[Adopted 5-26-1975 as Sec. 2-10 of the 1975 Code, as amended through Ord. No. 575-96]
[Amended 3-18-2002 by Ord. No. 781-02; 7-18-2005 by Ord. No. 885-05]
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, there is hereby established in the Borough a Police Department, which shall be known as the "Police Department of the Borough of Old Tappan."
[Amended 7-18-2005 by Ord. No. 885-05]
A. 
Appointment. The Mayor shall, at the first regular meeting of the Borough Council in January in each year, appoint from among the members of the Borough Council a Police Committee and a Police Commissioner, the latter of whom shall serve as Chairman of the Committee and who shall serve in such capacity without compensation.
B. 
Appropriate authority. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Mayor and Council is hereby designated as the “appropriate authority.” The appropriate authority shall have general supervisory authority over the Police Department to ensure the efficient and effective operation thereof.
[Amended 7-18-2005 by Ord. No. 885-05; 9-7-2021 by Ord. No. 1191-21]
A. 
There are hereby created the following positions in the Police Department of the Borough of Old Tappan:
(1) 
One Chief of Police;
(2) 
One Deputy Chief of Police;
(3) 
One Captain;
(4) 
One Lieutenant;
(5) 
Four Sergeants.
(6) 
A maximum of 15 patrol officers.
B. 
Designation of the foregoing members shall not make appointment thereto at any time mandatory, and vacancies therein may occur from time to time.
[Amended 5-19-2003 by Ord. No. 822-03]
A. 
The members of the Police Department shall be appointed by the Borough Council and confirmed by a majority vote thereof, at a regular or special meeting.
B. 
The Borough Council may employ special officers for a term not exceeding one year in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Repealed by L. 1985, c. 439. See now N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8.
C. 
A member of the Borough police force may be assigned as a Detective by the Police Chief to serve at his discretion.
[Amended 11-13-2000 by Ord. No. 734-00]
A. 
Persons appointed to the Police Department shall serve a probationary period or term not less than six months nor more than two years and until such time as the Borough Council resolves that the appointment is permanent, at which effective date, and not prior thereto, the appointee shall become a regular member of the Police Department. The Police Commissioner and the Police Committee shall be responsible for observing and reporting the progress and qualifications of any probationary appointee, and the Borough Council shall consider the recommendations of the Commissioner and Committee in determining whether or not to resolve that any appointment be made permanent. The Borough Council shall have the right to terminate the services of any probationary appointee without conducting a hearing thereon and may do so by majority vote solely within its judgment and discretion in the best interests of the Borough.
B. 
Promotion, other than the Chief of Police, shall be made by a majority vote of the Borough Council, upon recommendation of the Police Committee after consultation with the Chief of Police, with due regard to seniority, experience, evaluations, merit and other qualifications. No member of the Police Department shall be promoted to or hold any superior rank until he has served at least three years in the Police Department, exclusive of probationary time. However, whenever the Borough Council shall, by a majority vote, determine that the interests of the Borough security require a waiver of the three-year period, the same may be waived by resolution. Examinations may be conducted to assist in determining the qualifications for such promotion. Such examination shall be selected by the Police Committee.
[Amended 7-18-2005 by Ord. No. 885-05]
No person shall be appointed as a member of the Police Department unless he submits satisfactory evidence to the appointing authority that he is:
A. 
A citizen of the United States and, at the time of application, possesses:
[Amended 11-13-2000 by Ord. No. 734-00; 8-21-2006 by Ord. No. 917-06]
(1) 
A high school degree or equivalent; and
(2) 
An associate's degree or 60 completed college credits from an accredited college or university, or has been honorably discharged from active duty from a branch of the United States Military.
B. 
Of good mental and bodily health sufficient to satisfy the Board of Trustees of the Police and Firemens' Retirement System of New Jersey, and that he is eligible for membership in the retirement system.
C. 
Able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently.
D. 
Of good moral character and free from conviction of any crime constituting an indictable offense, or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude.
E. 
Not less than 18 years of age, nor more than 35 years of age, or that he falls within the provisions of N.J.S.A. 38:23A-2, pertaining to persons having served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
F. 
Able to pass the written, oral and physical examination selected by the Police Committee and as shall be approved by a majority vote of the Borough Council. Such examination shall be conducted by professional police officers or persons not in the employ of the Borough of Old Tappan.
G. 
Willing to take an oath or affirmation before entering upon the duties of his office and within ten days after his appointment to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and faithfully, impartially, and justly to perform all the duties of a member of the Police Department of the Borough according to the best of his ability and understanding.
H. 
Willing to serve a probationary period of not less than six months nor more than two years, during which time he shall be required to attend an accredited school as recommended by the Borough Council.
[Amended 11-13-2000 by Ord. No. 734-00]
A. 
The Chief of Police shall be the head of the Police Department, and the Chief shall be directly responsible to the Mayor and Council for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations thereof, and the Chief shall, pursuant to policies established by the Mayor and Council:
(1) 
Administer and enforce rules and regulations and specific emergency directives for the disposition and discipline of the Police Department and its officers and personnel;
(2) 
Have, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers and duties of the Police Department;
(3) 
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel;
(4) 
Delegate such of the Chief's authority as the Chief may deem necessary for the efficient operation of the Police Department to be exercised under the Chief's direction and supervision; and
(5) 
Report at least monthly to the Police Commissioner in such form as shall be prescribed by the Police Commissioner on the operation of the Police Department during the preceding month, and make such other reports as may be requested by the police commissioner.
B. 
Appointment shall be made by a majority vote of the Borough Council, upon recommendation of the Police Committee after consultation with those deemed by the Committee to have relevant knowledge, with due regard to seniority, experience, merit and other qualifications. No member of the Police Department shall be appointed to or hold the position of Chief of Police unless he/she holds the rank of Sergeant or higher. The procedure to be followed for appointing the Chief of Police shall be established by the Police Committee.
The Chief of Police or, in the Chief's absence, the ranking officer on duty, is authorized to place emergency traffic control devices at intersections governed or controlled by traffic lights, traffic signals or other traffic control devices whenever such lights, signals or devices are rendered impaired or inoperable. Included among such emergency traffic control devices, by way of illustration but not limitation, are road flares, portable signs, barricades and emergency generators. The authority to place emergency traffic control devices conferred by this subsection is intended to supplement and not to limit such emergency powers as are conferred upon the Police Department by law.
A. 
The rights, privileges, powers and duties of members of the Police Department and special officers shall be those prescribed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the ordinances and resolutions of the Borough.
B. 
Rules and regulations consistent with applicable law and this Article I shall from time to time be adopted by resolution of the Mayor and Council to describe:
(1) 
Duties of the Police Department;
(2) 
General rules of the Police Department;
(3) 
Rules of discipline;
(4) 
Duties of the Chief of Police consistent with § 27-7 hereof;
(5) 
Duties of a Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant and patrolman;
(6) 
Procedure of arrests;
(7) 
Uniform and equipment;
(8) 
Leave of absence;
(9) 
Sickness or sick leave;
(10) 
Vacations;
(11) 
Special duties; and
(12) 
Procedure for the proper enforcement of this article.
A. 
No person, except during probationary membership or status, shall be removed from office or employment in any Police Department for political reasons, or for any other cause than incapacity, misconduct, or disobedience of rules and regulations established for the government of the police force and department in the Borough.
B. 
Except as otherwise provided by law, no permanent member or officer shall be suspended, removed, fined or reduced in rank from or in office, employment or position therein, except for just cause as hereinbefore provided and then only upon a written complaint setting forth the charge or charges against such member or officer. The complaint shall be filed in the office of the body, officer or officers having charge of the department or force wherein the complaint is made and a copy shall be served upon the member or officer so charged, with notice of a designated hearing thereon by the proper authorities, which shall not be less than 15 nor more than 30 days from date of service of the complaint. A failure to comply with these provisions as to the service of the complaint shall require a dismissal of the complaint.
C. 
It is the intent of this section to give every person against whom charges for any cause may be preferred under this section a fair trial upon the charges and every reasonable opportunity to make his defense if he has or chooses to make any and that in the event of failure of compliance with any provision of this section, such charges shall be dismissed.
D. 
The Council shall have the power of subpoena under the Seal of the Borough and attested by the Borough Clerk to compel the attendance of witnesses and give testimony or produce evidence, and every person who neglects to obey such subpoena or to give testimony or to answer questions as required shall be subject to the penalties provided by law.
E. 
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, whenever any police officer is charged under the law of this state, another state, or the United States, with an offense, said police officer may be suspended from performing his duties, with pay, until the case against him is disposed of at trial, until the complaint is dismissed, or until the prosecution is terminated, provided that if a grand jury returns an indictment against the officer, or the officer is charged with an offense which is a high misdemeanor or which involves moral turpitude or dishonesty, he may be suspended from his duties, without pay, until the case against him is disposed of at trial, until the complaint is dismissed or until the prosecution is terminated.
F. 
If a suspended police officer is found not guilty at trial, the charges are dismissed or the prosecution is terminated, the officer shall be reinstated to his position and shall be entitled to recover all pay withheld during the period of suspension subject to any disciplinary proceedings or administrative action.
G. 
If any municipal police officer is suspended with pay and is found guilty of the charges brought against him, he shall reimburse the municipality for all pay received by him during the period of his suspension.
H. 
Any person desiring to make a complaint against any member or members of the Police Department shall make the complaint in writing to the Chief of Police. It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police forthwith to deliver the original charges to the Police Commissioner who is in turn to refer to the Mayor and Council for its attention. Upon receipt of any charges against the member of the Department from the Mayor, the Mayor and Council shall take whatever action is deemed necessary.
I. 
In the event a person wishes to make a charge against the Chief of Police, the charges shall be filed with the Police Commissioner who shall in turn transmit same forthwith to the Mayor and Council for its attention in accordance with the provisions of this section.
J. 
Members of the Department serving in a probationary status may be removed from office or membership without charges or hearing and solely within the judgment and discretion of the Mayor and Council.
K. 
When the Borough Council shall, for reasons of economy, decrease the number of regularly appointed members or policemen in the Borough, any policeman so removed shall be carried on a special list and if any new appointments are made to the Department, the policeman so removed shall be appointed thereto before any other person, as required by N.J.S.A. 40:47-11.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Repealed by L. 1971, c. 197.
A. 
Salaries. All members of the Police Department and employees shall receive such compensation as shall be set forth in the Annual Salary Ordinance of the Borough.
[Amended 2-28-2000 by Ord. No. 705-00]
B. 
Retirement benefit for Chief of Police. The Borough shall provide the Chief of Police with a lump-sum payment upon the retirement of the Chief of Police, provided that the Chief of Police has served at least 25 years with the Borough and at least 15 years as Chief of Police of the Borough. The lump-sum payment shall equal 50% of the base annual salary of the Chief of Police for the calendar year next preceding the date of retirement of the Chief of Police except that, if the Chief of Police retires at the end of a calendar year, the payment shall equal 50% of the base annual salary of the Chief of Police at the time of retirement.
[Added 7-16-2001 by Ord. No. 746-01; amended 2-19-2002 by Ord. No. 774-02; 4-21-2008 by Ord. No. 965-08]
A. 
Purpose. For the convenience of those persons and entities which utilize the services of off-duty law enforcement officers of the Old Tappan Police Department and to authorize the outside employment of Borough police while off duty, the Borough hereby establishes a policy regarding the use of said officers and police vehicles.
(1) 
Members of the Police Department shall be permitted to accept police-related employment for private employers or school districts only during off-duty hours and at such time as will not interfere with the efficient performance of regularly scheduled or emergency duty for the Borough.
(2) 
Any person or entity wishing to employ off-duty police shall first obtain the approval of the Chief of Police, which approval shall be granted if, in the opinion of the Chief, such employment would not be inconsistent with the efficient functioning and good reputation of the Police Department and would not unreasonably endanger or threaten the safety of the officer or officers who are to perform the work.
(3) 
In the event that the off-duty employment requires usage of a police vehicle, the officer shall obtain the written consent of the Chief of Police, which approval shall be granted if the nature of the work requires the use of a vehicle, said vehicle is not needed for performance of regular police functions during that period of time and the flat usage fee called for herein is agreed to in writing by the private employer or school district.
B. 
Escrow accounts.
(1) 
Except as provided hereinbelow, any person or entity requesting the services of an off-duty law enforcement officer in the Old Tappan Police Department shall estimate the number of hours such law enforcement services are required, which estimate shall be approved in writing by the Chief of Police, and shall establish an escrow account with the Borough Treasurer of the Borough by depositing an amount sufficient to cover the rates of compensation and administrative fees set forth hereinbelow for the total estimated hours of service.
(2) 
If the amount required to be deposited with the Borough pursuant to Subsection B(1) hereinabove exceeds $20,000, an escrow deposit of $20,000 shall be required. Said $20,000 shall be maintained until such time as the amount required to be deposited for all remaining services on any given project shall be less than $20,000, and then such lesser amount shall be required to be maintained.
(3) 
Prior to posting any request for services of off-duty law enforcement officers, the Chief of Police or his designee shall verify that the balance in the escrow account of the person or entity requesting services is sufficient to cover the compensation and fees for the number of hours specified in the request for services. The Chief of Police shall not post a request for services from any person or entity unless all fees and compensation required in the manner described above have been deposited with the Borough Treasurer. No officer shall provide any such services for more hours than are specified in the request for services.
(4) 
In the event the funds in such an escrow account should become depleted, services of off-duty law enforcement officers shall cease and requests for further or future services shall not be performed or posted until additional funds have been deposited in the escrow account in the manner prescribed above.
(5) 
The person or entity requesting such services shall be responsible for ensuring that sufficient funds remain in the escrow account in order to avoid any interruption of services.
(6) 
Houses of worship and local public schools shall be exempt from the requirements for the posting of an escrow deposit.
C. 
Requests for services. All requests to the Borough for the services of off-duty law enforcement officers in the Old Tappan Police Department for a period of one week or longer shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police for posting at least 10 days before such services are required. Any law enforcement officers, when so employed by the Borough, shall be treated as employees of the Borough; provided, however, that wages earned for outside employment shall not be applied toward the pension benefits of law enforcement officers so employed.
D. 
Rates of compensation; administrative fee; payment for services. Rates of compensation for contracting the services of off-duty law enforcement officers shall be based on a rate equal to that of time and one-half of the contractual hourly rate for the individual officer being compensated. An additional fee of 15% of the rate as calculated above is hereby established to cover administrative costs, overhead, and out-of-pocket expenses of the Borough, plus a flat rate of $200 per vehicle used at each site per day.