Major discipline · 2024[1]
Suspended 45 days- Rank as reported
- Sergeant
- Sustained charge(s)
- a Public Employee
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Sergeant William Hetrick was suspended for 45 days without pay by the Barnegat Township Police Department in 2024. The record states that Hetrick sent unprofessional communications to a co-worker through a messaging app and, in a separate incident, touched the co-worker on the shoulder without being asked. After receiving an order barring non-official communication with the co-worker, Hetrick continued to send unwanted messages in violation of that order and departmental policy. The sustained charge was conduct unbecoming a public employee.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
Sergeant William Hetrick reportedly sent unprofessional communications to a co worker via a messaging app which was brought to the attention of agency administration by a third party. Additionally there was an incident where it was reported that Sgt. Hetrick touched the co worker in the area of her shoulder without being asked which was observed by the third party officer that felt it was inappropriate. As a result of these incidents Sgt. Hetrick received an order from the executive officer of the agency against any communication with the co-worker that did not pertain to official business. It was later reported by a third party and subsequently the receiving officer that Sgt. Hetrick continued to send unwanted messages pertaining to personal feelings to the co worker in violation of the direct order and departmental policy. Based upon these facts Sergeant Hetrick received a forty five (45) day unpaid suspension.