[UPDATED] Officers Allege a Pattern of Harassment, Intimidation by Chief David Dudeck

More than two dozen complaints have been filed against Princeton Police Chief David Dudeck by his officers, outlining a pattern of harassment and intimidation over the past two years, a source close to the police department told Patch.

Now the 30-year police veteran has been advised to consider his options, be it retirement or an internal investigation.

"This is far from minor, far from sour grapes," said the source, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.

These are not isolated incidents, but rather well documented cases with dates, times and witnesses, the source said. 

Among the alleged incidents are the following: 

• Dudeck stopped a newly trained male officer in the hall. He said something to the effect of 'You're probably in really good shape, show me your abs.' The officer declined, but the Chief said 'No show me your abs, take off your shirt.' 
• Dudeck told the investigating officer working on a male on male sex assault at Princeton University, 'We've got the perfect fag working on the case.'
• Dudeck made a penis joke in front of a female officer during a meeting with his senior staff.

Dudeck was the former Princeton Borough Police Chief, a position he held since 2009. Last year, he was approved as Chief of the consolidated Princeton Police Department, a position he assumed Jan. 1, 2013.

Patch attempted to reach Dudeck for comment on the allegations, but a call to his cell phone was not immediately returned.

Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert told Patch on Sunday that she can not discuss personnel matters, but did say that the consolidation of the two police forces has been going "extremely well." She did confirm that as of Sunday afternoon, Dudeck was still the Chief of Police in Princeton. 

The incidents in question allegedly took place over the last couple of years, but were not reported at the time.

"We were afraid," the source said. "There was and always has been an intimidation issue- officers have been demoted to patrol or had their schedules changed."

After consolidation, former Borough Police officers felt empowered when they saw that type of behavior was not tolerated by the former Township officers. 

Officers have now filed complaints with their union, and within the last two weeks the Police Benevolent Association's attorney recommended the governing body be notified.

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office is observing the situation at this point, the source said. 

"(The Prosecutor's Office) has left it in the hands of the governing body to make it right," the source said. "If they don't, (the Prosecutor's Office) may step in."

Dudeck has been notified about the complaints, but the situation has not improved within the department. 

"Basically, he's had conversations with people in the department and he wants to know who filed the complaints, what was said and he wants to take revenge," the source said. "I think everyone in the department is hoping he doesn't get an opportunity to do that."

Dudeck is a 1977 graduate of The Hun School of Princeton, where he has served as head football coach for more than a decade. 

Keep up with Princeton news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.