Sgt. Diana Golonek Alleges Years of Discrimination as Department Moves Forward with Public Hearings
SADDLE RIVER, NJ – The Saddle River Police Department is set to hold public disciplinary hearings against Sgt. Diana Golonek, the only female officer on the force, as she fights back with a lawsuit alleging a pattern of harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation.
The hearings will take place on February 11, 13, and 20 at 10 a.m. in Saddle River Borough Hall, where Golonek will face contested charges stemming from a report-modification incident.
A Battle Over More Than Just a Report
Golonek, a 12-year veteran of the department, claims the charges are baseless and represent a larger culture of unchecked bullying against her. She filed a 47-page lawsuit in September 2024, seeking a jury trial, accusing the department of targeting her unfairly due to her gender.
According to the lawsuit, the hostility against her intensified under Police Chief Jason Cosgriff, who took over in 2018. The complaint alleges that Cosgriff openly opposed female officers in his department and encouraged a culture of exclusion.
Allegations of Harassment & Retaliation
Golonek’s lawsuit outlines years of mistreatment, including:
🔹 Derogatory Nicknames – Officers allegedly referred to her squad as the “blonde stupid squad.”
🔹 Workplace Isolation – Colleagues were warned that she was a “negative person” and “not a good officer” to associate with.
🔹 Targeted Drug Testing – She claims she was tested more frequently than male officers, including a 2021 incident where red Gatorade was poured into a toilet to prevent sample dilution.
🔹 Accusations of Criminal Ties – She was accused of being in a motorcycle gang simply because she owns and rides one. A book on motorcycle gangs was later left in her department mailbox.
🔹 Equipment Discrimination – Essential taser and body camera chargers were kept in the men’s locker room, excluding her access.
🔹 Denied Accommodations – A request for an equipment vest—commonly used to relieve back strain—was refused, forcing her to carry heavy gear on her belt.
🔹 Blame for Delayed Promotions – She was scapegoated for slowing down promotions for other officers due to her legal complaint.
What’s Next?
With public hearings set to begin, the case is drawing intense scrutiny over workplace culture and gender bias in law enforcement.
🔹 Mayor Albert Kurpis and Chief Cosgriff have not responded to requests for comment.
🔹 Golonek remains on duty, but her legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for the department.
The outcome of this case could reshape workplace policies within the Saddle River Police Department—and beyond.
Where & When to Attend the Hearings
📍 Location: Saddle River Borough Hall, 100 E. Allendale Road
📅 Dates: February 11, 13, and 20
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
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