A Bergen County sheriff’s officer who was initially terminated after an off-duty incident involving drunk driving, trespassing, and assaults on hospital staff ultimately received a 124-day suspension following a Civil Service Commission ruling, according to state disciplinary records.
A Bergen County Sheriff’s Office officer was suspended for 124 days after an off-duty incident that investigators said involved driving under the influence, entering a private business without authorization, harassing employees, and assaulting hospital personnel. The case was included in New Jersey’s annual major discipline report released by the Attorney General’s Office.
Key Points
• Officer Joseph Campolattaro was initially terminated by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office
• Investigators said the off-duty incident involved drunk driving, trespassing, and assaults on hospital staff
• The New Jersey Civil Service Commission later reduced the penalty to a 124-day suspension
According to the disciplinary report, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Campolattaro was found to have violated multiple departmental policies, including conduct unbecoming a public employee, standards of conduct, code of ethics requirements, and rules governing respect and professional behavior.
The investigation centered on an off-duty incident in which Campolattaro allegedly drove while under the influence of alcohol before entering a private business without authorization.
Employees confronted officer inside business
The report states Campolattaro entered the business, removed food from a refrigerator, and ate it without permission.
When employees questioned his presence, investigators said he became confrontational and harassed staff members.
Responding police officers were called to the scene, and the report states Campolattaro was disrespectful and failed to cooperate with law enforcement personnel during the encounter.
Assault allegations at hospital
Authorities said Campolattaro was later transported to a local hospital.
According to the disciplinary summary, he assaulted hospital personnel who were attempting to restrain him while receiving treatment.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office initially terminated Campolattaro as a result of the incident.
Civil Service Commission modifies punishment
The disciplinary report notes that the New Jersey Civil Service Commission later reviewed the case and modified the termination.
As a result, the termination was reduced to a six-month suspension, reflected in the state’s major discipline report as a 124-day suspension.
The case was disclosed under Attorney General Directive 2021-6, which requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to publicly report major disciplinary actions involving suspensions exceeding five days, demotions, and terminations.