(908)402-4770Robert Woodruff, of counsel to Schiller, Pittenger & Galvin, P.C., recently settled an employment matter on behalf of a police officer for the sum of $450,000.
The police officer brought to the attention of his superior officers the failure of the department to adhere to particular training and instructions as set forth by various state agencies. The pleadings alleged that after he brought these matters to light he was subjected to subsequent retaliation and his job circumstances were severely impacted and disciplinary charges filed against him. The municipality hired the retired chief of another department to investigate the disciplinary charges.
The police officer sought damages under the New Jersey Conscientious Employees Protection Act (sometimes known as the Whistleblower Law), N.J.S.A. 34:19-1 et seq., and in an amended complaint named the retired police officer who was investigating him as a direct defendant by alleging that he was biased and rendered an incomplete, inaccurate, and false report upon which led to plaintiff’s suspension.
The matter has been settled between the police officer and the municipality and other municipal defendants. It remains open against the investigator. Schiller, Pittenger & Galvin, P.C., and Robert Woodruff are experienced in representing public employees in litigation arising from disciplinary matters.