NJ Cop Suspended for Using a Police Database to Hit on Woman

A 29-year-old officer, Joshua A. James, from the Neptune Township Police Department in South Jersey, has found himself in a troubling situation. Reports from NJ.com indicate that James was suspended and arrested, facing two charges of third-degree computer-related criminal activity.

The incident unfolded when James, while on duty at an elementary school in Monmouth County on January 10, noticed a 28-year-old mother picking up her child. Subsequently, he allegedly accessed two national databases, the Spillman Flex Law Enforcement Database and the FBI-managed Criminal Justice Information System, to locate her home address.

With the woman's address in hand, James purportedly used his police cruiser to drive to her residence and proceeded to make advances towards her, all while still in uniform. According to a police affidavit, he inquired about her relationship status and requested her phone number. The affidavit further revealed that he later contacted the woman via calls and texts.

The inappropriate use of these databases, intended solely for law enforcement purposes, has raised serious concerns. The woman, feeling uncomfortable with the officer's actions, promptly reported the incident to the department, leading to James' subsequent arrest.