A Garfield police officer received a seven-day suspension after an investigation found he engaged in dangerous driving, committed multiple motor vehicle violations, and failed to report the incident to his department, according to state disciplinary records.
A Garfield Police Department officer was disciplined following an off-duty traffic incident that investigators said endangered others and violated department policies regarding reporting requirements. The case was disclosed in New Jersey’s annual major discipline report released by the Attorney General’s Office.
Key Points
• Officer Lukasz Chmielewski received a seven-day suspension and written reprimand
• Investigators found he committed multiple motor vehicle violations while off duty
• The officer allegedly failed to notify police or supervisors about the incident
According to the report, Police Officer Lukasz Chmielewski was involved in a traffic incident while operating his personal vehicle in Garfield on Sept. 5, 2024.
Investigators determined that during the incident, Chmielewski committed 39 motor vehicle violations of New Jersey motor vehicle laws and drove in a manner that placed himself and others at risk.
Department cites reporting failures
The disciplinary report states that after the incident occurred, Chmielewski did not contact 911 and failed to report the matter to the Garfield Police Department.
Investigators also found he did not notify a supervisor within the department of his involvement in the incident, as required by department policy.
Suspension imposed
The Garfield Police Department sustained charges of conduct unbecoming a public employee, off-duty misconduct, and other conduct violations.
As a result of the investigation, Chmielewski received a seven-day suspension and a written reprimand or warning.
The case was included in New Jersey’s 2025 major discipline report under Attorney General Directive 2021-6, which requires law enforcement agencies to publicly disclose suspensions exceeding five days, demotions, and terminations as part of a statewide transparency initiative.
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