NEW BRUNSWICK -- A former Sayreville police officer admitted Thursday he tampered with a patrol car's dashboard camera while running a personal errand.

James Pizzillo, 33, pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree count of tampering with public records during a hearing before Judge Michael Toto.

Pizzillo admitted he covered the patrol car's dashboard camera April 8 while running a "quick, personal errand" in Woodbridge, his private attorney Michael Weiss said. He was arrested the same day, authorities said.

Pizzillo, who joined the police force two years ago and made $55,496 annually, according to state pension data, also agreed to give up any future employment with law enforcement.

"That's now and in the future, meaning it could be permanently, do you understand that?" the judge asked.

"Yes," Pizzillo responded.

Prosecutors will recommend one to five years of probation, Toto said.

Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka. Find NJ.com on Facebook.