The primary duty of the Internal Affairs Unit (IA) is to monitor the actions and behavior of West New York Police Department personnel and ensure compliance with the Department’s Rules & Regulations, Policies, Attorney General Guidelines and Directives, as well as township ordinances, state law and federal law.
The IA Unit is responsible for investigating complaints of serious rule infractions, criminal allegations, firearm discharges, vehicle pursuits and monitoring drug testing of employees. The IA Unit also investigates complaints of minor rule infractions and conducts inspections and audits of police property, facilities, and its personnel.
Other IA Unit responsibilities include investigating cases of corruption within the Police Department and other agencies, threats against city dignitaries and coordinating with outside investigative agencies.
How to File a Complaint
The West New York Police Department takes citizen complaints seriously and understands that public trust and participation is an integral part of policing in our society. The complaint process should not be an inconvenient or overwhelming task. We accept complaints in-person, by phone, or letter or through this website. If you cannot come to us, we can come to a location suitable to you.
The IA Unit accepts anonymous complaints, third-party complaints and complaints from unaccompanied juveniles (though we suggest that juveniles involve their parents).
People who seek to file complaints will not be asked about their immigration status.
A complaint should be filed when you witness or experience a personal encounter with West New York Police Department personnel that involves criminal conduct, misconduct, abusive or discriminatory behavior, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, inappropriate demeanor, inappropriate conduct or a violation of rules and regulations of the North Bergen Police Department.
Submitting a Complaint
- In person 24 hours a day at the West New York Police Department, located at 428 60th st, West New York, NJ 07093. Ask for the highest ranking supervisor on duty; however any officer can and will accept your complaint.
- By Telephone 24 hours a day by calling the West New York Police Department at (201) 295-5000. Ask to speak to the supervisor on duty; however any officer can and will accept your complaint. You are not required to provide your name or other identifying information should you wish to remain anonymous.
- At your home or the location where the incident occurred. You may request that a supervisor respond to your location to take your complaint by calling (201) 295-5000; however any officer can and will accept your complaint.
- Online, the Citizen Complaint Form is available by clicking the Download Citizen Complaint Form below, completing the form and submitting it in person or by mailing it as described below. An IA investigator will contact you to confirm receipt of your complaint, unless you choose to remain anonymous.
- By Mail by completing a citizen complaint form which is available at every police facility. Simply write a letter or note addressed to:
Internal Affairs
West New York Police Department
428 60th st
West New York, NJ 07093
Phone: 201-295-5034
Fax: 201-295-1501
When writing a letter, please keep in mind that the more information you provide about what happened, the better we can assist in addressing your concerns.
Online Complaint Form
How Complaints are Investigated
The IA Unit reviews all complaints. Complaints may be handled by IA 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 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
- Suspension from duty
- Fine imposed
- Termination or demotion
Any disciplinary action against an employee must be in accordance with the West New York Police Department rules, state statutes and civil service rules. We appreciate your time in participating in the complaint and review process. West New York Police Department personnel are held to the highest standards of our profession and we encourage members of the public to immediately bring matters of concern to our attention. Similarly, if you would like to commend a West New York Police Officer for his or her actions, you may do so by filling out the form online or writing a letter to the Chief of Police.
Internal Affairs Public Annual Summary.
Each year, the Internal Affairs Department issues a report which displays the total number of complaints, the type, and disposition.