Paramus Officer Claims Facebook ‘Like’ Led to Promotion Denial and Internal Affairs Probe, Lawsuit Alleges
A police officer in Paramus, New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a simple interaction on social media became the turning point that cost him a promotion and triggered an internal investigation within the department.
Michael Boccher Sr., a long-serving officer with the Paramus Police Department, claims in court documents that he was unfairly passed over for a promotion to sergeant after he “liked” a Facebook post discussing accountability of police officers. The post stated that law enforcement officials should be held responsible for their actions and are not above the law.
According to the lawsuit filed in Bergen County Superior Court, Boccher believes the action was used against him as a disciplinary concern, later leading to an internal affairs complaint that accused him of violating the department’s social media policy. He states that the investigation followed in December 2025, months after the online interaction.
The lawsuit further alleges that the department’s leadership, under Police Chief Robert Guidetti, engaged in biased promotion practices. Boccher claims that promotions within the department favored personal connections rather than professional merit. He argues that several officers with less experience were promoted ahead of him.
One of the incidents highlighted in the filing involves a patrol vehicle theft linked to an officer described as a close associate of the chief. According to the complaint, that officer’s vehicle was stolen while he was off duty in Hackensack, and it was later involved in a crash after the suspect drove it away. The lawsuit claims the situation was handled internally and that the officer involved was later promoted to sergeant.
Boccher also alleges that the incident was initially downplayed within the department until it gained public attention, after which it was addressed more openly by leadership. He argues this reflects unequal treatment compared to his own situation.
In addition to claims related to the social media issue, Boccher states that he was denied entry into a promotional preparation program without clear explanation. He also suggests that age may have played a role in decisions that affected his career advancement, citing that younger officers were promoted ahead of him.
The lawsuit includes claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Boccher is seeking promotion to sergeant along with back pay dating to 2023, arguing that he met all professional requirements and was unfairly excluded from advancement opportunities.
Boccher, who joined the Paramus Police Department in 2004 and has served in specialized units including the Bergen County Fatal Accident Unit, is described in the filing as a highly experienced and decorated officer with multiple commendations throughout his career.
The police chief, Robert Guidetti, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit and has referred inquiries to the borough attorney. The borough’s legal representative has declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
The case highlights growing tensions around social media conduct policies in law enforcement agencies and raises broader questions about transparency in internal promotion systems within police departments.
Sources:
Court filings submitted in Bergen County Superior Court, New Jersey
Statements referenced from Paramus Police Department and borough legal representatives
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (state statute reference)
