This includes reports from anonymous sources, juveniles, and persons under arrest or in custody. In the event you wish to file a complaint with Internal Affairs we encourage you to do so as soon possible.

How are complaints investigated?

Your complaint will be sent to a superior officer or a specially trained internal affairs investigator who will conduct a thorough and objective investigation. If the complaint alleges minor violations of departmental policies or procedures or the complaint alleges acts of discourtesy, the complaint will be forwarded through the chain of command to the member’s immediate supervisor for an investigation.
You might be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or providing other important information.
All complaints against law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated. You will be advised in writing of the outcome. Investigations are usually completed within 45 days.
If our investigation shows that a crime might have been committed, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office will be notified. You might be asked to testify in court.
If our investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of department rules or regulations, you might be asked to testify in a departmental hearing.
If our investigation shows that the complaint is unfounded or that the officer acted properly, the matter will be closed.
All disciplinary hearings shall be closed to the public unless the defendant officer requests an open hearing.

Do any other agencies investigate complaints made against Department members?

Yes, The Burlington County Prosecutors Office conducts a review of any complaint that alleges that a crime was committed.

What rights do Police Officers have during an investigation?

Police Officers are protected by the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights and their labor contract. Internal investigations remain confidential until they are concluded. By law, no person involved in the investigation, to include the complainant, witnesses, investigated members, or the Investigators may disclose any information regarding the investigation until it is concluded.

What Happens When the Investigation Is Concluded?

Once accepted, your complaint form will be forwarded to Internal Affairs for review and investigation. Once the investigation is complete, you will be advised of the outcome in written form. Complaints from the public, whether substantiated or not, increase the awareness of the leadership of this agency to actual or potential problems, as well as the perceptions of the community. This feedback will ultimately assist in determining whether the mission statement and goals of this agency are being attained.

Agency Compliance with New Jersey Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-3

The Riverside Police Department uses Guardian Tracking Software as an early warning system to monitor at-risk incidents and deliver timely interventions, fully aligning with New Jersey Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-3. Public Transparency Per the directive, all adopting agencies must publicly share their Early Warning System policy. View our complete policy here to see how we prioritize proactive oversight and accountability.

How do I contact the Intenal Affairs?

Lieutenant Brandon Conard
Phone: 856-461-8820 ext. 16

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 856-461-6253
Mail: Riverside Township Police
Box 188
Riverside, NJ, 08075
Attn: Internal Affairs

INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORTING

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