February 2026 | The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine 47
The LRM gives all leaders the attributes and competencies to strive to Be, Know, and Do good leadership.
About the Author
Brigadier General John J. Driscoll is a 33-year Army Veteran who retired in 2022 commanding the MA Army National Guard. He is a life-long learner and speaker on leadership and currently serves as the North American Chairman for DS Compliance, which established DS Keywords Hub for New Jersey Law Enforcement.
To learn more about the innovative capabilities of DS-Compliance and DS-Keywords, please visit www. ds-compliance. com or email info @ ds-compliance. com.
Advanced Internal Affairs Investigation Program
Professional internal affairs investigations are fundamental to accountability, public trust, and organizational legitimacy in modern policing. The Advanced Internal Affairs Investigation Program, offered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, is designed specifically for New Jersey Internal Affairs investigators who require deeper, practical, and legally grounded expertise.
This intensive program guides participants through the internal affairs investigation process from intake to final disposition, emphasizing consistency, objectivity, and strict adherence to the New Jersey Attorney General’ s Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures. Instruction addresses critical competencies including interviewing complainants, witnesses, and officers; evaluating criminal court allegations; and producing clear, defensible investigative reports that withstand administrative and legal scrutiny.
A core element of the curriculum examines the legal framework governing internal affairs, with focused analysis of civil rights liability under 42 U. S. C. § 1983 and the evolving case law shaping investigator responsibilities. Participants also gain exposure to nocost best-practice recommendations that assist
agencies in achieving full compliance with NJIAPP requirements while strengthening transparency, fairness, and organizational resilience.
The program is delivered by nationally respected subject-matter experts. Captain Robert J. Dikun, Esq.( Ret.), brings decades of experience as a police executive, legal adviser, and municipal prosecutor, with extensive oversight of criminal, administrative, and internal affairs investigations. Dr. William Toms, former interim Deputy Superintendent of Investigations for the New Jersey State Police, contributes strategic insight informed by senior-level leadership during periods of federal oversight and command of professional standards operations.
Designed for today’ s complex accountability environment, the Advanced Internal Affairs Investigation Program equips investigators with the knowledge, discipline, and perspective required to conduct fair, consistent, and legally defensible investigations that protect officers, agencies, and the communities they serve. Enrollment provides professional development value for agencies seeking excellence in internal affairs operations and sustained public confidence statewide.