[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hillsborough 3-28-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-02. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Personnel procedures — See Ch. 89.
Park and recreation areas — See Ch. 221.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD BACKGROUND CHECK
The determination of whether a person has a criminal record by cross-referencing that person's name and fingerprints with those on file with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division, and the State Bureau of Identification of the New Jersey State Police (SBI).
CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION
Information collected by criminal justice agencies concerning persons and stored in the computerized databases of the SBI, the National Crime Information Center or other states' computerized repositories containing criminal history record information consisting of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, indictments, or other formal criminal charges, and any dispositions arising therefrom, including convictions, pending court actions, dismissals, acquittals, sentencing, correctional supervision and release.
DEPARTMENT
The Township of Hillsborough Police Department.
NONCRIMINAL JUSTICE PURPOSE
Any purpose, other than administration of criminal justice or criminal justice purpose, including employment and licensing, for which applicant fingerprints or name search requests are submitted by authorized requesters, as required or permitted by a federal or state statute, rule, regulation, executive order, administrative code, local ordinance, resolution or by this chapter, to the SBI for the dissemination of criminal history record information.
STATE BUREAU OF IDENTIFICATION or SBI
The New Jersey State Bureau of Identification, a bureau within the Division of State Police.
TOWNSHIP-SPONSORED PROGRAMS
Any programs organized and directed by the Township Recreation Department for Township children under the age of 18.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-11]
A. 
The Township requires that all employees and volunteers over the age of 18 years, having involvement with Township-sponsored programs involving minors, submit to a criminal history record background check. Failure to so submit to such background check shall constitute grounds for disqualification of that individual.
B. 
The fee for the background check shall be borne by the potential applicant of the Recreation Department.
C. 
Background checks are required every three years.
A. 
A person shall, subject to the appeal procedure provided by § 147-7, be disqualified from serving as an employee or volunteer involved with Township-sponsored programs involving minors if that person’s criminal history background check reveals a record of conviction of any of the following crimes or offenses:
[Amended 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51]
(1) 
In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly persons offense:
(a) 
Involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1 et seq. (i.e., criminal homicide; murder; manslaughter; death by vehicular homicide; aiding suicide; leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident); N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 et seq. (i.e., assault; endangering an injured victim; recklessly endangering another person; terroristic threats; stalking; disarming law enforcement or corrections officer); N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1 et seq. (i.e., kidnapping; criminal restraint; interference with custody; criminal coercion; enticing child into motor vehicle, structure or isolated area); N.J.S.A. 2C:14-1 et seq. (i.e., sexual assault; criminal sexual contact, lewdness; juveniles in need of supervision); N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 et seq. (i.e., robbery; carjacking).
(b) 
Against the family, children or incompetents, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1 et seq. (i.e., bigamy; endangering the welfare of children, incompetent persons, the elderly or disabled persons; willful nonsupport; unlawful adoptions; employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime).
(c) 
Involving theft as set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 et seq. (i.e., including theft of real or personal property; receiving stolen property; fencing; theft of services; shoplifting; computer-related theft).
(d) 
Involving any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog as set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a), exclusive of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(4) (i.e., possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana).
(e) 
Such other crimes or disorderly persons offenses for which the SBI would disqualify an applicant, existing or current employee or volunteer.
(2) 
In any other state or jurisdiction, conduct which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly persons offenses described in § 147-3A(1) of this chapter.
B. 
For purposes of interpreting the information recorded in a criminal history record to determine the qualifications of the employee or volunteer involved with Township-sponsored programs involving minors, the Township shall presume that the employee or volunteer is innocent of any charges or arrests for which there are no final dispositions on the record, except for charges or arrests for sexual misconduct either in this state or without. As to such charges or arrests, such employee or volunteer is required to notify the Chief of Police and the Director of the Department of Recreation immediately following such charge or arrest.
C. 
Notification of disqualification based on the criminal history record shall be made to the employee or volunteer by either the SBI or third-party independent agency conducting the criminal history record background check. The specific criminal violation is not identified on the notification.
[Amended 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51]
[Amended 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51; 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-11]
A. 
Prospective and/or current employees and volunteers of Township-sponsored programs involving minors shall submit the name, address, fingerprints, social security number and written consent to the Township or its designated third-party independent agency for the criminal history record background check to be performed.
B. 
The Township may, in its discretion, engage the services of a third-party independent agency to conduct the criminal history record background checks authorized under this chapter.
A. 
It shall be the responsibility of the prospective employee or volunteer to obtain his or her criminal history from the recommended vendor as determined by the Recreation Department that identifies the specific criminal violation(s) and deliver it to the Appeals Committee for the purpose of an appeal or presenting a challenge to the accuracy of the report.
[Added 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51[1]; amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-11]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsections A and B as Subsections B and C, respectively.
B. 
Access to criminal history record information for noncriminal justice purposes, including licensing and employment, is restricted to authorized personnel of the Township-sponsored program involving minors, on a need-to-know basis, as authorized by federal or state statute, rule or regulation, executive order, administrative code, local ordinance or resolution regarding obtaining and dissemination of criminal history record information obtained under this chapter.
C. 
Such Township persons shall limit their use of criminal history record information solely to the authorized purpose for which it was obtained, and criminal history record information furnished shall not be disseminated to persons or organizations not authorized to receive the records for authorized purposes. Use of this record shall be limited solely to the authorized purpose for which it was given and shall not be disseminated to any unauthorized persons. This record, in whatever form it exists, including electronically or via computer, shall be destroyed immediately by the Township after it has served its intended and authorized purpose. Any person violating federal or state regulations governing access to criminal history record information may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.
[Amended 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51]
A. 
If the criminal history record disqualifies an applicant or existing employee or volunteer, the Appeals Committee shall provide the disqualified person with an opportunity to complete and challenge the accuracy of the information contained in the criminal history record. The disqualified person shall be afforded a reasonable period to correct and complete this record. A person is not presumed guilty of any charges or arrests for which there are no final dispositions indicated on the record, except for charges or arrests for sexual misconduct either in this state or without.
B. 
Thereafter, the Appeals Committee, in its discretion, shall, within 30 days after the submission of the information, determine whether the applicant, existing employee or volunteer qualifies for service.
[Added 12-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-51]
A. 
Any person whose criminal history background check disqualifies that person from employment or from volunteering may appeal his or her disqualification on the basis that the person has been rehabilitated.
B. 
An appeal based on rehabilitation shall be made to an Appeals Committee, which shall consist of the Chair of the Recreation Commission, the Township Chief of Police, and the Township Administrator. Any such appeal must be made within 30 days of receipt of the notice of disqualification.
C. 
In determining whether a person has affirmatively demonstrated rehabilitation, the Appeals Committee may consider the following factors:
(1) 
The nature and responsibility of the position which the convicted person would hold or has held, as the case may be;
(2) 
The nature and seriousness of the offense;
(3) 
The circumstances under which the offense occurred;
(4) 
The date of the offense;
(5) 
The age of the person when the offense was committed;
(6) 
Whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident;
(7) 
Any social conditions which may have contributed to the offense; and
(8) 
Any other evidence of rehabilitation, including a certificate of rehabilitation issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:168A-7 et seq., good conduct in prison or the community, counseling or psychiatric treatment received, acquisition of additional academic or vocational schooling, successful participation in correctional work-release programs, or the recommendation of those who have had the person under their supervision.
D. 
If the Appeals Committee determines that the disqualified person has been successfully rehabilitated, it shall enter that person's name on the list of qualified employees and volunteers maintained by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
E. 
A person is not eligible for a certificate of rehabilitation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:168A-7 if that person has been convicted of:
(1) 
A first degree crime;
(2) 
An offense to which N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2 (eligibility for parole; persons convicted of certain violent crimes) applies;
(3) 
A second degree offense defined in Chapters 13 (kidnapping and related offenses; coercion); 14 (sexual offenses); 15 (robbery); 16 (bias crimes); 24 (offenses against the family, children and incompetents); 27 (bribery and corrupt influence); 30 (misconduct in office; abuse of office); 33 (riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses); and 38 (September 11th, 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act[1]);
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 2C:1-1 et seq.
(4) 
A violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a or of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(4) (endangering the welfare of children);
(5) 
A crime requiring registration pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2 (Megan's Law);
(6) 
A crime committed against a public entity or against a public officer;
(7) 
A crime enumerated in N.J.S.A. 43:1-3.1b(2) (theft by deception) committed by a public employee, which involves or touches upon the employee's office, position or employment, such that the crime was related directly to the person's performance in, or circumstances flowing from, the specific public office or employment held by the person;
(8) 
Any crime committed against a person 16 years of age or younger, or a disabled or handicapped person; or
(9) 
A conspiracy or attempt to commit any of the crimes described in § 147-7E.