NJ Police Officer Files Lawsuit Alleging Pregnancy-Related Harassment and Workplace Retaliation
A police officer in New Jersey has filed a lawsuit claiming she faced harassment, discrimination, and a hostile work environment after announcing her pregnancy and her relationship with a fellow officer within the same department.
The case involves the Union Beach Police Department in Monmouth County. According to the lawsuit filed in Monmouth County Superior Court, the 26-year-old officer alleges that her workplace treatment changed significantly after she disclosed her pregnancy in 2022 and informed the department about her romantic relationship with another officer, in line with internal policy requirements.
The officer, who initially joined the department as a dispatcher in 2018 and later became a full-time police officer in July 2022, claims that her personal disclosures triggered negative reactions within the department. The lawsuit alleges that discussions about her pregnancy and engagement took place during a closed borough council session, and that details from that meeting were later shared across the department, leading to rumors and workplace hostility.
She further claims that senior officials discussed her situation in a way that suggested disciplinary or legal consequences related to her relationship. The complaint states that these actions contributed to what she describes as humiliation, stress, and isolation at work.
The lawsuit also alleges repeated inappropriate comments from colleagues and supervisors during her pregnancy, including remarks about her medical care and personal life. It claims she was treated differently from other officers and felt socially excluded within the department.
In addition, the complaint states that comments about her situation were also made on social media platforms involving both officers and community members, which further increased pressure and emotional distress.
According to the filing, the officer and her now-husband were later asked to sign a revised workplace relationship policy that she argues was not previously in effect when she initially disclosed her relationship. She describes this as further evidence of being singled out at work.
The officer also states that she sought therapy due to work-related stress and eventually took maternity leave in late 2022, followed by an extended unpaid leave due to what she describes as severe emotional strain from the workplace environment.
After returning to duty in early 2024, the lawsuit claims she again faced comments within union discussions about her maternity leave and broader concerns about hiring women in the department, including remarks questioning future pregnancies.
The complaint further alleges that when she became pregnant again in 2025, similar negative attitudes and comments resurfaced, contributing to ongoing anxiety and fear about her job security and working conditions. She ultimately went on leave again in December 2025 and remains on disability leave, citing concerns about returning to what she describes as a hostile environment.
The lawsuit claims violations of the New Jersey Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, along with federal and state employment protections, and also raises claims involving the police union’s duty of fair representation. The officer is seeking a jury trial and monetary damages.
Officials from the borough and police department have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing.
Sources:
Monmouth County Superior Court filing (May 1 lawsuit records)
Allegations and statements referenced from the plaintiff’s legal complaint
Borough and police department response status (not available at time of report)
