Township of Wyckoff, NJ Establishment and Organization

No person shall be appointed as a member of the Police Department unless they possess requisite qualifications prescribed by the applicable statutes and laws of New Jersey and unless they:

Are a citizen of the United States and the State of New Jersey.

Are physically and mentally sound and emotionally stable and possess the necessary ability to understand and obey orders and to perform the duties required of the Police Department.

Are able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and:

Graduated from a senior high school or vocational high school, evidenced by a high school diploma or possession of an approved high school equivalent certificate; and

Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or possess an associate's degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited college or university plus at least 24 months of military experience or satisfactory employment as a full-time law enforcement officer (preferred); or

Possess an associate's degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited college or university plus at least 24 months of satisfactory employment in a law enforcement related field.

Are of good moral character.

Are not less than 21 years of age and not more than 35 years of age at the time of appointment.

The Township Committee may require a Police Training Commission (hereinafter "Commission" or "PTC") PTC Basic Course for Police Officers (hereinafter "BCPO") certification or PTC BCPO certification eligible depending on recruiting goals (current PTC BCPO certificate holders, Alternate Route graduates and Class II Special Law Enforcement waiver eligible graduates)

Candidates who meet all of the requirements in this subsection by the closing date of the application for the selection process shall be eligible to participate in the selection process set forth herein below in Subsections B through H in this section.

Written examination.

Eligible candidates will submit to a written test administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (or prepared and administered by such other person, association, or organization as may be authorized by the Township Committee), which test shall constitute 30% of the overall total score for each eligible candidate, based on a test that contains a maximum value of 100 points, with 30 points being the highest possible score for such oral examination. For example, a candidate who receives 70 points out of the total 100 possible total points for the written test shall receive 21 points toward their overall total score (70 points x 30% = 21 points). In advance of such written test, the minimum threshold/score required to be eligible for hire shall be established by the Township Committee, and such minimum threshold/score shall be communicated, in writing, to all eligible candidates for hire prior to their taking said test. Only those candidates who achieve such minimum score shall be eligible to continue forward in the hiring process (e.g., 70% or 80% required on the written test as the minimum score to continue).

A ranked list of eligible candidates for hire shall be created based on the outcome of the aforesaid written test.

A predetermined number of candidates, as may be evaluated by the Township Committee, each of whom must receive at least 70 points out of the possible 100 points on the above-written test, will advance to the physical fitness screening based on the written test scores.

Physical fitness screening. A physical fitness screening test shall be conducted on all candidates for permanent appointment as a Police Officer. The Chief of Police, or designee, shall notify those candidates who qualify for the physical fitness screening. The notification shall include the date, time, and location of the screening test. Only those candidates who achieve the minimum threshold score referenced in Subsection B of this section are eligible to continue forward in the hiring process and are eligible to participate in the physical fitness screening.

The physical fitness screening test is designed to confirm the physical ability to perform entry-level training and perform the essential functions of an entry-level law enforcement officer, which shall include the following:

A vertical jump of 15 inches or more to take place on a level surface.

Twenty-eight sit-ups in one minute or less, to take place on a level surface.

A 300-meter run in 70.1 seconds or less to be conducted on a level running track or roadway.

Twenty-four push-ups in one minute or less, to take place on a level surface; and

A 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes and 55 seconds or less, to be conducted on a level running track or roadway.

The physical fitness screening test shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission's Physical Conditioning Directive. There shall be a rest in between each component of the physical fitness screening test. All fitness requirement tests shall be conducted within one continuous eight-hour period.

During both the sit-up and push-up components of the physical requirement, the designated proctor shall verbally notify the candidate of the successful repetition completed (that is, "one complete, two complete, three complete").

The candidate is required to successfully complete all five components of the physical fitness screening test in order to be found physically fit. There shall be no re-testing for failure to complete all five components of the physical fitness screening test. Candidates found to be physically fit will advance to the oral interviews.

Oral interviews.

The Chief of Police, or designee, shall notify those candidates who qualify for the oral interviews. The notification shall include the date, time, and location of the first oral interview, which is one of two interviews. Only those candidates who achieve the minimum threshold score referenced in Subsection B and the physical fitness screening test in Subsection C of this section are eligible to continue forward in the hiring process and eligible to participate in the oral interviews.

The first oral interview will be conducted by the Chief of Police, and other Department members, as designated by the Chief of Police. The first oral examination and assessment (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 20% of the candidate's overall total score, with 20 total points being the highest possible score for such oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 80 points on their first oral examination shall receive 16 total points towards their overall total score (80 x 20% = 16 total points). The first oral examination shall utilize the same criteria for each of the candidates who are interviewed.

The panel conducting the first oral interview will determine which top candidates (with a minimum of five candidates) will appear for the final interview based upon the candidates' first interview scores and the number of vacancies.

The final oral interview will be conducted by a panel comprised of the members of the Township Police Committee, the Township Administrator, and the Chief of Police. The final oral interview shall have 100 points as its maximum score and shall account for 50% of the candidate's overall total score, with 50 points being the highest possible score. For example, a candidate receiving a score of 80 points shall receive 40 points toward their overall total score (80 x 50% = 40 points). Upon completion of the scoring for the final oral interview by the Township Police Committee, said Police Committee shall make its recommendation to the Township Committee as to the hiring for the position(s) of police officer.

The Township Committee shall make the final decision as to which candidate(s) shall be selected/hired for the available position(s) from among those candidates who participate in both of the foregoing oral interviews.

Background investigation. A background investigation will be conducted on all candidates for all positions prior to appointment, which, at a minimum, shall include the records relating to the following:

Educational background, including transcripts and disciplinary records from high school and any post-high school education;

Military service, if applicable;

Motor vehicle history in this state and any other state;

Employment, including:

A review of the current National Decertification Index to determine if the candidate has been decertified as a law enforcement officer or has had their license or certification as a law enforcement officer revoked or denied or otherwise limited or restricted;

A review of Commission adverse license actions and any other records that the Commission maintains;

A review of disciplinary records held by any other law enforcement unit, including federal and other states, if permissible;

A review of all employment-related information from each of the candidate's current and previous employers, as well as any records that may be held by law enforcement units that rejected a candidate's completed application; and

Written communication with each of the candidate's references, including a written reference from each law enforcement unit, which reference shall address whether that employer is aware of any conduct committed by the candidate that could provide a basis for an adverse licensure action, including conduct that was under investigation, even if the investigation was not completed; and

Fingerprinting of the candidate and conducting a fingerprint-based search of the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other relevant databases to determine the existence of any warrants, arrests, or criminal records, including, but not limited to:

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to include New Jersey and Interstate Identification Index (III) systems;

New Jersey motor vehicle history and, if necessary, surrounding states;

E-courts, to include Automated Traffic Systems (ATS) and Automated Criminal System (ACS);

Promis Gavel;

A check in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), 28 CFR 115.317, if applicable;

(f)

The Domestic Violence Registry established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:25-34; and

(g)

Any other database that may be a successor database to those above or where information obtained during the background check indicates that additional relevant information may be found.

(6)

A candidate must be found to not have engaged in any prior conduct or behavior that would provide the grounds for an adverse licensure action pursuant to the Police Licensure Act, as codified at N.J.S.A. 52:17B-66 et seq. and the related rules and regulations pertaining to the Act.

Medical examination. A medical examination will be conducted on all sworn candidates prior to appointment but after being given a conditional offer of employment to certify the general health of each candidate. The medical examination shall be conducted by a physician, advance practice nurse, or physician assistant licensed in New Jersey who is familiar with the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer, which, at a minimum, shall include the following:

Completion of a comprehensive medical history questionnaire;

Submission to a medical examination that shall include the following minimum requirements:

A medical history;

A medical examination; and

Laboratory tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC); urinalysis; tuberculosis; Electrocardiogram (ECG), and cardiac stress test;

The medical examination shall consist of criteria aimed at identifying conditions that may potentially exclude a candidate from entry into a basic entry-level training program;

The Medical History Statement and Medical Examination Report are valid for a one-year period, to be measured from the date of the examining examiner's signature;

The examiner shall note if the candidate has any medical and physical conditions that may interfere with the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of an entry level law enforcement officer; and

(6)

If the medical examination yields results indicating that the candidate has medical or physical conditions that may interfere with the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of a law enforcement officer, the candidate or licensee may obtain a second opinion, which shall be conducted at the candidate's expense. The Township will consider any second opinion, but the final decision regarding medical fitness for duty rests with the Township.

(7)

A candidate must be found medically fit in order to proceed with the selection process.

(8)

Those candidates who are enrolled in the Police Academy on the date they submit their application for employment or who were so enrolled within six months of such date may be exempt from the preceding exam, or any portion of the preceding exam, at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police.

Drug screening test. A drug screening test shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the current applicable Attorney General's Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy.

Psychological examination. A psychological examination of each candidate for a sworn position shall be conducted prior to appointment but after being given a conditional offer of employment. The psychological examination shall be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed in New Jersey who is familiar with the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer, which, at a minimum, shall include the following:

A written personality examination, such as NEO-PI-R, the Inwald Personality Inventory, or such other functionally equivalent examination; and

A psychological evaluation that shall include screening for psychopathological disorders, personality characteristics, substance abuse problems, job-relevant traits, and their functional competencies, such as stress tolerance, impulse control, anger management, the ability to function as part of a team, adaptability (work-life balance, rotating shifts), and freedom from discriminatory bias.

The licensed psychologist or psychiatrist shall state whether the individual is psychologically fit to effectively perform the duties of a police officer.

A candidate must be found psychologically fit in order to proceed with the selection process.

Selection process for nonsworn positions. All vacancies for nonsworn positions will be selected at the sole discretion of the Township, pursuant to current policies and procedures. At a minimum, the selection process for nonsworn positions shall include:

Advertisement of the position, unless a current Township employee is qualified.

Resume review.

Oral review.

Background check consistent with Subsection E of this section.

Execution by the candidate of a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement.

Probationary period.

All appointees to the Police Department shall have a probationary period of 24 months from the date of hire or the date of BCPO certification by the Commission, whichever is later, during which they will serve at the will of the Township Committee. No person holding such a probationary appointment shall be given or accept a permanent appointment unless such person has received BCPO certification by the Commission. Continuation in the service is dependent upon the conduct of the appointee and fitness to perform duties. At the termination of the probationary period, if the conduct or capability of the probationer has not been satisfactory, they shall be notified by the Township Committee, and they will not receive a permanent appointment, and their employment shall be terminated.

At, during, or before the end of the probationary period, the Township Committee may discontinue the service of any such appointee if the working test indicates that the appointee is unable or unwilling to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily or is of such reputation, habits, and dependability as not to merit continuation in the police service. Failure or inability to understand the functioning, application, and use of any police equipment shall be sufficient reason for discontinuance of any such appointee, though discontinuance may be made for causes other than those enumerated herein.

Oath. Every member of the Police Department, before entering upon the performance of the duties, shall take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend the provisions of the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, to obey the laws of the State of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of Wyckoff and the rules and regulations established by the Department and the orders of their superiors in office, and to faithfully, justly and impartially discharge the duties of the office, and shall file such oath or affirmation with the Clerk of the Township and shall sign the Police Register.

§ 54-3.1 Promotional process.

[Added 4-4-2017 by Ord. No. 1823; amended 5-16-2023 by Ord. No. 1984]

General.

To provide all eligible candidates for promotion with fair notice and equal access to the promotional process and to identify the most qualified members of the Department for promotion to leadership positions within the Department, the following promotional process shall be employed for promotions to the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.

The promotional process shall be governed by state law and in compliance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-129, which provides that promotion of any member or officer of the Police Department to a superior position shall be made from the membership of the Department, and due consideration shall be given to the length and merit of their service, and preference shall be given according to seniority in service. The Chief of Police shall be responsible for the administration of the promotional process.

Promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Eligibility. No person shall be eligible for promotion to the rank of Sergeant unless the candidate has served as a police officer with the Wyckoff Police Department for at least five years prior to the date of the administration of the written examination referred to in Section B(2)(a) hereinbelow.

The testing process for the above position will consist of the following:

Written examination administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police ("Chief's Association") or such other written examination approved by the Township Committee and administered by the Chief of Police as set forth in Subsection E(5)(a) hereinbelow;

The written examination shall account for 50% of a candidate's total promotional score, up to a maximum of 50 total points.

Each candidate's total point score for the written examination shall be computed by taking a candidate's score on the written exam (which shall have 100 points as its maximum score) and multiplying the same by 50%. By way of example a candidate receiving a score of 80 points on their written examination shall receive 40 total points for the written examination element of the promotional process (80 x 50% = 40 total points).

To proceed to the oral portion of the promotional process, a candidate must achieve a minimum score of 70 points, out of said maximum of 100 points, on the written examination.

Oral examination administered by an interview panel (the "Interview Panel") comprised of the following persons: the two members of the Township Police Committee, the Chief of Police, and the Township Administrator.

Only those candidates who have achieved a score of 70 points or greater (out of the maximum of 100 points) on the written examination shall be permitted to sit for an oral examination by the Interview Panel. Oral examinations by the Interview Panel shall take place after receiving the written examination scores.

The Interview Panel's oral examination and assessment (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 50% of the candidate's total promotional score, with 50 total points being the highest possible score for such oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 80 points on their oral examination by the Interview Panel shall receive 40 total points for the Interview Panel's oral examination element of the promotional process (80 x 50% = 40 total points).

The oral examination and assessment by the Interview Panel shall include an evaluation of the following criteria: commendations, employee reviews, disciplines, and early intervention summaries, annual performance evaluations, merit, productivity, demonstrated ability and accomplishments, efforts supporting department goals and objectives, in-service education and specialized schools, specialized job assignments, responsibilities, subsequent performance, attitude and demeanor, education, military experience, seniority, leadership ability, initiative, productivity, attitude toward peers, supervising officers' recommendations, motivation and morale, previous job performance, loyalty to the Department and community, experience and career development training. Said Interview Panel shall utilize the same criteria for each candidate interviewed for the open position(s).

Promotion to the rank of lieutenant.

Eligibility. No person shall be eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant unless the candidate has served as a Sergeant for the Wyckoff Police Department for at least two years.

The selection process will consist of the following:

The oral examination and assessment by the Interview Panel (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 70% of the candidate's total promotional score, with 70 total points being the highest possible total score for the Interview Panel's oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 80 points on their oral review and assessment by the Interview Panel shall receive 56 total points for the Interview Panel oral review and assessment element of the promotional process (80 x 70% = 56 total points).

Oral examination and assessment administered by the Township Committee.

[a]

The oral examination and assessment by the Township Committee shall take place after the Township Committee's receipt of the oral examination scores of the Interview Panel.

[b]

The oral examination and assessment by the Township Committee (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 30% of a candidate's total promotional score, with 30 points being the highest possible total score for the Township Committee's oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 90 points on their oral examination by the Township Committee shall receive 27 total points for the Township Committee's oral examination element of the promotional process (90 x 30% = 27 total points).

[c]

The oral examination and assessment by the Township Committee shall include an evaluation of the following criteria: commendations, employee reviews, disciplines, and early intervention summaries, annual performance evaluations, merit, productivity, demonstrated ability and accomplishments, efforts supporting department goals and objectives, in-service education and specialized schools, specialized job assignments, responsibilities, subsequent performance, attitude and demeanor, education, military experience, seniority, leadership ability, initiative, productivity, attitude toward peers, supervising officers' recommendations, motivation and morale, previous job performance, loyalty to the Department and community, experience and career development training. Said Interview Panel shall utilize the same criteria for each candidate interviewed for the open position(s).

Promotion to the rank of Captain.

Eligibility. A person shall be eligible for promotion to the rank of Captain if the candidate has served as a Lieutenant for the Wyckoff Police Department for at least two years.

The selection process will consist of the following:

The oral examination and assessment by the Interview Panel (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 70% of the candidate's total promotional score, with 70 total points being the highest possible total score for the Interview Panel's oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 80 points on their oral review and assessment by the Interview Panel shall receive 48 total points for the Interview Panel oral review and assessment element of the promotional process (80 x 70% = 56 total points).

Oral examination and assessment administered by the Township Committee.

The oral examination and assessment by the Township Committee shall take place after the Township Committee's receipt of the oral examination scores of the Interview Panel.

The oral examination and assessment by the Township Committee (which examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score) shall account for 30% of a candidate's total promotional score, with 30 points being the heights possible total score for the Township Committee's oral examination and assessment. By way of example, a candidate receiving a score of 90 points on their oral examination by the Township Committee shall receive 27 total points for the Township Committee's oral examination element of the promotional process (90 x 30% = 27 total points).

Procedure for the conduct of the promotional process.

The Chief of Police shall obtain permission from the Township Committee to hold a promotional examination process. After having received such approval, the Chief of Police, or such other person as designated by the Township Committee, shall provide a written announcement of the promotional process to all eligible personnel.

The announcement shall include the eligibility requirements for the position. It shall consist of a description of the promotional process. It should indicate to the candidates the format, length, and duration of any examinations, together with a description of any other portions of the promotional process and the date by which they must submit a written request to participate in the promotional process.

To participate, candidates for promotion shall be required to submit a written request to participate in such process and a current resume to the Chief of Police, or his designee, prior to the closing date set forth in the announcement.

No person shall be eligible to participate in the promotional process unless they have submitted a written request to participate in such process and a current resume prior to the deadline set forth by the Chief of Police.

The promotional testing process shall include the following:

Written examination (Sergeant only). At least 90 calendar days before the written examination, the Chief of Police, or his designee, shall announce the written examination's date, time, and location. The Township may contract with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) to develop, conduct, and grade the written examination. Alternatively, the Township Committee may approve using a written examination not prepared by NJSACOP. The questions will be based upon basic police practices and may include police and investigative procedures, supervisory and administrative principles, New Jersey criminal law, report writing, search and seizure issues, New Jersey Attorney General guidelines and directives, legal aspects and requirements for police work, and such other criteria as determined by the NJSACOP, or as determined by the Township Committee. Eligible candidates who are scheduled to work during the written examination will be excused from duty to take the examination.

Oral interview by Interview Panel. Candidates for the Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain ranks shall be evaluated through an oral interview conducted by the Interview Panel. Each candidate shall be presented with the same questions or topics related to the respective rank designed to elicit open-ended responses so that the Interview Panel can determine the candidate's promotional potential, maturity, composure, and leadership abilities. Candidates for promotion shall not discuss or disclose the contents or subject matter topics of the oral interview process until all oral interviews are concluded. The Interview Panel may require promotional candidates to sign a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement to ensure compliance with these requirements. At the discretion of the Township Committee, candidates may be sequestered during the interview process.

Oral interview by Township Committee. Candidates for the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain shall be evaluated through an oral interview conducted by the Township Committee. Each candidate shall be presented with the same questions or topics related to the rank of Lieutenant or Captain (as the case may be) designed to elicit open-ended responses so that the Township Committee can determine the candidate's promotional potential, maturity, composure, and leadership abilities. Candidates for promotion shall not discuss or disclose the contents or subject matter topics of the oral interview process until all oral interviews are concluded. The Township Committee may require promotional candidates to sign a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement to ensure compliance with these requirements. At the discretion of the Township Committee, candidates may be sequestered during the interview process.

Eligibility list.

After the expiration of the time for filing of appeals set forth below and the disposition of any such appeal, the Chief of Police shall establish and certify a list of eligible candidates in the order of their final scores for promotion. The candidate(s) for promotion receiving the highest score(s) as calculated hereinabove in this section shall be deemed the first candidate(s) eligible for promotion. Said eligibility list will be distributed to the Township Committee. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of 24 months from the date it was established and certified.

After the expiration of the eligibility list, candidates will be required to reapply for and participate in a new promotional process.

Appeals of the promotional process. Within three days of the notification to each candidate of their ranking, a candidate may file a written appeal directed to the Township Committee. Said written appeal must contain the reason(s) or justification for the appeal. As part of any appeal, any candidate may review their evaluation or any other internal document pertaining to the candidate that was utilized in the promotional process. The Township Committee will assess the request for appeal and determine how the request will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Scores on the written examination shall be final and not subject to appeal. Appeals to the calculation of seniority shall be decided based on the official records maintained by the Police Department.

§ 54-4 Organization.

[Amended 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931; 12-5-2006 by Ord. No. 1544; 5-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1598; 1-17-2012 by Ord. No. 1673; 11-2-2015 by Ord. No. 1783]

The Police Department of the Township of Wyckoff shall consist of a Director of Public Safety or Chief of Police, who shall be the administrative head of the Department, and the regular members who shall be appointed by the Township Committee to their respective ranks. The ranks of the Police Department, which may be filled by appointments by the Township Committee, shall be as follows:

Rank	Number
Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety	Up to 1
Captain	Up to 1
Lieutenant	Up to 3
Sergeant	Up to 10
Patrolman	Up to 18

§ 54-5 Powers of the Township.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931;[1] amended 9-1-1992 by Ord. No. 1145]

Pursuant to the authority contained in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Township Committee of the Township of Wyckoff is hereby designated as the appropriate authority for the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations for the government of the police force and for the discipline of its members. In dealing with discipline of members of the Police Department, the Township Committee shall have the discretion and authority to designate a hearing officer to conduct hearings and make findings and recommendations to the Township Committee. The Township Committee, as the appropriate authority, shall render a final determination on all Police Department disciplinary matters. The Township Committee shall have the power and authority to affirm, reverse or modify the findings and recommendations of the hearing officer.

The rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the Township Committee shall become part of the Police Manual if so directed by the Township Committee. The Township Committee shall prescribe the policy and have general administrative control over the Department, which control shall be exercised through the Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety.

Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 54-5, Procedure for removal from office.

§ 54-6 Director of Public Safety.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931[1]]

Position established. There is hereby established the administrative position of Director of Public Safety.[2]

Editor's Note: Section 5 of No. 931 provided that "the position of Director of Public Safety created herein shall become effective only upon a vacancy in the office of Chief of Police or upon elimination of the position of Chief of Police."

Method of appointment. The Director of Public Safety may be appointed pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-1.1 by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township Committee.

Term of appointment. The Director of Public Safety shall serve for a term at the pleasure of the Township Committee.

Qualifications of appointee. The person appointed to the position of Director of Public Safety shall be qualified by training and experience for the duties of his position, but in no event shall a person be appointed unless such person meets the following minimum qualifications:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public safety administration, police science or a related field.

A minimum of 10 years experience as a member of a police department, five years of which shall have been in a supervisory and administrative capacity.

Powers. Under the general direction of the Township Committee, the Director of Public Safety shall have control over the Police Department in such manner as may be consistent with all applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations and shall be responsible for the administration, regulation and discipline of the Police Department. All officers and patrolmen of the Police Department shall perform their duties subject to the supervision and control of the Director of Public Safety.

Duties. The duties of the Director of Public Safety shall include but not be limited to the following:

Have full control over the Police Department and see to the proper enforcement of the rules and regulations adopted by the Township Committee; shall report to the Township Committee from time to time such matters as may require the attention of the Township Committee, with the recommendation of the Director thereon, relating to conditions of the Department and its improvements and needs; shall perform such other matters in connection therewith as may be prescribed by the Township Committee; shall provide rules for application to become members of the police force; shall examine all applicants for positions on the police force and recommend for positions on the police force such persons as the Director may deem proper from time to time; shall prefer charges against and in his discretion, pending a final hearing on the charges, suspend any officer or member of the force and otherwise exercise control over all subordinates, subject to law; and may employ marshals in emergencies and discharge them at the expiration thereof.

To keep abreast of the public safety requirements of the Township and formulate policies, plans and procedures responsive to determined needs.

To develop organization, manpower and resource recommendations and upon approval of same by the Township Committee, effect their implementation.

To establish performance criteria for the Police Department as a whole as well as its individual members and conduct periodic evaluations to assure compliance with those criteria.

To establish and maintain relations with school, civil and private organizations to assure a full understanding of the public safety effort.

(6)

To conduct public relations and public information programs on behalf of the Police Department in order to maintain the required relationship between the Police Department and the citizens of the Township.

(7)

To promote a close liaison with the various agencies of the Township, and to attend all meetings of the Township Committee when necessary, to better coordinate the functioning of the Police Department with the work of all municipal agencies.

(8)

To regularly review the ordinances of the Township dealing with public safety to assure their propriety with the prevailing public safety needs of the Township.

(9)

To annually prepare a budget request for the Police Department and administer same.

(10)

To plan and implement an ongoing program of training and education, subject to the approval of the Township Committee for all the members of the Police Department, so that they will be fully apprised of current developments in law enforcement.

(11)

To take an active part in any land use proposals or studies which are or might be conducted for the Township Committee so that adequate consideration is given to the present and future needs of the Police Department as well as to facilities and programs incidental to the functioning of the department and the implementation of the program of preventive law.

(12)

To otherwise function in an executive capacity in evaluating, planning, organizing and directing the Police Department of the Township.

Compensation. The Director of Public Safety shall be paid an annual salary as established by the Township Committee.

In the event of a vacancy in the position of Director of Public Safety, absence or incapacity, the Captain or the next ranking officer may temporarily assume the position, duties and responsibilities of the Director of Public Safety until such vacancy is filled.

Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 54-6, Suspension pending determination of charges; disposition.

§ 54-6.1 Powers and duties of Chief of Police.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931]

The Chief of Police, if appointed by the Township Committee, shall pursuant to policies established by the Township Committee, have the powers and duties as provided by law, in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.

§ 54-6.2 Duties of members.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931]

The members of the Police Department shall be responsible for the proper enforcement of all ordinances of the Township and all laws of the State of New Jersey. They shall have the power to arrest with or without warrant as permitted by law, any person committing a breach of the peace or violating any law of this state or ordinance of the Township. Each member shall promptly execute all warrants and papers as are required of him to be served within the limits of the Township or elsewhere when so directed by the Director of Public Safety or the Chief of Police. Each member shall patrol the streets of the Township at such time and on such routes, and perform such other duties and services, as may be assigned to him by the Chief of Police or Public Safety Director.

§ 54-6.3 Monthly reports to Township Committee.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931]

The Chief of Police or Public Safety Director shall report, in writing, to the Township Committee at regular monthly meetings of the Township Committee, all matters pertaining to the Police Department. Such report shall contain a complete record of all arrests and complaints, together with the disposition of same and such recommendations as, in the opinion of the Chief of Police or Public Safety Director, will increase the efficiency of the Department. In addition, such monthly report shall include all reports of fires or fire-related calls of any kind and nature whatsoever received by the Police Department, as well as the action taken in connection with such calls or notices of fire. Notwithstanding anything else herein contained, the Township Committee may, in its discretion, from time to time, require the Department to make such additional reports to it as the Township Committee may deem appropriate.

§ 54-6.4 Orders and assignments.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931; amended 9-1-1992 by Ord. No. 1145]

All orders and assignments for the members of the Police Department from the Township Committee shall be made to and through the Township Committee and Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety.

§ 54-6.5 Procedure for suspension, removal, fining or demotion.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931]

No member of the Police Department shall be suspended as a punishment, removed, fined or reduced from office or employment except for just cause as provided by New Jersey law and then only after written charge or charges of the cause of compliant, signed by the person making the same, shall have been preferred against such member and filed with the Township Committee. It is the intent of this section to give the person so charged a fair hearing and every opportunity to make his defenses, if any, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147, 40A:14-149 and 40A:14-149.1 and the amendments thereof and supplements thereto.

§ 54-6.6 Suspension prior to hearing.

[Added 7-17-1984 by Ord. No. 931; amended 11-2-2015 by Ord. No. 1783]

The Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety or the Township Committee may suspend any member of the Department from active duty, with or without pay, pending hearing on charges preferred against such member, pursuant to and as required by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147, 14-149, and 14-149.1, as amended and supplemented.

§ 54-6.7 (Reserved) [1]