Police vehicle during investigation - file photo — Police vehicle during investigation - File Photo

A West Milford police lieutenant resigned while facing disciplinary charges that included neglect of duty, neglect of supervision, violating the department’s dating policy, and allegedly misleading internal affairs investigators, according to New Jersey’s major discipline report.

A former West Milford Police Department lieutenant resigned before disciplinary proceedings could be finalized after an internal affairs investigation found he engaged in an improper relationship with a subordinate officer and was allegedly untruthful during the investigation.

According to New Jersey’s 2025 Major Discipline Report, Lt. Thomas Valente left the department under a settlement agreement while the disciplinary matter was still pending.

The report states that termination had been recommended before his resignation.

Investigation Stemmed From Relationship With Subordinate

According to the disciplinary report, the internal affairs investigation began in 2021 and focused on an alleged improper relationship between Valente and a subordinate police officer.

Investigators determined the relationship violated the department’s dating policy.

The report further states that the relationship occurred while both officers were on duty, resulting in neglect of their assigned responsibilities.

Charges Included Neglect of Duty and Supervision

The sustained allegations listed in the report included neglect of duty, neglect of supervision, violation of the department’s dating policy, and untruthfulness or lack of candor.

Investigators concluded that Valente failed to properly perform his supervisory responsibilities while involved in the relationship.

The report does not identify the subordinate officer involved.

Investigators Found Lack of Candor

According to the disciplinary findings, Valente was found to have lied to or misled internal affairs investigators regarding both the nature of the relationship and details surrounding it.

The report states that the alleged lack of candor became a significant factor in the disciplinary case.

“As a result of the charges, including but not limited to, being untruthful and/or lying to IA investigators, his termination from employment was recommended,” the report states.

Resigned Before Final Hearing

Rather than proceed through a final disciplinary hearing, Valente resigned from the department during the pendency of the case.

The report notes that the resignation occurred pursuant to a settlement agreement and before the charges were formally adjudicated.

Because of the resignation, no suspension or demotion was imposed.

Included in Statewide Discipline Report

The case was disclosed as part of New Jersey’s annual Major Discipline Report, which requires law enforcement agencies to publicly report serious disciplinary matters involving officers and supervisors.

The report identifies the charges as sustained and notes that Valente separated from employment while the case remained pending.

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Key Points

• Former West Milford Lt. Thomas Valente resigned while facing disciplinary charges tied to a relationship with a subordinate officer.

• Investigators sustained allegations including neglect of duty, neglect of supervision, violation of the department’s dating policy, and lack of candor.

• The report states termination was recommended before Valente resigned under a settlement agreement.

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