The Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) consists of two branches. The prosecution branch is led by a Director- Assistant Prosecutor along with additional assistant prosecutors. The investigative branch is led by a Captain of Prosecutor’s Detectives, who has overall command of the Bureau and reports directly to the Chief of Detectives. The investigative branch is staffed by a combination of detectives, sergeants and/or lieutenants. Two clerical staff members oversee all office operations and manage the records system and paralegal functions of the PSB. One of those employees also manages the clerical needs of the separate Corruption Unit.

The PSB is primarily responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all criminal misconduct involving police in Essex County and all Prosecutor’s Office employees. When the PSB receives an allegation of potentially criminal conduct committed by a sworn law enforcement officer, a decision is made about whether a criminal prosecution is warranted. When a criminal prosecution is warranted, the case is charged and resolved pre-indictment or presented to a Grand Jury. If an indictment is returned, the PSB is responsible for the case through the plea agreement or trial.

PSB personnel investigate incidents involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers within Essex County. Non-fatal shootings, uses of force by police that result in serious bodily injury or death, pursuits with serious bodily injury, the death of a civilian while in the custody of law enforcement, are investigated in accordance with the guidelines and directives set forth by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. See Attorney General Directive 2019-4, knwon as the “Independent Prosecutor Directive”. All fatal shootings are investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.

The PSB conducts activities to improve the administration and delivery of police internal affairs services on a countywide basis, including internal affairs training. PSB personnel will also assume responsibility for certain administrative allegations against law enforcement executives or the commanding officer of an Internal Affairs unit. Internal responsibilities for the PSB include, but are not limited to, random drug screening, investigation of violations of rules and regulations and risk analysis management.  Internal Affairs investigations are conducted in accordance with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures (IAPP). 

 

 

2025 Major Discipline Report – 2025 Appendix L – Major Discipline