Major discipline · 2023[1]
Separated while IA pending- Rank as reported
- Patrolman
- Sustained charge(s)
- Untruthfulness
- Separated while IA pending
- Yes
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Patrolman Steven Schemelia was the subject of an internal affairs finding that substantiated untruthfulness at the Lower Alloways Creek Township Police Department in 2023. According to the department, Schemelia made false statements to other members that were unrelated to his official duties. No complaint was filed and he was not disciplined, but the Township Committee concluded he had not successfully completed his one-year probation and should not become a permanent member. The department reported he separated while the matter was pending.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
Allegations of untruthfullness against the officer as a result of his false statements and telling untruthful stories to other members of the department that were unrelated to his official duties resulted in an Internal Affairs finding, substantiating the allegations. No complaint was filed against the officer because the allegations did not pertain to his official duties and, thus, he was not disciplined. Subsequent thereto, based on the Chief's recommendation, the Township Committee concluded that the officer was not a person of good character and therefore he did not successfully complete his one year probation and accordingly, he should not be made a permanent member of the department.