Full Notification

On February 16, 2019, The Waldwick Police Department received a Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order that was granted by the Bergen County Superior Court. This order mandated that the officers of the Waldwick Police Department serve this restraining order on Michael Harkin. A section of this restraining order required officers to lawfully search and seize any weapons, his Firearms ID card and any Pistol Permits in his possession. Mr. Harkin was noncompliant with the Judicial Order prohibiting him to possess any weapons or documents. Mr. Harkin informed officers that he would not comply with the order.
           
Due to Mr. Harkin’s non-compliance with a lawfully issued Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order, officers were required to search for, and to seize, weapons for safekeeping as directed by the restraining order. Officers seized the weapons and the weapons were secured at the Waldwick Police Department.  As part of the search for the weapons, officers located two high capacity rifle magazines. These magazines were seized as part of the search warrant issued by the domestic violence restraining order.

Mr. Harkin was arrested and charged with 2C:29-9A, Contempt, by knowingly disobeying a judicial order. This charge was downgraded and disposed of on March 14, 2019. Mr. Harkin was not charged with possessing the high capacity magazines or with any other criminal violations relating to this incident.  Mr. Harkin is scheduled for a civil action hearing on November 15, 2019 to determine if the property seized by the Waldwick Police Department can be returned. This is not a criminal proceeding.