Major discipline · 2025[1]
Suspended 60 days- Rank as reported
- Officer
- Sustained charge(s)
- Kearny PD Rules & Regulations 3:1.1 (Standard of Conduct) and N.J. Admin. Code § (a)6 ( a Public Employee)
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
In 2025, Kearny PD suspended Officer Latka for 60 days without pay after he used his in-car mobile data computer to check a vehicle's registration in response to a civilian who reported the vehicle as improperly parked and possibly stolen. After the inquiry found the vehicle was not reported stolen, Latka shared privileged information from the result with the civilian. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office declined to prosecute. Two charges were sustained, Standard of Conduct and Conduct Unbecoming a Public Employee.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
While on duty, Officer Lawrence Z. Latka #328 used his in-car mobile data computer (MDC) to conduct a digital inquiry into a vehicle's registration in response to a civilian raising the concern that the vehicle was parked improperly and suspecting that the vehicle may be stolen. After the inquiry determined that the vehicle was not reported stolen, the officer shared privileged information from this inquiry result with the civilian who had raised the concern to him. This matter was referred to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, which declined to prosecute the matter criminally. The subsequent administrative investigation determined that the digital inquiry was permissible and legal, but that the sharing of any portion of the result with a civilian was prohibited and contrary to 28 CFR Part 23, as well as agency and statewide policies and guidelines. Ultimately, two charges were sustained: Kearny PD Rules & Regulations 3:1.1 (Standard of Conduct) and N.J. Admin. Code § (a)6 ( a Public Employee), and the officer was suspended for 60 days (unpaid). ***The Town of Kearny employs multiple individuals with this surname. Readers are advised to exercise caution to ensure the identity of the officer mentioned herein is not confused with other employees.***