What is the function of the Office of Professional Standards (Internal Affairs)?

The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for receiving, processing, and supervising internal affairs investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct made against members of our agency. The Office of Professional Standards ensures that allegations made against members of the Toms River Police Department are thoroughly and objectively investigated to their logical conclusion. The Office of Professional Standards maintains a comprehensive index of all complaints received which is submitted to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office on a regular and annual basis.

What does the Office of Professional Standards do?

The Office of Professional Standards 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. In addition, the Office of Professional Standards will review all firearms discharges by Toms River Police personnel that are not related to training, all use of force incidents, all vehicle pursuits undertaken by our personnel and all collisions involving police department owned vehicles.

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

Complaints will be accepted in person, by telephone, by letter or email. It is preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against the Toms River Police Department employee, so we can ascertain as much information as possible to effectively investigate the complaint. Usually a Supervisor will take the initial report but any Police Officer can accept your complaint. If the complaint cannot be handled and investigated by the initial Sergeant or Lieutenant accepting the complaint, they will forward it to the Office of Professional Standards for further investigation.

Please click this link to visit the New Jersey Office of Attorney General for the IA-1 Complaint Intake Form and Civilian Complaint Information Sheet in multiple languages.

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 by providing other important information.
  • All complaints against law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated. You will be advised in writing of the outcome.
  • If our investigation shows that a crime might have been committed, the county prosecutor 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 Toms River Police Department members?

Yes, The Ocean County Prosecutors Office conducts a review of any complaint that alleges 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, including the complainant, witnesses, investigated members, or the investigators may disclose any information regarding the investigation until it is concluded.

Is there any risk in making a complaint against a member?

No, there is no risk to any citizen that makes a complaint.

What happens when the investigation is concluded?

Once the investigation is concluded, 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.

Click here for a summary of  Professional Standards 2023 IA Summary and their outcomes

In compliance with Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2021-06, Toms River Police Department reported two incidents of major discipline from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.  2023 Major Discipline Report TRPD
All inquiries regarding Internal Affairs may be directed to Lieutenant Peter Sundack psundack@trpolice.org