Two Brigantine police officers received lengthy suspensions after separate incidents involving an alleged bar fight and a drunk-driving crash, according to New Jersey’s major discipline report.
Two members of the Brigantine Police Department were suspended following misconduct investigations that resulted in sustained findings of conduct unbecoming and violations of department regulations, according to records released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Key Points
• Patrolman Matthew Rehill received a 45-day suspension following a bar fight that led to a simple assault charge
• Patrolman Tyler Suarlik was suspended for 61 days after being charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle crash
• Both cases were included in New Jersey’s annual major discipline report
The disciplinary actions were disclosed through the state’s major discipline reporting system, which requires law enforcement agencies to publicly report suspensions exceeding five days, terminations, and demotions.
Officer suspended after bar fight
Patrolman Matthew Rehill received a 45-day suspension after an incident at a bar that resulted in criminal charges.
According to the disciplinary report, Rehill was involved in a fight and was subsequently charged with simple assault. The report states the matter was ultimately resolved through a local ordinance violation.
Investigators sustained charges of conduct unbecoming, disobedience to laws and regulations, and neglect of duty.
DWI crash leads to 61-day suspension
Patrolman Tyler Suarlik received a 61-day suspension following a motor vehicle crash investigation.
According to the report, Suarlik was found responsible for causing the crash and was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated under New Jersey motor vehicle laws.
The disciplinary report lists sustained violations of conduct unbecoming and disobedience to laws and regulations.
Included in statewide transparency initiative
Both disciplinary actions were reported under Attorney General Directive 2021-6, which requires law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey to disclose major disciplinary actions involving officers.
The annual report is intended to increase public transparency regarding serious misconduct findings and disciplinary outcomes within police departments and other law enforcement agencies statewide.