Police Chief Robert Farley is facing accusations of carrying out an extended campaign of humiliation and retaliation against members of his own department, including racial remarks, physical misconduct and deliberate exposure of staff to drugs and bodily waste.
Legal documents from five officers describe Farley’s alleged behavior since he became chief in early 2024. The claims include multiple instances of public defecation, exposure, verbal abuse and tampering with food and beverages at department headquarters.
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
Officer Rasheed Siyam, one of the complainants, says he was subjected to racial slurs and reassigned after he attempted to report the behavior. Another officer, Christopher Bowen, claims he was punished for refusing to meet what he described as an illegal quota system for tickets and arrests.
Detective Michael A. Derin and his father, former special captain Michael F. Derin, say the chief engaged in behavior that crossed into physical assault and sabotage. The elder Derin says he was chased and stabbed with a needle, then fired when he tried to report Farley to the state.
Guzman, a lieutenant, detailed multiple occasions in which the chief allegedly used the office bathroom improperly or defecated in view of staff. He says Farley also manipulated office microwaves and food to make people sick and left traps like smeared substances and firecrackers.
Officers also claim Farley damaged department property during angry outbursts and used sexual content to harass staff. Packages containing sex toys and intimate items were sent to Guzman’s home, while public pranks and threats were directed at others.
North Bergen officials responded by standing behind the chief and stating the allegations would be reviewed by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Farley has not commented publicly on the accusations.
