Appellate Court Upholds Termination of Roselle Police Chief

The New Jersey Superior Court’s Appellate Division has upheld the termination of Roselle Police Chief Stacey Williams, overturning a previous decision that allowed him to return to the department. Williams was removed from duty Friday morning, October 9, 2026, following the court’s ruling.

The Appellate Division’s decision reverses a June 2025 ruling by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission that had reduced Williams’ termination to a 30-day suspension.

Background of the Case

The disciplinary matter stems from allegations that Williams used a homophobic slur while speaking with subordinate officers. An Internal Affairs investigation was conducted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

An administrative law judge found that Williams had engaged in conduct unbecoming a public employee. However, the judge recommended a 30-day suspension rather than termination, citing Williams’ lengthy career and limited prior disciplinary history.

The Borough of Roselle appealed the Civil Service Commission’s decision, arguing that Williams’ conduct warranted termination given his position as the department’s highest-ranking officer.

The Appellate Court’s Ruling

In a 15-page opinion issued Friday, the Appellate Division agreed with the Borough. The court found that the Civil Service Commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously in reducing the penalty.

“In his actions, Williams discredited himself and the Borough and negatively impacted the public’s respect and confidence in RPD,” the court wrote in its decision.

Municipal Response

Mayor Donald Shaw responded to the ruling in a statement released by the Borough.

“This ruling is a victory for accountability and professionalism,” Shaw said. “Our Police Department must be led by individuals who demonstrate respect for every officer and every member of our community.”

The decision concludes a lengthy disciplinary dispute that has spanned multiple years and multiple levels of review within the state’s administrative and court system.

FAQ

Q: What was Police Chief Stacey Williams terminated for?

A: Williams was terminated based on allegations that he used a homophobic slur while speaking with subordinate officers. An Internal Affairs investigation was conducted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. An administrative law judge found that Williams had engaged in conduct unbecoming a public employee.

Q: What happened in the June 2025 Civil Service Commission ruling?

A: The Civil Service Commission reduced Williams’ termination to a 30-day suspension, citing his lengthy career and limited prior disciplinary history. This allowed Williams to be reinstated as police chief.

Q: Why did the Borough appeal the Civil Service Commission’s decision?

A: The Borough argued that Williams’ conduct warranted termination given his position as the department’s highest-ranking officer. The Borough believed that a 30-day suspension was an insufficient penalty for the use of derogatory language by the police chief.

Q: What did the Appellate Division decide?

A: The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division upheld the termination, agreeing with the Borough. The court found that the Civil Service Commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously in reducing the penalty from termination to a 30-day suspension.

Q: What did the court say about Williams’ conduct?

A: In its 15-page opinion, the court wrote: “In his actions, Williams discredited himself and the Borough and negatively impacted the public’s respect and confidence in RPD.”

Q: What is the status now?

A: Williams was removed from duty on Friday, October 9, 2026, following the Appellate Division’s ruling upholding his termination.