Newark traffic cop suspended after letting people off the hook

NEWARK — A two-year police veteran was suspended for six months after an investigation revealed he let off drivers who had warrants for their arrest.

A hearing was held Wednesday after the department's Integrity Control Officer made the discovery during an audit of a routine traffic stop. An investigation showed the officer had overlooked other warrants that came up on his patrol car computer on other occasions.

“I will not tolerate officers taking shortcuts or failing to do their job,"Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said in a statement. "The majority of our officers work extremely hard and risk their lives daily doing so. This young officer needs to accept his discipline and return to work with a compliant and positive work ethic. If he doesn’t, there is no room for him in the Newark Police Division."

The officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was hit with several violations of department rules and regulations and suspended for six months. Ambrose said he will receive training upon his return in January.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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