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Hackensack Police Chief Named in Federal Civil Rights Suit

By Evan Mix

Published on July 10, 2009

The police department of Hackensack, New Jersey is embroiled in controversy this week amid the filing of a federal lawsuit accusing the department's chief and other officials of civil rights violations. The suit, filed by seven current and former police officers, accuses Police Chief Charles Zisa of using his position for personal and political gain. It is the second such lawsuit filed against Zisa in recent months.

According to the suit, Zisa and his allies inside the department, unions, and local government pressured officers to support their political causes, including instructing them on how to vote and demanding campaign donations. Zisa allegedly took disciplinary action against those who did not do as they were told - assigning them to undesirable duties, withholding promotions, initiating fraudulent disciplinary action, and even forcing one officer to retire. An alleged Zisa ally is also accused of assaulting another officer at a union meeting.

Chief Zisa was appointed in 1995 by his brother, then-Hackensack Mayor Jack Zisa. Another brother, Frank Zisa, is Deputy Chief of Police. Also named as defendants in the suit are City Attorney Joseph Zisa (a cousin); police officers Philip Carroll, Tomas Padilla, Anthony Trezza, and Kevin Toomey; Police Captain Thomas Salcedo; and the City of Hackensack. Zisa has publicly denounced the suits, saying they "have no merit" and will be proven false.

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Keyword Tags: civil rights

Comments

1

If it were not true, would there be twelve police officers filing against him. That's more that ten percent of the rank and file.

Thomas Aiellos, about 2 years ago

2

seems like the ziass run hackensack

jim bruy, about 2 years ago

3

Hopefully the truth will come out in court. However, when you wield the power of the Zisa's, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Now you know why I left Hackensack nearly 25 yrs ago having been born and raised there for 28 years. Corruption is an understatement. Its not what you know, but who you know. And, God help you if you cross those in power. I'm happy to see "what goes around, comes around". Good Luck to those officers with the guts to stand up and be counted. It must be hard on them and their families. I would love to see the community get behind these guys and lend a hand to help them weather the storm. I'll continue to keep them in my prayers. And to my old friend Captain John "Joey" Carroll, if and when the time comes and you need me to bake you a cake with a file... send me an email. I pray that you wake up and see what you have done as being wrong. You are on the wrong side... the dark side. You were raised better than that. I know so. Please, get your act together and fess up by telling the truth. Its never too late to switch to the side of GOOD versus evil. Chief Zisa? You sold out for this bastard? I cannot understand why you'd sell your friends out for him. He isn't worth it. I guess you're starting to see it now. Good luck old friend. Send me an email if you need support. You too are in my prayers. God Bless all ya'll.

Mark Ford, over 1 year ago

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