North Bergen Police Chief Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of Misconduct and Harassment

North Bergen Police Chief in Legal Trouble Amid Misconduct Claims

The police chief of the North Bergen Police Department in New Jersey is now facing legal action from five subordinates who have accused him of creating an environment of misconduct and indecency within the department. According to documents obtained by Fox News Digital, this investigation will examine critical charges against Police Chief Robert Farley, a veteran in the force with 20 years of service.

Documents reveal a disturbing pattern of allegations against Chief Farley. Officers claim he defecated on office floors, spiked coffee with Viagra and Adderall, and even poked an officer with a hypodermic needle in a suggestive manner, effectively turning the workplace into what has been described as an ‘animal house’.

Serious Allegations Lead to Planned Lawsuit

The notice to sue, a legal prerequisite in New Jersey, indicates that officers Rasheed Siyam, Christopher Bowen, Michael F. Derin, Detective Michael A. Derin, and Lt. Alex Guzman intend to take formal action against their chief.

Beyond the grave accusations of impropriety, additional concerns have been raised by individual officers. Lt. Guzman claims he is being unjustly denied a promotion to captain, a position urgently needed within the department. He asserts that Police Chief Farley is retaliating against him after mistakenly believing that Guzman had filed open records requests concerning his conduct. Guzman vehemently denies any such actions.

Retaliation and Promotion Issues

Officer Bowen also joined in raising concerns of retaliation after being stalled in his own promotional path, allegedly due to similar reasons. Officer Michael F. Derin claims he faced termination after making serious allegations of corruption against the department. Siyam has also come forward, stating he too has been a victim of retaliatory actions, including facing racial slurs from the chief.

Disturbing Conduct Details Surface

The allegations concerning inappropriate personal conduct extend further. Detective Michael A. Derin has detailed how Chief Farley compelled him to write a recommendation letter for Farley’s daughter to facilitate entry into a culinary class at a local high school—an institution that happens to be Derin’s alma mater. In an even more alarming account, Derin claims Farley forced him to assist with schoolwork for his daughter.

The toll of the alleged workplace harassment has evidently left psychological impacts on at least one officer, who mentioned seeking therapy as a result of the situation.

Community and Government Response

The North Bergen mayor’s office has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the explosive allegations, and efforts to reach out to the township’s attorneys were equally unproductive. Attempts to contact Police Chief Farley directly yielded responses that referred inquiries to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s office, which also did not provide immediate comments.

What Lies Ahead for the North Bergen Police Department

The unfolding situation raises significant concerns about departmental integrity and the consequences of unchecked authority within law enforcement. As the potential lawsuit moves forward, further details may come to light, shedding more information on the allegations surrounding Police Chief Farley and the culture within the North Bergen Police Department.

While this incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for accountability in law enforcement, it also opens the door for broader discussions about workplace conduct and the appropriate mechanisms for addressing misconduct in police departments across the country. The outcome of this case could influence perceptions of law enforcement in New Jersey and beyond.

As the officers involved prepare to proceed with their lawsuit, the North Bergen community and police personnel alike are left to contemplate the fallout and the urgent need for reform, if necessary.