[Added 8-26-2010]
Whenever the title "Chief of Police" is mentioned within the
text of this article, it shall be amended to read "Chief of Police
or Director of Public Safety."
The Borough Council, upon nomination by the
appropriate Council Committee, shall appoint all members of the Police
Department to hold office as provided by law.
[Amended 3-13-2014]
The "Appropriate Authority" shall, from time to time as may
be necessary, adopt and amend the rules and regulations for the government
and discipline of the Police Department and employees thereof. Said
rules and regulations may fix and provide for the enforcement of such
rules and regulations and the enforcement of penalties for the violation
of such rules and regulations. All employees of the Police Department
shall be subject to such rules and regulations and penalties.
[Amended 8-26-2010; 12-3-2020; 4-15-2021 by Ord. No. 21-06]
A. Goals. The Borough of Allendale desires to promote the most qualified
candidates to the ranks of Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant.
This section establishes the eligibility requirements and the process
for promotion to those ranks. The promotion process shall be on the
basis of merit, experience/seniority, education, military service,
demonstrated ability, competitive written examinations and competitive
oral examinations as noted herein. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-129,
promotion of any officer shall be made from the membership of the
Allendale Police Department. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118,
all promotions within the Allendale Police Department shall be made
by the Governing Body, except as to the Chief of Police, whose promotion/appointment
shall be made by the Mayor with the consent and approval of the Governing
Body.
B. Eligibility requirements.
(1) Sergeant. For promotion to Sergeant, no person shall be eligible
for such promotion unless he or she:
(a)
Shall have served as a full-time police officer in the Allendale
Police Department for at least five years; and
(b)
Shall have met or exceeded all Allendale Police Department standards
in his or her three most recent annual performance evaluations conducted
by his or her superiors.
(2) Lieutenant. For promotion to Lieutenant, no person shall be eligible
for such promotion unless he or she:
(a)
Shall have served as a full-time officer in the Allendale Police
Department for at least eight years of which at least three years
was served as a full-time Sergeant for the Allendale Police Department;
or
(b)
Shall have served at least 15 years as a full-time police officer
in the Allendale Police Department; and
(c)
Shall have met or exceeded all Allendale Police Department standards
in his or her three most recent annual performance evaluations conducted
by his or her superiors.
(3) Captain. For promotion to Captain, no person shall be eligible for
such promotion unless he or she:
(a)
Shall have served at least 10 years as a full-time officer in
the Allendale Police Department of which at least three years was
served as a full-time Sergeant and/or Lieutenant for the Allendale
Police Department. In determining such ten-year length of service
as a full-time officer, four or more years of military service with
honorable discharge shall be the equivalent of one year of employment
as a full-time officer for the Allendale Police Department; or
(b)
Shall have served at least 15 years as a full-time officer in
the Allendale Police Department. In determining such length of service,
four or more years of military service with honorable discharge shall
be the equivalent of one year of employment as a full-time officer
for the Allendale Police Department; and
(c)
Shall have met or exceeded all Allendale Police Department performance
standards in his or her three most recent annual performance evaluations
conducted by his or her superiors.
(4) Chief of police. For promotion to Chief of Police, no person shall
be eligible for such promotion unless he or she:
(a)
Shall have served, in the aggregate, for at least five years
as a full-time Captain, Lieutenant, and/or Sergeant for the Allendale
Police Department; or
(b)
Shall have served at least 15 years as a full-time officer in
the Allendale Police Department. In determining such length of service,
four or more years of military service with honorable discharge shall
be the equivalent of one year of employment as a full-time officer
for the Allendale Police Department; and
(c)
Shall have met or exceeded all Allendale Police Department performance
standards in his or her three most recent annual performance evaluations
conducted by his or her superiors.
C. Process.
(1) In creating the list of eligible candidates for promotion to Sergeant,
the Governing Body shall score/rank each such candidate as follows:
(a)
A written test relating to the duties, responsibilities and
job functions of the position being sought, to be prepared and administered
by the New Jersey State Association of Police Chiefs (or prepared
and administered by such other person, association or organization
as may be authorized by the Governing Body). The written 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. For example,
a candidate who receives 70 points out of the total of 100 possible
total points for the written test shall receive 21 points towards
the overall total score (70 points x 30% = 21 points). In advance
of such written test, the minimum threshold/score required to be eligible
for promotion shall be established by the Governing Body, and such
minimum threshold/score shall be communicated, in writing, to all
eligible candidates for promotion prior to their taking said test.
Only those candidates who achieve such minimum score shall be eligible
to continue forward in the promotion process for promotion to Sergeant.
A ranked list of eligible candidates for promotion shall be created
based on the outcome of the aforesaid written test.
(b)
Each eligible candidate who has received on the written test
the minimum score required to continue forward in the promotion process
shall be interviewed by an oral examination administered by an interview
panel (the "interview panel") comprised of the following persons:
the Chief of Police, the Borough Administrator, and no more than the
next two highest ranking command staff members of the Allendale Police
Department, if they exist.
[1]
Only those candidates who have achieved the written test minimum
score or greater (out of the maximum of 100 points) on the written
examination shall be permitted to sit for an oral examination by said
interview panel. Oral examinations by the interview panel shall take
place after the receipt of the written examination scores.
[2]
Said interview panel's oral examination and assessment (which
examination and assessment shall have 100 points as its maximum score)
shall account for 30% of the candidate's total promotional score,
with 30 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 his/her oral examination by said interview
panel shall receive 24 total points for said interview panel's oral
examination element of the promotional process (80 x 30% = 24 total
points).
[3]
The oral examination and assessment by said 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 of the candidates who
are interviewed for the open position(s).
(c)
After being interviewed by said interview panel, each eligible
candidate who has received on the written test the minimum score required
to continue forward in the promotion process shall be interviewed
by the Borough Police Committee. All candidates so interviewed by
the Borough Police Committee shall be asked the same questions, and
the score accorded to each candidate shall be arrived at by calculating
the average of the scores of all Police Committee members. The results
of such oral interview by the Police Committee, and its consideration
of the candidate's past performance based upon evaluations conducted
during the preceding three years, shall constitute 40% of the overall
total score for each candidate based on the average score of all Police
Committee members of such oral interview. The total possible points
for this oral interview shall be 100 points. For example, a candidate
who receives a total of 60 points out of the total of 100 possible
total points for this oral interview shall receive 24 points towards
his/her overall total overall score (60 points x 40% = 24 points).
(2) In creating the list of eligible candidates for promotion to Captain,
or Lieutenant, the Governing Body shall score/rank each such candidate
as follows:
(a)
For promotion to the positions of Captain or Lieutenant, each
eligible candidate shall be interviewed by an interview panel comprised
of the Borough Police Committee, the Borough Administrator, the Chief
of Police, and the next highest ranking command staff member, if one
exists ("interview panel"). All candidates so interviewed by said
interview panel shall be asked the same questions, and the score accorded
to each candidate shall be arrived at by calculating the average of
the scores of all said interview panel members. The results of such
oral interview by said interview panel, and its consideration of the
candidate's past performance based upon evaluations conducted during
the preceding three years, shall constitute 60% of the overall total
score for each eligible candidate based on the average score of all
said interview panel members of such oral interview. The total possible
points for this oral interview shall be 100 points. For example, a
candidate who receives a total of 90 points for this oral interview
shall receive 54 points towards his/her overall total score (90 x
60% = 54 points).
(b)
Each eligible candidate for Captain and Lieutenant shall be
interviewed by the Governing Body. All candidates to be interviewed
by the Governing Body shall be asked the same questions, and the score
accorded to each candidate shall be arrived at by calculating the
average of the scores of all Governing Body members. The results of
such oral interview by the Governing Body shall constitute 40% of
the overall total score for each eligible candidate based on the average
score of all Governing Body members of such oral interview. The total
possible score for this oral interview shall be 100 points. For example,
a candidate who receives a total of 80 points for this oral interview
shall receive 32 points toward his/her overall total score (80 points
x 40% = 32 points).
(3) In creating a list of eligible candidates for promotion to Chief
of Police, the Governing Body shall score/rank as each such candidate
as follows:
(a)
Written examination. At least 20 calendar days before the written
examination, the Chief of Police, or his designee, shall announce
the date, time and location of the written examination. The Borough
may enter into a contract with the New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) to develop, conduct and grade the written
examination. Alternatively, the Governing Body may approve the use
of 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 Governing Body. Eligible candidates who are
scheduled to work during the written examination will be excused from
duty to take the examination. The written 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. For example, a candidate
who receives 70 points out of the total of 100 possible total points
for the written test shall receive 21 points towards the overall total
score (70 points x 30% = 21 points). In advance of such written test,
the minimum threshold/score required to be eligible for promotion
shall be established by the Governing Body, and such minimum threshold/score
shall be communicated, in writing, to all eligible candidates for
promotion prior to their taking said test. Only those candidates who
achieve such minimum score shall be eligible to continue forward in
the promotion process for promotion to Chief of Police.
[1]
A ranked list of eligible candidates for promotion shall be
created based on the outcome of the aforesaid written test.
(b)
Each eligible candidate shall be interviewed by an interview
panel comprised of the Borough's Public Safety Committee and the Borough
Administrative Officer ("interview panel"). All candidates so interviewed
by said interview panel shall be asked the same questions, and the
score accorded to each candidate shall be arrived at by calculating
the average of the scores of all said interview panel members. The
results of such oral interview by said interview panel, and its consideration
of the candidate's past performance based upon evaluations conducted
during the preceding three years, shall constitute 40% of the overall
total score for each eligible candidate based on the average score
of all said interview panel members of such oral interview. The total
possible points for this oral interview shall be 100 points. For example,
a candidate who receives a total of 90 points for this oral interview
shall receive 36 points towards his/her overall total score (90 points
x 40% = 36 points).
(c)
Each eligible candidate shall be interviewed by the Governing
Body. All candidates to be interviewed by the Governing Body shall
be asked the same questions, and the score accorded to each candidate
shall be arrived at by calculating the average of the score of all
Governing Body members. The results of such oral interview by the
Governing Body shall constitute 30% of the overall total score for
each eligible candidate bared at the average score of the Governing
Body members of such oral interview. The total possible score for
this oral interview shall be 100 points. For example, a candidate
who receives a total of 80 points for this oral interview shall receive
24 points toward his/her overall total score (80 points x 30% = 24
points).
(4) The candidate(s) for promotion to Sergeant receiving the highest score(s) as calculated by reference to Subsection
C(1)(a),
(b) and
(c) above shall be deemed the first candidate eligible for promotion. The candidate(s) for promotion to Captain or Lieutenant receiving the highest score as calculated by reference to Subsection
C(2)(a) and
(b) above shall be deemed the first candidate(s) eligible for promotion. The candidate(s) for promotion to Chief of Police receiving the highest score(s) as calculated by reference to Subsection
C(3)(a) and
(b) and
(c) above shall be deemed the first candidate(s) eligible for promotion.
D. Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, the Borough
of Allendale reserves the right to waive the written examination and/or
oral interview components of the promotional process, when the number
of eligible candidates for a particular position is equal to or less
than the number of vacant positions and the Borough intends to fill
all vacant positions. If the Borough elects to so waive the written
examination and/or oral interview components, all other components
of the promotional process within this section not so waived shall
remain in effect.
E. Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, the Borough
of Allendale reserves the right to relax and/or waive the eligibility
requirements for a particular position(s) if the number of eligible
candidates for such position(s) is less than the number of vacant
positions and the Borough intends to fill all vacant positions. If
the Borough so elects to relax or waive the eligibility requirements,
all candidates for the particular position(s), including those who
are eligible as a result of the waiver or relaxation of such requirements,
shall not be required to undergo or participate in the applicable
process set forth in hereinabove.
F. Any appeal of the promotional process other than for the reasons set forth in Subsection
F(1)(a) and
(b) hereinbelow must be filed within 10 days of the posting of ranking of candidates, and failing same, such right of appeal shall be deemed waived. Said appeal must contain the reason(s) or justification(s) for an appeal and must be submitted to the Chief of Police, through the appropriate chain of command. The Chief of Police will assess the request and make a determination of how the request will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
(1) Such requests are limited to the following areas of the promotional
process:
(a)
Review and retabulation of the scored elements of the selection
process.
(b)
Review of any evaluation or internal document that was used
in the selection process related to the applicant.
(2) Any appeal, for reasons other than those specified in Subsection
F(1)(a) and
(b) above, must be filed, in writing, by a candidate with the appropriate authority, within 10 days of the posting of the ranking of candidates. Any such appeal will be forwarded by the appropriate authority to the Governing Body which may, in its sole discretion, allow the candidate to be reevaluated, or take other action it deems appropriate.
(3) All determinations by Chief of Police or the Governing Body are final.
[Amended 8-26-2010]
School crossing guards shall be appointed to
regulate and direct the movement of vehicles and pedestrians at specified
intersections in the Borough. School crossing guards shall be under
the supervision of the Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety,
subject to the ultimate control of the Council.
[Amended 8-26-2010]
The Chief of Police or Director of Public Safety,
with the assistance of such other members of the Department as he
shall detail for that purpose, shall keep complete records as follows:
A. A police blotter in which shall be entered by the
superior officer in charge the rank and hour of reporting each day
for duty of each member and all complaints and matters pertaining
to the Police Department.
B. A Department record book in which shall be entered
the names in full of every person arrested and detained; the time
of arrest; the nature of the complaint; the disposition made thereof;
the name of the officer making the arrest; and the names and residences
of all witnesses, together with a brief statement of any circumstances
and facts of special interest pertaining thereto.
C. Every member of the Police Department shall carry
at all times a book in which he shall enter, while on duty, all matters
coming to his attention as a member of the Police Department and from
this book shall transcribe the same to the permanent record book of
the Department.
The salaries of the members of the Police Department,
including school crossing guards and police dispatchers, shall be
as set forth in the ordinance establishing the compensation for employees
of the Borough of Allendale.
[Added 3-13-2014]
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Mayor and Council
of the Borough of Allendale is hereby designated as the Appropriate
Authority and is hereby vested with the powers and duties of an appropriate
authority as delegated by law.
[Added 3-13-2014]
Discipline of employees and police officers will be imposed
consistent with New Jersey State statutes and the rules and regulations
of the Allendale Police Department. The Chief of Police or designee
will proffer written charges as provided in the New Jersey Statutes
and the Police Department's rules and regulations. Police officers,
special police officers, and employees may also be subject to discipline
for violating other statutes, ordinances, and policies.