SADDLE RIVER, NJ – The Saddle River Police Department should be an institution of fairness, integrity, and accountability—but under the leadership of Chief Jason Cosgriff, it has become a breeding ground for harassment, discrimination, and blatant retaliation.
Rather than fostering a professional law enforcement agency, Cosgriff has cultivated a toxic environment where cronyism thrives and officers who challenge his authority are silenced. The most glaring example? His treatment of Sgt. Diana Golonek, the only female officer in the department.
A Chief Who Doesn’t Want Women in His Department
According to a lawsuit filed by Sgt. Golonek, Cosgriff made it clear from day one that he “did not want female officers in his department”.
📌 Instead of leading by example, he encouraged a culture of exclusion, hostility, and harassment.
🔹 Nicknamed Female Officers as “Blonde Stupid Squad” – Golonek and her squad were mocked and ridiculed.
🔹 Told Officers to Avoid Her – Colleagues were warned not to associate with her, isolating her in the workplace.
🔹 Forced Excessive Drug Testing – She was tested more frequently than male officers, with extraordinary measures used to ensure she couldn’t challenge the process.
🔹 Denied Equipment Male Officers Had – Her request for an equipment vest (which would have prevented back injuries) was denied, even though other officers were given them.
🔹 Accused Her of Being in a Motorcycle Gang – Because she owns a motorcycle, a book on motorcycle gangs was mysteriously left in her mailbox, further trying to discredit her.
These are not the actions of a leader—they are the tactics of a bully with a badge.
Retaliation Against Those Who Speak Out
When Sgt. Golonek filed a Notice of Tort Claim in July 2023 detailing years of harassment, did Cosgriff take action to fix the toxic workplace?
💬 No. Instead, five months later, disciplinary charges were filed against her.
🔹 Selective Enforcement: Other supervisors have altered reports in the past, yet only Golonek was targeted.
🔹 Firing Back with a Bogus Case: The so-called “report tampering” charges only surfaced AFTER she filed her complaint.
🔹 Creating a Hostile Work Environment: Officers who sympathized with her were threatened with discipline, ensuring a culture of silence and fear.
This isn’t law enforcement—it’s workplace bullying with a badge and gun.
A Pattern of Failed Leadership
This isn’t just about one officer—Cosgriff’s tenure has been marked by a complete lack of leadership, accountability, and fairness.
🔹 He plays favorites – Officers who are loyal to him receive special treatment, while those who challenge his authority face retaliation.
🔹 He protects discrimination – Instead of stopping harassment, he has enabled it.
🔹 He ignores complaints – When serious allegations are brought to his attention, he buries them rather than fixing the problem.
Why Is He Still Chief?
With so many red flags, why is Jason Cosgriff still running the department?
📌 Because Mayor Albert Kurpis allows it.
Instead of demanding accountability, the Mayor has protected Cosgriff—allowing this toxic leadership to continue. A true leader would demand change.
Time for a New Chief
Saddle River needs a police department built on professionalism, fairness, and trust—not one run like a private boys’ club where discrimination, retaliation, and intimidation are the norm.
🚨 If Cosgriff refuses to resign, the people of Saddle River must demand new leadership. 🚨
🚨 What’s Next?
🔹 Will Mayor Kurpis continue protecting him?
🔹 Will the town allow this culture of harassment to continue?
Residents, officers, and taxpayers deserve better. The people of Saddle River should demand justice, accountability, and a chief who upholds the law—not one who breaks it.
📢 Share this if you believe Saddle River deserves leadership with integrity.
#SaddleRiver #PoliceCorruption #ChiefCosgriff #GenderDiscrimination #AbuseOfPower #Accountability #TimeForChange
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