Mendham Police Chief Weighs In On AG Discipline Report Directive

MENDHAM, NJ — With New Jersey’s Supreme Court backing Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal’s directive that police departments must publicly release some disciplinary records within approximately 60 days - a decision the State PBA’s president called “frustrating and disappointing” - the Mendham Borough Police Department is one that has said it intends to follow Grewal’s directive.

“We’re extremely proud to report that Mendham Borough PD does not have any major disciplinary issues to report,” Chief John S. Camoia said on Monday.

Camoia said he plans to have this information available on the borough’s website as quickly as possible.

“It’s a positive thing for law enforcement to show transparency and gain trust back from the citizens we serve,” Camoia added.

“I’ve always believed New Jersey is way ahead of the curve with trainings for our officers, to better handle current issues that officers are faced with every day,” he also said.

According to Grewal’s 102-page directive and the June 7 court ruling, law enforcement agencies must publicly share information about officers' disciplinary violations deemed “serious” by Aug. 9, from incidents dated June 15 to Dec. 31, 2020.

Every year following, reports of these types of incidents must be shared with the public by Jan. 31 of the next calendar year.

Among the criteria departments are supposed to share publicly are police department suspensions in excess of five days, terminations and demotions of rank or grade.

"By lifting the cloak of secrecy over our state's police disciplinary process, we are not simply ensuring accountability for those who engage in misconduct," Grewal said. "We are also demonstrating that the vast majority of law enforcement officers work hard and play by the rules."

Josh Bakan contributed reporting to this story.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.