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A former Pompton Lakes police officer is suing the borough and its police department, claiming he was forced out of his job for refusing to comply with an illegal ticket quota system and for blowing the whistle on department misconduct.
William Pepe, the department’s only Black officer at the time, claims in court papers that Chief Derek Clark threatened disciplinary action if he didn’t meet a minimum number of motor vehicle summonses — a practice banned by state law.
Clark and borough officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
The complaint was filed March 26 in Superior Court of Passaic County. According to the suit, Clark told Pepe that “the other side” — referring to borough officials — expected more ticket revenue and that failure to increase numbers could jeopardize officers’ healthcare during contract talks.
The chief even offered incentives, such as growing a beard, to officers who complied with the unofficial quota system.
In New Jersey, police departments are prohibited by state law from establishing quotas for arrests or citations.
However, departments may collect and analyze such data to ensure officers comply with legal obligations and for reporting purposes.
Pepe, a U.S. Army veteran and decorated officer who had served on the county’s narcotics task force, claims he was punished for raising concerns about the quotas and other internal issues.
After speaking out at a union meeting, he was reassigned from the detective bureau to patrol, placed under increased scrutiny, and targeted in a string of internal affairs investigations, according to the suit.
The suit further alleges that other white officers were not disciplined for similar conduct and were not pressured under the same performance standards.
Pepe contends the treatment he received was rooted in both racial bias and retaliation for his union advocacy and efforts to expose internal wrongdoing.
New Jersey law explicitly prohibits law enforcement agencies from using ticket or arrest numbers to evaluate officer performance. The lawsuit states that Clark and his top aide routinely pressured officers to meet “expectations” under the threat of reduced benefits.
Pepe said he ultimately resigned after being suspended and placed under investigation for his response to a call.
The lawsuit details a hostile work environment that included mental health privacy violations, denial of medical accommodations after brain surgery, and retaliation against both him and his wife for raising concerns to borough officials.
Pepe is seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress and violations of his civil rights.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find on Facebook.
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