Major discipline · 2024[1]
Suspended 120 days- Rank as reported
- Sergeant
- Sustained charge(s)
- 3:1.11 (Obedience to Laws and Regulations) and 3:6.1 (Conduct Toward the Public)
- Other sanction
- Training coaching or counseling
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
While on desk duty, Sergeant Robert McDermott of the Nutley Police Department entered the victim's lounge and spoke with a friend who was applying for a temporary restraining order. During that conversation, McDermott made statements portraying women in a negative light. A separate argument was also charged, and the matters were consolidated before an independent hearing officer who found the statements unprofessional. McDermott received a 120-day suspension, with 25 days served or forfeited and 95 days held in abeyance, and was required to undergo individual counseling.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
Sergeant McDermott, while on desk duty, proceeded to enter the victim’s lounge and engage in conversation with a friend of his who was applying for a TRO against his girlfriend. During their conversation, Sergeant McDermott made statements portraying women in a negative light, which he later claimed were made solely in an attempt to cheer up his friend. On a separate occasion, Sergeant McDermott engaged in an argument in connection with an individual with a TRO he was assisting in obtaining personal items from his residence. The disciplinary matters were consolidated and the Township retained an independent hearing officer. The hearing officer concluded that Sergeant McDermott’s statements were unprofessional, but that the evidence presented strongly outweighed any claim that he is bias against women. Sergeant McDermott was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action imposing the Hearing Officer’s recommended penalty of a 120-day suspension, with 25 days served/forfeit and 95 days held in abeyance. Sergeant McDermott was also required to undergo individual counseling/therapy.