The North Bergen Police Department is facing serious scrutiny as five officers prepare lawsuits against Chief Robert Farley, alleging the department has become an abusive workplace filled with disturbing acts. Farley, promoted to chief in February 2024, stands accused of multiple offenses, including workplace assaults, racial harassment and acts meant to publicly embarrass subordinates.
According to legal documents, Michael F. Derin, a former administrative captain, described being chased by Farley before the chief allegedly stabbed him in the groin with a needle through his jeans. Derin said blood was drawn and claimed he was later fired after trying to report the incident to the state attorney general.
Please welcome our new Chief of Police, Robert J. Farley, Jr.! A North Bergen native, Chief Farley is committed to enhancing neighborhood safety & improving relationships between law enforcement & the community. He established a Community Relations Unit to further these efforts. pic.twitter.com/KxSQ4Q6BTE
— North Bergen Police Department (@nbpolice) March 13, 2024
Derin’s son, a detective in the department, said the environment had become so hostile that he began avoiding the shared coffee pot. He claims he personally watched the chief crush and stir prescription pills into the pot and then wait for staff to consume the contents.
The list of allegations includes the chief defecating on the floor, inside trash cans and in communal office areas. Officers also claim he blocked toilets, tampered with meals and once used a microwave to heat hot peppers, filling the building with fumes that forced an emergency response.
Lt. Alex Guzman described what he saw as ongoing psychological torment. He claims Farley blamed him for internal conflict, sent inappropriate items to his house, and used the officer’s family as part of a retaliation effort. Guzman said his children saw the contents of the packages, which included sexual items and politically charged material.
Officer Rasheed Siyam reported being subjected to racist language, while another officer, Christopher Bowen, accused Farley of punishing him for refusing to meet ticket quotas. Both said their assignments were changed after raising concerns.
Despite the explosive accusations, the township publicly defended the chief, citing “full confidence” in his leadership. Officials said the complaints have been sent to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for external review.
