New Jersey Officer Wins Jury Case After Promotion Denied Over Political Bias

A Union County jury sided with a longtime Cranford police officer who alleged political vengeance denied him a promotion. After his wife attended a fundraiser for a mayor-opposing candidate, Cranford Police Department officer Timothy O’Brien claimed township officials discriminated against him.

O’Brien sued in 2023 after being passed over for sergeant-to-lieutenant advancement. O’Brien was told he would not progress in rank despite having six more years of experience than the promoted officer. A township administrator advised then-Police Chief Ryan Greco about O’Brien’s promotion, according to court records. According to Chief Greco, O’Brien’s familial ties to the mayoral contender sparked concerns.

On November 2, 2022, O’Brien presented his credentials to three senior officers for promotion. The following day, township officials notified him he would not be promoted despite being qualified. The lawsuit claimed that the municipality violated its promotion standards and denied promotion based on political affiliation.

After the refusal, O’Brien claimed he received threatening text messages from local officials and a nasty message from Chief Greco after the complaint was filed. He claimed that his routine interactions with the chief decreased and that department promotions were halted for a long time.

O’Brien’s attorney noted that his client was promoted to lieutenant before the civil trial, highlighting the issues of marginalization in law enforcement. This three-week trial ended on December 23 with a unanimous verdict for O’Brien. Chief Greco and other township officials intentionally retaliated against O’Brien for exercising his constitutional right to political association, the verdict found.

The jury awarded O’Brien $17,800 for economic losses from the delayed promotion, but punitive damages will be determined separately. Then-Mayor Brian Andrews was acquitted. Andrews said the jury’s ruling backed his claim that the lawsuit had unfairly targeted him. He is Cranford’s Public Works & Engineering commissioner.

The case emphasizes community politics and law enforcement promotions and the necessity for transparent, merit-based municipal hiring. It also highlights state and federal protections for public employees’ constitutionally protected political involvement.

Sources:

• Union County Superior Court records
• Statements from Timothy O’Brien and his attorney
• Official statement from Brian Andrews, Cranford Commissioner of Public Works & Engineering