Major discipline · 2025[1]
Suspended 20 days- Rank as reported
- Patrolman
- Sustained charge(s)
- CHARGES: N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(1) – , or failure to perform duties N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(6) – a public employee N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐ 2.3(a)(7) – N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(12) – – Violation of Sparta Township Departmental Rules and Regulations: 3:7.14 (1) Prohibited Activities on Duty 1:4.17 1:4.11 Incompetence 3:1.5 Performance of duty 3:7.5 Work expectation Extra Duty Employment- VII D. (Officer must remain outside of their vehicles on road details)
- Other sanction
- Loss of time
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
On April 24, 2025, at approximately 0130 hours, Patrolman Litchfield was assigned to a road detail post in Sparta Township when a supervising sergeant observed him asleep in the driver's seat of his patrol vehicle, according to the Sparta Police Department. During the internal affairs interview, Litchfield admitted to falling asleep while on duty and accepted responsibility. He received a 20-day suspension without pay on sustained charges that included neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming a public employee.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
On April 24, 2025, at approximately 0130 hours, Patrolman Matthew Litchfield (#258) was assigned to a road detail post on Glen Road in Sparta Township. During a supervisory check, A Sparta Police Sergeant observed Ptl. Litchfield asleep in the driver’s seat of his patrol vehicle, failing to comply with departmental policy requiring officers to remain outside their vehicles while on detail and negligence of duty. Complaint Details: The complaint was formally submitted by the above Sergeant through Guardian Tracking on April 24, 2025, and was received by Internal Affairs on April 25, 2025. The allegation involved Ptl. Litchfield being asleep while on duty, a violation of departmental rules and regulations and a significant safety risk given the active construction scene he was tasked to monitor. Investigative Findings: • The above Sergeant provided a detailed account confirming that Ptl. Litchfield was unresponsive in the patrol car and required multiple attempts to awaken. • During the internal affairs interview, Ptl. Litchfield admitted to falling asleep while on duty, accepted full responsibility for his actions, and acknowledged that his conduct posed a safety risk and violated policy. • No contradictory evidence was presented, and the facts are supported both by the supervisor’s direct observation and the officer’s own admission. Conclusion: The Internal Affairs investigation has concluded with a Sustained finding. Based on a preponderance of the evidence, including the subject officer’s admission and corroborating witness testimony, the allegation that Ptl. Matthew Litchfield was asleep while on duty is supported and confirmed. Discipline: In consideration of the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, including the safety implications associated with sleeping during an active road detail, disciplinary action is warranted. A twenty-day suspension without pay was imposed. This discipline is consistent with agency standards and prior precedent for similar infractions and is intended to correct behavior and reinforce department expectations regarding alertness, presence, and public safety responsibilities while on duty.