New ‘Major Discipline’ Report For Caldwell Police Released By NJAG Office

CALDWELL, NJ — The Caldwell Police Department had two "major discipline cases" that were included in a new report from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

On Monday, the state AG office released its annual Major Discipline Report, which lists details for hundreds of police officers in the state. The report covers the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024.

According to the attorney general’s office, “major discipline” is defined as terminations, reductions in rank, or suspension of more than five days. Pending cases are not included in the data set.

North Caldwell and West Caldwell police didn't report any major discipline cases last year.

The latest report lists two cases for the Caldwell Police Department, each of which involved a potential domestic violence incident that took place on Oct. 17, 2022:

• A lieutenant was suspended for 10 days after allegedly failing to handle a domestic violence incident according to department policy and New Jersey Attorney General guidelines. Despite being informed of the nature of the incident, the lieutenant – who was the shift supervisor – "did not mandate the arrest of the subject, allowed the case to be treated as a crisis incident, and omitted the necessary domestic violence paperwork." No demotion or termination took place, the AG office reported.
• A sergeant was suspended for 15 days after allegedly failing to follow mandatory arrest protocols “despite clear evidence of domestic violence.” The sergeant – who was the supervisor on scene – also didn’t “appropriately assess and process the scene/matter,” “failed to take action consistent with NJAGG, department rules and/or policies/procedures,” and “failed to appropriately direct the subordinate officers on scene.” No demotion or termination took place, the AG office reported.

According to statewide statistics, there were 644 major discipline actions taken by 172 police agencies against 543 officers in New Jersey last year. The most frequently occurring offenses were related to attendance, including lateness and call-outs too close to the start of a shift.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin said that the vast majority of New Jersey’s police officers risk their own safety to protect others and to serve their communities. These officers “conduct themselves with honor and courage,” he said.

“Publicly releasing this data about the handling of disciplinary matters helps maintain the public’s trust in those dedicated, hardworking men and women of law enforcement,” Platkin said.

• See Related: Caldwell Cop Earning A Reputation As ‘Top DWI Enforcer’
• See Related: West Caldwell Cop Makes Epi-Pen Rescue At ShopRite
• See Related: ‘Blue Envelope’ Program In North Caldwell For Drivers With Autism

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