In 1991, the New Jersey Legislature passed the
Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et
seq., having determined that domestic violence is a serious crime
against society affecting victims from all social and economic backgrounds.
On January 18, 2000, Bill No. A-2876(2R) was signed into public law,
amending N.J.S.A. 2C:25-20b(3) to require New Jersey law enforcement
agencies to establish crisis intervention teams. Pursuant to the Act,
crisis intervention teams of trained residents shall be formed to
assist police authorities in dealing with domestic violence cases.
The Bloomfield Domestic Violence Intervention Team would assist victims
of domestic violence by providing information on available resources
and referrals and acting as a liaison with the police and other agencies,
as appropriate.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
There is hereby created the Bloomfield Domestic
Violence Intervention Team. The team shall consist of unlimited number
of volunteers who shall be at least 21 years of age and bona fide
residents of Bloomfield. All team members shall serve without compensation.
Interested persons shall complete an application form supplied by
the Township, be fingerprinted by the Police Department and subjected
to a comprehensive background check and screening process. Members
of the team shall be appointed by resolution of the Township Council
upon recommendations of the Mayor, Director of Public Safety and Police
Chief. The Township Council shall also, by resolution, upon recommendation
of the Mayor, Director of Public Safety and Police Chief, appoint
certain team members as coordinators. All coordinators and other team
members shall be supervised by the Police Department and shall serve
at the discretion of the Township Council.
No person may serve as a team member unless
they shall first complete a forty-hour training program specializing
in domestic violence and crisis intervention team matters. This training
further provides confidentiality protection to the member in comportment
with N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22 et seq.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The functions and duties of the Domestic Violence
Intervention Team shall include, but not be limited to:
A. Meeting with victims of domestic violence to provide
support, compassion and advice.
B. Providing information on available resources, appropriate
victim assistance agencies, hot lines and similar support services
and serving as a liaison with police and other agencies as appropriate.
C. Such other functions and duties as may be established
by the Police Department.
The Police Department shall prepare and submit
to the Municipal Council an annual report summarizing the activities
of the team and any recommendations it sees fit to make.