UNION CITY, NJ — How long will the Union City Police Department continue to sideline two officers after the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office reportedly found no wrongdoing?

Detective Jorge Haber and Officer David Tafur have reportedly spent over a year on modified duty, assigned to dispatch rather than their regular law enforcement responsibilities, following allegations that confidential police body-camera footage and political information were leaked to investigative journalist Leroy Truth, known for exposing corruption in Union City.

The investigation reportedly included the seizure of both officers’ personal cell phones pursuant to a warrant. Yet, according to information provided to this publication, the Attorney General’s Office concluded just couple months ago that neither officer engaged in wrongdoing.

So why are they still being punished through continued modified-duty assignments?

The matter has reportedly returned to the Union City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, where Chief Walter Laurencio and department leadership have yet to restore the officers to regular duty. The continued delay also raises concerns about Detective Haber’s future promotional opportunities, in which currently, Det. Haber is placed on the Sgt promotional list.

The political implications are especially troubling. Both officers have reportedly been viewed as political opponents of Mayor Brian Stack.

Even more concerning, Officer Tafur recently testified against Stack in a racial discrimination lawsuit brought by a retired Union City police officer. According to judicial records and the verdict by the Jury, Stack and a former police chief were found liable in both their official and individual capacities.

The question is unavoidable: Is Union City conducting a legitimate administrative review, or using Internal Affairs and modified-duty assignments as instruments of political retaliation?

If the Attorney General’s Office found no wrongdoing, Chief Laurencio and Mayor Stack owe the public an explanation for why these officers remain sidelined.

An officer’s political views or testimony against City leadership should never determine that officer’s career opportunities.

Union City residents deserve accountability—not a police department where political loyalty appears to matter more than fairness, due process, and professional integrity.