Investigation Of Cop Who Assaulted Teen Initiated By GTPD: Chief

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — An incident in which a Gloucester Township police officer allegedly assaulted a 13-year-old girl was first reported by his superior and not as a result of any civilian complaints, Gloucester Township Police Chief Harry Earle said in a statement to the community Saturday night.

“The incident occurred on March 8, and it was initially investigated that evening by the officer’s supervisor who immediately recognized as what he believed behavior that was inconsistent with the training and values of the Gloucester Township Police Department,” Earle said. “The supervisor contacted higher level police command who initiated a full internal affairs investigation under my authority.”

John Flinn, 27, is charged with simple assault for hitting the girl on the right side of the face with an open hand twice while he and other officers responded to a report of a disturbance, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday.

Flinn is accused of hitting the girl while she was handcuffed, even though she complied with police instructions. The incident was recorded by the responding officers' body-worn cameras. The girl was taken to the hospital for evaluation, and wasn’t facing criminal challenges.

Flinn, a Gloucester Township police officer since 2015, was placed on immediate administrative leave when the internal investigation began, Earle said. Earle then suspended Flinn on March 15. Earle then referred the matter to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Flinn has a court date scheduled for April 17, according to the prosecutor’s office.

“I am proud that any employee of the Gloucester Township Police Department well understands that they must report any improper conduct,” Earle said. “It is clear that all members of the department have the confidence that allegations of conduct that are improper, unlawful, or that do not meet the standards of our guiding principles of honor, integrity, compassion, respect, fairness, and courage will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with swiftly.”

Earle said there are restrictions on what information can be released at this time, but the police department and the township will release more information as they can.

“I am grateful of the relationship that our officers have built with the community, and I am very confident that this incident will in no way will damage that relationship,” Earle said. “Our community members should rest assured that this incident was uncovered internally through our own checks and balances system and was not the result of a civilian complaint. This was the Gloucester Township Police Department policing itself which is the level of professionalism that I demand.

“Anyone who has a concern about an officer’s performance or actions may report that issue to Internal Affairs at professionalstandards@gtpolice.com. Officers also greatly appreciate positive feedback regarding their every day hard work and dedication and such messages may be sent to police@gtpolice.com.”

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