Township of Toms River, NJ Article I Establishment

§ 50-1 Department and officers continued; duties; rules and regulations.

A. There is hereby continued in the Township of Toms River, in the County of Ocean, the Law Enforcement Department of the Township of Toms River.

B. Police officers regularly employed by the Township of Toms River at the time of passage of this chapter shall continue as members of the Law Enforcement Department of the Township of Toms River, in the County of Ocean.

C. The Law Enforcement Department shall preserve the public peace; protect life and property; detect, arrest and prosecute offenders of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of Toms River; direct and control traffic; provide assistance and protection during emergencies; provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement agencies; and provide training for the efficiency of its members and officers.

D. The Business Administrator shall be designated as the appropriate authority as provided by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. The Business Administrator shall be responsible for the overall performance of the Law Enforcement Department. The Business Administrator shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the government of the Law Enforcement Department and for the discipline of its members.

§ 50-2 Appointments and tenure; leaves of absence.

A. All appointments by the Township and promotions shall be for a probationary period of one year after graduation from the police academy, or one year after date of hire if appointment was made after graduation from police academy, after which the appointment or promotion shall be made permanent by the Township, by resolution, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police. The Township, after considering the recommendation of the Chief of Police, may, in its absolute discretion, terminate the employment of any probationary appointee without cause or refuse to make a permanent promotion at any time during said one-year period. Except as otherwise provided by law, the employment of permanent members of the Law Enforcement Department shall be indeterminate and continuous during good behavior and efficiency.

B. The Chief of Police shall be appointed to the office of the Chief of Police by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township Council, and such appointment shall not be subject to a probationary period or recommendation. The Chief of Police shall have served at least one year time in grade as Captain.

[Amended 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. 4136-08]

C. (Reserved)[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, regarding the Deputy Chief of Police, was repealed 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. 4136-08. The intent of this ordinance was to abolish the title of Deputy Chief of Police. Any person currently holding this title shall remain in said position until the separation of that employee from employment with the Township of Toms River.

D. Any full-time police officer who shall be injured, ill or disabled from any cause shall be granted a leave of absence with pay not exceeding one year pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-137, provided that the appointed Police Physician shall certify to such illness or disability.