"[The chief's] actions not only fail to meet the standards of professional conduct but also appear intended to humiliate me and other victims." That's according to a North Bergen, NJ, police officer speaking to People Magazine about his boss, Police Chief Robert Farley.
"Failing to meet the standards of professional conduct" might be understatement of the year. Farley is accused of horrific and unacceptable behavior.
💩 Spiking the coffee pot: Farley is accused of adding prescription medications like Viagra and Adderall to the office coffee, causing staff unknowingly to experience side effects.
💩 Stabbing an officer with a needle: He allegedly chased an officer and stuck a hypodermic needle through the officer's jeans into his genitals.
💩 Inappropriate exposure: Farley reportedly exposed himself to colleagues, making inappropriate comments about his genitals.
💩 Harassing behavior: Farley allegedly sent inappropriate items, such as sex toys, to officers' homes.
💩 Retaliation: Officers claim Farley retaliated against those who cooperated with internal investigations by reassigning them to unfavorable shifts and withholding promotions.
For its part, the township is standing behind Farley. North Bergen officials have expressed full confidence in Farley's leadership and deny the claims, characterizing them as false and outrageous. (I agree that they are at least one of those.) In an abundance of caution, however, the township has referred the allegations to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for review.
Allegations are just that. And if the Prosecutor's Office clears Farley, I'll withdraw this nomination. But, I've been doing this long enough to know that allegations this specific usually aren't fabricated. Either these are the most creative group of employees currently working together, or this is one of the Worst Employers of 2025. I'm betting on the latter.