Police Chief Mulls His Options

Princeton Police Chief David Dudeck has been taking time off to mull his options this week and was not in the office on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, Princeton Administrator Robert Bruschi said. 

"He's obviously very upset about what's occurred and he doesn't want to make any hasty decisions," Bruschi said. "Right now we're playing it by ear, giving him time to deal with this on a personal basis."

Princeton Police Capt. Nick Sutter has been leading the police department in the chief's absence, Bruschi said. That's standard procedure since Sutter is the next highest ranking officer in the department. 

Late last week, information surfaced that multiple police officers have lodged complaints against Dudeck, outlining an alleged pattern of harassment and intimidation over the past two years. 

Dudeck is a 30-year police veteran and eligible for to retire. He could also choose to stay in his position and face a possible investigation. 

A spokesperson for the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said Monday that the office is currently reviewing allegations of administrative misconduct by Chief Dudeck, as required by Attorney General guidelines.  

Bruschi said late Tuesday afternoon that he did not believe the Prosecutor's Office had begun any investigation yet. If and when an investigation occurs, a recommendation would likely come back to the full Princeton Council for a final review and decision on any disciplinary actions, he said. 

Bruschi said he has spoken with Dudeck at least once a day this week and that officials are letting the chief decide on a day-to-day basis when he will return to work. Dudeck has plenty of accrued paid time off, Bruschi said.

In the meantime, Princeton Police are carrying on in a professional manner, but the allegations have become a distraction for the department. 

"Whether you've been in business for 20 days or 20 years it's just a difficult thing to deal with, especially when you're dealing with so many abstracts," Bruschi said. 

The alleged incidents only surfaced recently and were filed with the Police Benevolent Association. A source told Patch that officers were afraid of retaliation in the form of demotions to patrol or unexpected schedule changes, but have felt emboldened by consolidation, which took effect Jan. 1. 

For a description of the alleged incidents, click here.

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.

See also:

Prosecutor's Office Investigating Misconduct Allegations By Police Chief

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