Neptune Township Cop Accused of Misusing Police Database to Approach Woman

Neptune Township, NJ – A Neptune Township police officer has been arrested and suspended after allegedly misusing a law enforcement database to find a woman’s home address and then showing up at her residence while in uniform to ask her out.

Officer Joshua A. James, 29, is facing two counts of third-degree computer-related crimes, according to authorities. Prosecutors say James first saw the woman at a local elementary school and later accessed confidential police records to obtain her address. He then reportedly visited her home in his patrol uniform, an action that has sparked serious concerns over abuse of power and privacy violations.

“This is a clear breach of public trust,” a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office stated. “Law enforcement officers are given access to sensitive information for official duties—not for personal interests.”

James has been suspended from duty while the case proceeds. If convicted, he could face significant legal penalties, including prison time.

The Neptune Township Police Department has not yet issued a statement on the incident. Residents and community advocates have called for increased oversight on how officers handle private data.

This case adds to growing national concerns over the misuse of police resources for personal gain. Officials urge anyone who believes they have been targeted in a similar manner to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities.