A New Jersey police department says an officer who was recorded threatening school district employees in an expletive-filled rant acted in a "justified" manner.

The Record reports Bogota police Sgt. Craig Lynch left the recording when he accidentally called the Bogota School District in August. In the recording, Lynch threatens to give teachers tickets and warns against a battle with police.

Steen Elementary School principal Dayle Santoro says Lynch cursed at her about a former school employee who hadn't been rehired.

Interim Superintendent Vincent Varcadipane filed a complaint, prompting a department investigation. In a response, Police Capt. James Sepp recognized the exchange happened but said Lynch's actions were "justified, legal and or proper".

The Bogota Board of Education plans to discuss the recording at a meeting Tuesday.