Human Services Cop Accused of Assaulting Psychiatric Patient With Weapon

A former sergeant with the Department of Human Services Police was indicted Tuesday after allegedly using excessive force on a psychiatric patient in March 2013, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announced.

An investigation revealed that Jamal Hogan, 41, of East Orange was responding to an incident at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital when he allegedly used excessive force with his officially-issued baton on a patient there on March 6, 2013, Knapp said. After the incident, Knapp said, Hogan allegedly took steps to hinder the investigation into his unlawful use of force.

Hogan was indicted on two counts of second degree official misconduct; second degree aggravated assault; third degree aggravated assault; fourth degree aggravated assault; second degree hindering own apprehension; third degree hindering own apprehension; and third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Hogan was released on his own recognizance, according to First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services said Hogan is no longer an employee there, but could not specify his date of separation. Patch’s call to Hogan’s former supervisor was not immediately returned.

Hogan’s salary as a sergeant in 2013 was $77,108.68.