Date of Offense
Offense(s)
Official Statement
Terminated: No
Demoted: No
Suspended: Yes
Other Sanction:
Resigned, retired, transferred, orseparated while case was pending:
# of Days Suspended: 10
Sustained Charge: CHARGES: N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(1) – Incompetency, inefficiency or failure to perform
duties
N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(6) – Conduct unbecoming a public employee N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐ 2.3(a)(7) – Neglect of Duty
N.J.A.C. 4A:2‐2.3(a)(12) – Othersufficient cause –
Violation of Essex County Departmental Rules and Regulations:
3:1.2 Competence
3:1.9 Performance of Duty
3:2.1 Prohibited Activities on Duty
Description: Based on the Video surveillance from July 6, 2023, an Investigator revealed that at approximately 0504 hours Essex County Police Officer Michael Romero was observed seated at the Pre Book desk sleeping. Officer Romero was observed in a continuous state of sleep with brief moments of awakening and immediately returning to sleep for approximately 34 minutes.
