A Union City police sergeant received a six-month suspension after being convicted of driving under the influence following a 2021 arrest in Somerset County.
A Union City Police Department supervisor was suspended for 180 days after being convicted of driving under the influence and related traffic offenses stemming from an arrest in Branchburg. This is according to the New Jersey OAG’s recently released 2025 police major discipline report.
According to disciplinary records, Sergeant Patricia Lazzarini was arrested by the Branchburg Police Department on Jan. 30, 2021.
Following the arrest, Lazzarini received summonses for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a breath test, and failure to maintain a lane.
The incident occurred outside Hudson County and ultimately resulted in both criminal and administrative proceedings.
Convicted on DWI-related charges
Court proceedings concluded on Feb. 13, 2023, when Lazzarini was found guilty of operating under the influence of liquor or drugs and traffic on marked lanes.
The conviction followed more than two years of legal proceedings after the initial arrest.
Following the court’s findings, the matter moved through the Union City Police Department’s internal disciplinary process.
Department officials sustained charges of conduct unbecoming a public employee and repeated violations of department rules and regulations.
Settlement resulted in lengthy suspension
Disciplinary records show that Lazzarini reached a settlement with the department on Dec. 16, 2025.
Under the agreement, she received a 180-day suspension.
The records indicate she was not terminated, demoted, transferred, retired, or otherwise separated from employment as a result of the disciplinary action.
A 180-day suspension represents one of the most significant penalties available short of termination and reflects the seriousness with which departments often treat alcohol-related offenses involving sworn law enforcement personnel.
Administrative charges sustained
The disciplinary findings included conduct unbecoming a public employee, a broad administrative violation commonly used when conduct is deemed inconsistent with the standards expected of public servants.
Officials also sustained charges involving repeated violations of departmental rules and regulations.
The disciplinary disclosure did not provide additional details regarding those violations beyond the offenses connected to the DWI arrest and subsequent conviction.
The case remained pending administratively for several years before the final settlement was reached.
Key Points
• Union City Police Sergeant Patricia Lazzarini was arrested by Branchburg police on Jan. 30, 2021.
• She was charged with DWI, refusal to submit to a breath test, and failure to maintain a lane.
• Lazzarini was found guilty of operating under the influence of liquor or drugs and traffic on marked lanes on Feb. 13, 2023.
• The department sustained charges of conduct unbecoming a public employee and repeated violations of rules and regulations.
• Lazzarini settled the disciplinary matter in December 2025 and received a 180-day suspension.