A Kearny police officer received a 60-day unpaid suspension after an investigation found he improperly shared information from a law enforcement database with a civilian.
A Kearny Police Department officer was suspended for 60 days without pay after an administrative investigation determined he violated department rules by sharing confidential information obtained through a police database query.
According to disciplinary records, Officer Lawrence Z. Latka was found to have violated Kearny Police Department Rules and Regulations 3:1.1, Standard of Conduct, as well as New Jersey Administrative Code 4A:2-2.3(a)6, Conduct Unbecoming a Public Employee.
The incident occurred while Latka was on duty and responding to concerns raised by a civilian regarding a vehicle that was parked improperly. The civilian also suspected the vehicle may have been stolen.
Authorities said Latka used his in-car mobile data computer, commonly known as an MDC, to conduct a registration inquiry on the vehicle. The inquiry determined that the vehicle had not been reported stolen.
Investigation found database search was lawful
The subsequent investigation concluded that the officer’s decision to run the vehicle inquiry itself was permissible and legal under department policies.
However, investigators determined that Latka violated regulations when he disclosed information from the database search to the civilian who had approached him about the vehicle.
Officials said sharing any portion of the inquiry results with a civilian was prohibited and contrary to federal regulations, including 28 CFR Part 23, as well as statewide law enforcement policies and agency guidelines governing criminal justice information systems.
The matter was referred to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Prosecutors declined criminal charges
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case but declined to pursue criminal charges.
Following that decision, the matter proceeded through the department’s administrative disciplinary process.
The investigation ultimately sustained two administrative violations related to professional conduct and the improper handling of confidential information.
As a result, Latka received a 60-day unpaid suspension.
Officer remains employed
Disciplinary records indicate Latka was not terminated, demoted, or separated from employment as a result of the incident.
The records further show he remained employed by the Kearny Police Department throughout the investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
A notice accompanying the disciplinary disclosure also cautioned that the Town of Kearny employs multiple individuals with the surname Latka and advised readers not to confuse the officer involved in the case with other municipal employees.
Key Points
• Kearny Police Officer Lawrence Z. Latka received a 60-day unpaid suspension.
• The officer legally conducted a vehicle registration inquiry using a police database.
• Investigators found he improperly shared database information with a civilian.
• The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office declined criminal prosecution.
• Administrative charges for conduct unbecoming and violation of department standards were sustained.
