Bloomfield Cops, Military Vets Win Discrimination Suit: Reports

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A group of Bloomfield law enforcement officers prevailed in a long-running discrimination lawsuit against the township and its police department earlier this month. Two of the officers will get $1 million in damages, a report says.

An Essex County jury ruled in favor of the officers on July 3, who claimed that they were passed over for promotions, targeted in internal affairs probes and endured a hostile work environment because of their U.S. military service, NJ.com reported.

Four Bloomfield officers filed the lawsuit in 2014; two have since retired. The other two will each get $400,000 in punitive damages, with one officer receiving $125,000 and another $75,000 for emotional damages, NJ.com reported.

A spokesperson with the New Jersey state Fraternal Order of Police told NorthJersey.com that the group supports its members from the Bloomfield Police Department.

“We're happy to see a fair decision is made and we wish them all the luck in their future endeavors,” he said.

The township has reportedly filed appeals. It isn’t known when the officers could potentially receive their compensation, NorthJersey.com reported.

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