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Judge Orders Firing of NJ Officers Over Racial Slurs

1/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A New Jersey judge ruled Chief Pedro Matos and Sgt. Joseph Teston can be fired after their suspensions for using racial slurs.
The investigation began in 2020 after recordings revealed the racist remarks by Matos and Teston.
The reinstatement lawsuit was dismissed on December 18, 2023; State Attorney General Matthew Platkin had previously recommended termination, and Capt. Vincent Concina was suspended for retaliating against a whistleblower.

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Story summary

A New Jersey judge ruled Chief Pedro Matos and Sgt. Joseph Teston can be fired after their suspensions for using racial slurs.
The investigation began in 2020 after recordings revealed the racist remarks by Matos and Teston.
The reinstatement lawsuit was dismissed on December 18, 2023; State Attorney General Matthew Platkin had previously recommended termination, and Capt. Vincent Concina was suspended for retaliating against a whistleblower.