A police officer from Phillipsburg is facing serious allegations after a civilian complaint claimed the officer accessed confidential police records for personal reasons.
According to a report filed with the Phillipsburg Police Department, the officer allegedly used the department’s internal system during an ongoing personal conflict.
The complaint was filed by a woman who says she had a disagreement with the officer and later found out that her information may have been looked up through official police resources.
She claims the officer told her details about her life that she never shared directly, and believes he got the information through police systems.
This situation has raised concerns about privacy and misuse of authority. If proven true, the act could be considered a breach of internal policies and potentially a violation of the law.
Police databases are strictly for official use, and any unauthorized access is taken seriously by law enforcement agencies across the country.
Phillipsburg Police Chief Robert Stettner said he was aware of the complaint and confirmed that the matter is being reviewed. While the department has not released the officer’s name, sources say the officer is still employed but is currently under internal review.
According to the complaint, the officer also contacted the woman through a third party and allegedly made references to her past and other personal matters. The woman said she felt unsafe and believed the officer was using his position to intimidate her.
At this point, no formal charges have been filed, and the case is being treated as an internal affairs matter. The department has procedures in place to investigate such allegations, which may include reviewing digital access logs, interviewing witnesses, and checking whether the officer had a lawful reason to access the information.
A spokesperson from the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office said the office is aware of the issue but declined to comment further, stating that it was an internal matter unless criminal charges were filed.
Situations like this highlight the importance of accountability and trust in law enforcement. Police officers are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and follow strict rules when using sensitive information. Any misuse of power can damage public confidence.
The woman who filed the complaint says she only wants the truth to come out and hopes that the department will take appropriate action. As of now, the internal investigation is ongoing, and further details may be released once the review is complete.