Major discipline · 2024[1]
Terminated- Rank as reported
- Officer
- Sustained charge(s)
- (a)(6) (a)(12) ; Violation of Department Rules and Regulations – 3:1.35 Socialization; 3:1.31 Person and places of bad reputation; 3:1.23 Knowledge of Laws and Regulations; 3:1.1 Standard of Conduct; 3:1.2 Competence; 3:1.9 Performance of Duty; 3:1.13 Obedience to Laws and Regulations Violation of Policy and Procedures: Fraternization with inmates PS.ADM.046 Fraternization Directive #06-135
- Separated while IA pending
- not reported
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Officer Melissa Lespier was terminated by the Essex County Department of Corrections in 2024. An investigator completed a misconduct investigation on December 20, 2023 finding that Lespier's ongoing communication with an inmate created a safety and security risk at the Essex County Correctional Facility. The record states that Lespier provided the inmate with personal information about other inmates' ages, charges, and housing locations, and engaged in conversations that were unprofessional and intimate. Sustained charges included conduct unbecoming and fraternization with inmates.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
On December 20, 2023 an Investigator with the essex County Department of Corrections completed his investigation into alleged Officer Misconduct by Correctional Police Officer Lespier. Officer Lespier’s actions and ongoing communication with an inmate created a significant safety and security risk to the population, officers and civilian staff at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Officer Lespier provided the inmate with personal information regarding other inmates ages, charges and housing locations. Officer Lespier engaged in conversations that were unprofessional and intimate.