Compliments / Complaints

How to file a complaint

Providing police services can often be a very difficult and complex job.

The Division of State Police recognizes that mistakes may be made and the actions of our troopers may fall short of expectations.  The Division of State Police has established rules and regulations and standing operating procedures governing the professional and personal conduct of employees and acceptable work performance standards. These guidelines are designed to protect the well-being and the rights of all citizens and employees.  The Office of Professional Standards will thoroughly investigate all reports of misconduct by troopers regardless of the source. Anyone who files a complaint against a trooper will be treated with courtesy and respect.

To make a complaint you may

Call the Office of Professional Standards at our toll free recorded hot line: 1-877-253-4125, to speak to a representative Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. After 5:00 pm leave a message. You will receive a return call during business hours from our office.

You may also email: OPSIntakeUnit@NJSP.org


Civilian Complaint Information Sheets

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Info Sheet [Portguese]    Info Sheet [Vietnamese]   

  • Make your complaint in person, call Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, or write to the Commanding Officer at the Office of Professional Standards office located at:
    810 Bear Tavern Road
    Suite 310
    West Trenton, NJ 08628
    Telephone 1-877-253-4125
    Fax (609) 882-2033
  • Make your complaint in person or call Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, at the regional Internal Affairs Investigation Bureau office located at:

    1510 Hooper Avenue
    Suite 120
    Toms River, NJ
    (Fax number 732-864-1362)


    IAIB North
    20 Audrey Place
    Fairfield, NJ 07004
    973-227-0391


    IAIB South
    2201 Route 38
    Suite 202
    Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
    856-482-5156

  • Write a letter to the Superintendent of State Police or the Office of Professional Standards Supervisor at:
    P.O. Box 7068
    West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
    Fax (609) 882-2033
  • You can also make a complaint in person to any supervisor at any State Police facility which will be supplied with brochures and Citizen Compliment/Complaint Forms.
  • You can also make a complaint in writing to the:
    Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards
    Department of Law and Public Safety
    P.O. Box 080
    Trenton, NJ 08625

Please include as much of the following information as you can remember:

  • Date, time, and location of the incident
  • Name(s) and badge number(s) of the member(s) involved
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses
  • Circumstances of the incident 

Corrective Action

If the investigation indicates the trooper has committed a violation, corrective action commensurate with the severity of the violation will be taken. Mitigating circumstances may be considered by the Superintendent in determining appropriate penalties. Discipline under the rules and regulations will not be based on any employee's race, color, political affiliation, sex, disability, or age. Action taken by the Division may involve:

  • Counseling (non-discipline)
  • Remedial training (non-discipline)
  • Written reprimand 
  • Suspension 
  • Reduction in rank 
  • Termination 

After an investigation is completed, less severe discipline ( written reprimand and five or less days suspension) is administered directly by the Superintendent. More serious discipline (suspension for more than five days, reduction in rank, or termination) will be imposed if the trooper is found guilty at a disciplinary hearing. In the event the member is subject to a disciplinary hearing, the complainant and witnesses may be called to testify.  They will be notified in writing by the Office of Professional Standards when the complaint has been resolved. However, the exact discipline imposed is a confidential personnel matter and will not be revealed to the complainant.  Members of the Division can appeal the Superintendent's decision. The Division of State Police has established procedures for members to follow in filing their appeals, just as it has established procedures to fairly and honestly investigate citizens' complaints.


You can call the toll free recorded hotline: 1-877-253-4125

Note: This hotline is strictly for compliments and/or complaints.
All other inquiries can be addressed by calling 609-882-2000.


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