William Pepe

Plain-language summary

Written by this site from the cited record only.

Officer William Pepe separated from the Pompton Lakes Borough Police Department while an internal affairs matter was pending, on sustained charges of neglect of duty, performance of duty, and obedience to rules and written directives. The record states that Pepe violated the department's body worn camera policy and the New Jersey Attorney General's directive by intentionally removing his camera and positioning it to prevent it from recording his interactions during an arrest.

Synopsis as reported by the agency

Officer William Pepe violated both the department's Body Worn Camera (BWC) policy and the New Jersey Attorney General's Directive on BWC Usage and Storage. Officer Pepe intentionally removed his BWC camera and positioned it in a manner that prevented it from recording his interactions during the arrest. This action intentionally altered the BWC video recording for the incident in question.

Plain-language summary

Written by this site from the cited record only.

In a separate matter, Officer William Pepe separated from the Pompton Lakes Borough Police Department while an internal affairs investigation was pending, on sustained charges of neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming a public employee, insubordination, and incompetency. The record states that Pepe violated the department's domestic violence general order and the Attorney General guideline by failing to help a victim apply for a temporary restraining order after she repeatedly requested one, citing a text message that threatened her life. Pepe advised her that a restraining order was not warranted.

Synopsis as reported by the agency

Officer William Pepe violated the department's General Order on Domestic Violence Investigations as well as the Attorney General Guideline on Domestic Violence Investigations. He failed to protect a domestic violence victim and did not adhere to the policy, which ensures that victims are entitled to apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Specifically, the victim repeatedly requested to apply for a TRO due to a text message that threatened her life and additional threats of violence, including one to forcibly enter her home. Despite these circumstances, Officer Pepe did not facilitate the victim's application for a TRO before a judge. Instead, he dismissed the situation as merely an argument and incorrectly advised the victim that a TRO was not warranted.

Plain-language summary

Written by this site from the cited record only.

In a further matter, Officer William Pepe separated from the Pompton Lakes Borough Police Department while an internal affairs investigation was pending, on sustained charges of neglect of duty, insubordination, action off duty, and conduct unbecoming. The record states that Pepe conducted his own unauthorized investigation into an internal affairs matter involving himself, including confronting the domestic violence victim and witness at her home, discussed the confidential matter with other officers, and shared confidential documents while on leave. He declined a Fitness for Duty examination before resigning.

Synopsis as reported by the agency

Ptl. Pepe's conduct uncovered significant violations of departmental policies, Attorney General Guidelines, and Civil Service Regulations. On 12/30/23, Ptl. Pepe exhibited erratic behavior during a phone call with XXXX, raising concerns. He also admitted to conducting his own unauthorized investigation into an Internal Affairs Investigation matter involving himself. This included confronting the victim of the DV and witness in the Internal Affairs matter, at her home regarding the domestic violence case he had mishandled. His actions violated departmental policy, interfered with the IA investigation, and compromised its integrity. Additionally, Ptl. Pepe improperly discussed the confidential IA matter with other officers, conspired with Ptl. Barahona to conduct unauthorized investigations, and shared confidential documents while on leave. He also demonstrated insubordination by refusing to follow orders, failing to submit a required report, and declining a Fitness for Duty examination before resigning to avoid disciplinary charges.

Plain-language summary

Written by this site from the cited record only.

In another matter, Officer William Pepe separated from the Pompton Lakes Borough Police Department while an internal affairs investigation was pending, on a sustained charge of obedience to laws, ordinances, rules and written directives. The record states that Pepe violated the body worn camera policy by failing to tag his 21 body worn camera videos before the conclusion of his shift.

Synopsis as reported by the agency

Officer William Pepe violated the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Policy by failing to tag his 21 BWC videos before the conclusion of his shift.

Plain-language summary

Written by this site from the cited record only.

In an earlier matter, Officer William Pepe was suspended for 6 days by the Pompton Lakes Borough Police Department on sustained charges of neglect of duty, absence from duty, and other sufficient cause. The record states that on August 2, 2022 Pepe failed to report for duty at the time and place specified by a captain, without consent to miss the event, though he had been notified and acknowledged the notification during his interview.

Synopsis as reported by the agency

On August 2, 2022 Officer William Pepe failed to report for duty at the time and place specified by Captain Ryan Cichon. Nor was he given consent from competent authority to miss the event. Ptl. Pepe was provided with notification of the event and acknowledged such during his interview.