New Jersey Police Chief Accused of Harassment and Misconduct – In a disturbing case of alleged misconduct, Robert Farley, the police chief of North Bergen, New Jersey, stands accused by five officers of creating a toxic and hostile work environment within the department. The accusations range from bizarre pranks to serious harassment, prompting the officers to file notices of intent to sue. These allegations have shocked both the local community and law enforcement, as Farley, a longtime member of the North Bergen Police Department, has been accused of transforming the police force into what one officer described as an “Animal House.”
The accusations against Chief Farley, who was sworn in as the department’s head in February 2024, involve a range of disturbing actions. Officers claim Farley spiked the office coffee pot with drugs such as Adderall and Viagra, causing harm to unsuspecting colleagues. In one shocking incident, Officer Michael Derin, a retired detective, alleged that Farley jabbed him with a hypodermic needle in the tip of his penis, dismissing it as a joke. Derin’s account also includes claims that Farley engaged in other inappropriate behaviors, such as shaving his body hair on other officers’ property, or even scraping bodily fluids from his underwear onto office furniture.
The officers, who have filed notices to sue the department, also contend that Farley created a hostile environment outside the office by sending inappropriate packages to their homes. These packages allegedly contained items like sex toys and gay pride flags. Derin’s son and others also reported retaliatory actions from Farley, such as being denied promotions or forced to work undesirable shifts. Michael Derin stated that these actions escalated from lighthearted pranks to serious harassment, with Farley creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The attorney representing the officers, Patrick Toscano, has called for immediate action, urging the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to take over operations of the North Bergen Police Department. Toscano, who has represented numerous police officers in the past, expressed disbelief at the severity of the allegations, stating that such behavior was unparalleled in his experience.
In response to the accusations, the Township of North Bergen has denied the allegations, labeling them as false and outrageous. A spokesperson for the town asserted confidence in Chief Farley’s leadership and stressed that the claims were made by disgruntled officers. To address the potential conflict of interest, the town referred the matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for review. However, the prosecutor’s office has not yet commented on the situation.
The controversy surrounding Chief Farley comes at a time when the North Bergen Police Department, which serves a township of approximately 60,000 residents, is grappling with rising tensions. The department recorded two homicides last year, the highest number since 2016. Farley, who earns over $228,000 annually, leads a force of 140 officers tasked with policing the township, which sits across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
As the allegations continue to unfold, the reputation of the North Bergen Police Department hangs in the balance. With more officers coming forward to support the claims, the future of Chief Farley’s leadership is uncertain. The case has sparked widespread concern about leadership and accountability within law enforcement agencies, especially when such serious misconduct is alleged at the highest levels.
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