Article XIV Department of Police

[Amended 12-15-1975 by Ord. No. 75-24; 2-21-2002 by Ord. No. 02-01; 5-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-19]

Department of Police; head of Department; Director.

[Amended 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

Department of Police. The existence of a separate department in municipal government of the Township of Bridgewater designated as the Department of Public Safety of the Township of Bridgewater [formerly referenced in § 4-5B(7) of the Township Municipal Code] is hereby eliminated. In its place and stead and now referenced in § 4-5B(7) as a municipal department is the Department of Police.

(2)

Head of Department. The head of the Department of Police shall be the Chief of Police. As the head of this municipal department, he shall also be known as the Director of this Department, on a par with all other Directors of municipal departments referenced in § 4-5 and Article VII of the Township Municipal Code.

Powers and duties of the Mayor in connection with the Department of Police. The Mayor shall:

(1)

Act as the appropriate authority, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-118.

(2)

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-118, provide for the promulgation and adoption of the rules and regulations for the government of the police force and for the discipline of its members. The rules and regulations shall be in manual form and shall be entitled the "Bridgewater Township Police Department Rules and Regulations."

Functions of the Police Department. The Police Department shall:

(1)

Preserve the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, detect and arrest offenders against the penal laws and ordinances effective within the Township, suppress riots, mobs and insurrections, disperse unlawful or dangerous assemblages, and preserve order at all elections and public meetings and assemblages.

(2)

Administer and enforce laws and ordinances to regulate, direct, control and restrict the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the use of the streets by vehicles and persons, to protect the safety and facilitate the convenience of motorists and pedestrians, and enforce rules and regulations, laws and ordinances of the Township and the State of New Jersey promulgated for such purposes.

(3)

Remove or cause to be removed all nuisances in the public streets, parks and other public places of the Township as are delineated in Chapters 145 (Nuisances, Public Health), 151 (Park Regulations), 142 (Noise), and such other chapters of the Township Municipal Code as may prove applicable.

[Amended 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

(4)

Provide proper police attendance and protection at fire scenes while recognizing the authority of the Fire Chief under N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-54.1.

(5)

Provide for the attendance of its members in court as necessary for the prosecution and trial of persons charged with crimes and offenses, and cooperate fully with the law enforcement and prosecuting authorities of federal, state and county governments.

(6)

Operate training program to maintain and improve the police efficiency of the members and employees of the Department.

(7)

Perform such other duties to be consistent with federal, state and local laws; directives of the Attorney General and the Somerset County Prosecutor.

§ 4-83 Promotions. [1]

[Added 5-1-2006 by Ord. No. 06-20; amended 10-16-2006 by Ord. No. 06-42; 3-17-2008 by Ord. No. 08-06; 7-2-2012 by Ord. No. 12-16; 12-1-2014 by Ord. No. 14-13; 11-25-2019 by Ord. No. 19-18; 1-16-2020 by Ord. No. 20-01; 2-13-2020 by Ord. No. 20-06; 7-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-12; 7-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-13; 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25; 9-18-2025 by Ord. No. 25-20]

Promotion to Chief of Police.

(1)

Eligibility. Any Lieutenant and Captain in the Bridgewater Township Police Department may apply for the position of Chief of Police.

(2)

Promotional process.

(a)

Commencement. The promotional process for the position of Chief of Police shall commence upon the date the position is vacated by the incumbent Chief of Police. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in consideration of departmental preparedness, the appropriate authority may, upon consultation with the incumbent Chief of Police, undertake elements of the promotional process described in this section in anticipation of the pending retirement of said incumbent.

(b)

The evaluation process shall be undertaken by an assessment panel comprised of two representatives of a professional consulting firm, agency, or law firm experienced in the field of police department performance and promotional considerations and the Township Administrator.

(3)

Elements comprising the evaluation process. The following percentages are based on an overall point scale of 100 and shall include the following elements:

(a)

Seniority. Each candidate shall be awarded 0.25% of a point for each year of police service, whether served in Bridgewater Township or elsewhere as a sworn officer, up to a maximum of 8%

(b)

Education. The following educational degrees shall be worth the following points. However, to receive the 10 points allocated for any advanced degree, that degree must be related to management, business, criminal justice or police enforcement.

[1]

AA degree: 4%.

[2]

BA/BS degree: 8%.

[3]

MA/MS, PHD, LLB, JD degree: 10%.

(c)

Record review. The record review will consist of the assessment panel's review of each candidate's personnel evaluations, personnel file, experience and resume. Each of the three individual members of the assessment panel shall review each candidate's credentials in these areas with each individual panel member's score being averaged into one composite score which will account for up to 7%.

(d)

Written examination/exercise. Each of the three individual members of the assessment panel shall review each candidate's performance in the written examination/exercise process with each individual panel member's score being averaged into one composite score which will account for up to 30%.

(e)

Assessment center.

[1]

An assessment center is a process of gathering relevant information, under standardized conditions, about an individual's capabilities to perform the managerial position of Chief of Police. The assessment center places candidates through a series of group and individual exercises designed to simulate the conditions of the position of Chief of Police and determine if each candidate possesses the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job properly. This is accomplished by ascertaining the candidate's behavior relevant to the job while he is being observed by the assessment panel. In this manner, the assessment panel can observe a candidate's behavior from a common frame of reference utilizing various assessment exercises.

[2]

Each of the three individual members of the assessment panel shall review each candidate's performance in the assessment center exercise process with each individual panel member's score being averaged into one composite score which will account for up to 45%.

(4)

Each of the five elements comprising the evaluation will provide each candidate with a numerical overall score, with 100 being the maximum score and 60 being the minimum acceptable score. The ranking on this list shall comprise the promotional eligibility list. The candidates achieving the top overall three scores will constitute the top three candidates, as provided in a listing delivered to the Mayor without ranking.

(5)

The final decision and appointment to the position of Chief of Police will be made from the top three candidates by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Council. This promotion shall be conditioned upon the successful candidate passing a medical evaluation; a psychological evaluation; and a background check involving a credit check, motor vehicle check and criminal check.

(6)

(Reserved)

(7)

The salary and other compensation for the Chief of Police shall be as set forth in the Township Salary Wage Ordinance or by contract for employment.

Promotion to Sergeant.

(1)

Personal profile.

(a)

A minimum of one week prior to the Chief of Police setting forth a list of candidates, each candidate shall prepare and provide to the Chief of Police a typed, standardized resume with a cover letter.

(b)

The standardized resume format shall be promulgated by the Chief of Police.

(c)

The candidate may include any additional information which he/she believes would be relevant to the Chief of Police and the promotion process in his or her cover letter. Each candidate's resume and cover letter will be reviewed by all supervisors during the promotion process.

(d)

Time in grade/eligibility. No member of the Police Department shall be eligible for promotion to the rank of Sergeant without a minimum of five years of police service. Three of the five years must be served as a Bridgewater police officer. The date to be utilized for the calculation of the minimum period of eligibility shall be the date of the issuance of the written notice commencing the applicable promotion process.

(2)

Supervisory review.

(a)

This section of the promotion process shall carry a weight of 43 points at the maximum.

(b)

A list of candidates who have submitted a resume and cover letter shall be promulgated by the Chief of Police.

(c)

Each active full-duty supervisor of the rank of Sergeant and above will be provided with a copy of this list and will participate in this section of the promotion process known as the "supervisory recommendation."

(d)

The supervisors will select from this list the 10 candidates they deem most qualified to be promoted to Sergeant. The selections will be ranked in order of preference. A written narrative explaining the rationale for the selection shall be completed for each candidate selected. The supervisors' decisions are to be based on the following criteria/factors along with their working knowledge of the candidates and any other information concerning the candidate supplied by the Chief of Police as may be requested.

(e)

The supervisors shall consider the following factors:

[1]

Resume and cover letter.

[2]

Knowledge of the duties of a Sergeant as described in the Sergeant job description.

[3]

Knowledge of community.

[4]

Appearance.

[5]

Adaptability.

[6]

Written and oral communication skills.

[7]

Knowledge of policy and procedures.

[8]

Professional judgment.

(f)

Scoring.

[1]

Each supervisor independently selects the top 10 candidates and reports them in order of preference. The candidates are scored as follows:

[a]

First place: 10 points.

[b]

Second place: nine points.

[c]

Third place: eight points.

[d]

Fourth place: seven points.

[e]

Fifth place: six points.

[f]

Sixth place: five points.

[g]

Seventh place: four points.

[h]

Eighth place: three points.

[i]

Ninth place: two points.

[j]

Tenth place: one point.

[2]

Each candidate's score for this section is calculated by utilizing the following formula: total points received by the candidate divided by the number of supervisors participating times 10, then multiplied by 43, equals the candidate's score for this section. [Example: There are 12 supervisors in the process. Candidate A receives a total of 64 supervisor points. (64/(12 x 10)) x 43 = 15.28 points.] All point values will be rounded to nearest hundredths place.

(3)

Service credit.

(a)

This section of the promotion process shall carry a weight of 10 points at a maximum.

(b)

There shall be 1/2 point awarded per year for every full year as a Bridgewater police officer starting from each candidate's date of hire, up to a maximum of 10 points.

(4)

Education.

(a)

College education: maximum seven points. Points will be awarded to the candidates as follows:

[1]

Master's degree, PHD, LLB, JD: seven points.

[2]

Bachelor's degree: five points.

[3]

Associate's degree or active military service: 3.5 points.

[4]

Thirty or more credits or military reserve service: 2.5 points.

[5]

Less than 30 college credits: zero points.

(5)

Numerical score. Each of the four elements (supervisory review, service credit, education, and oral interview) comprising the promotional process for Sergeant shall yield a numerical score for each candidate. The candidates will be ranked from highest score to lowest score and this ranking shall comprise the promotion eligibility list.

(6)

Oral interview.

(a)

This section of the promotion process shall carry a weight of 40 points at the maximum.

(b)

Oral interviews shall be conducted with the top 10 highest-scoring candidates. The interview shall include uniform questions, rating scales and the interview results shall be recorded on a standardized form. The oral interview shall be based on a total of 100 points for each rater for a total of either 400 or 500 possible points (depending on the number of available raters pursuant to § 4-83E(6) hereof) for each candidate for this particular section. Notwithstanding § 4-83E(6) of this chapter, the raters for this section shall include:

[1]

Chief of Police.

[2]

Operations Captain.

[3]

Administrative Captain.

[4]

Lieutenant.

[5]

Lieutenant.

(c)

Evaluation of candidates' performance shall involve consideration of the following criteria and factors:

[1]

Comprehensive and presentation skills in oral communication.

[2]

Maturity in judgment.

[3]

Evidence of supervisory and administrative leadership.

[4]

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Township, including the physical and demographics thereof, as well as an understanding of the operations of Township government, including the interaction of the various departments therein.

[5]

Knowledge and understanding of supervisory and management practices, department rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and police patrol practices.

[6]

Knowledge of criminal and motor vehicle laws, rules of evidence, search and seizure, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Directives and New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines.

(d)

Scoring.

[1]

Each candidate's score for this section is calculated by utilizing the following formula: total points received by the candidate divided by 500 (or divided by 400 in the event there are only four raters pursuant to § 4-83E(6) of this chapter) then multiplied by 40 is the candidate's score for this section. [Example: Candidate A's overall score is 300. (300/500) x 40 = 24.00 points.]

[2]

Each of the four elements (supervisory review, service credit, education, oral interview) comprising the promotional process will provide each candidate with a numerical overall score. The candidates shall be ranked from highest score to lowest score. The five lowest-scoring candidates shall be removed from the promotional process. The remaining 10 candidates ranked highest to lowest shall comprise the promotion eligibility list for the rank of Sergeant.

(7)

Appointment.

(a)

The Chief will select one candidate for promotion from the top three highest-scoring candidates (including ties). Should there be more than one vacancy to be filled, the Chief will select from the top highest-scoring three candidates (including ties) who remain after the Chief makes his initial selection(s).

(b)

In making the selection and appointment, the Chief of Police shall review the following performance-related areas for each candidate: job-related experience; compliance with the rules and regulations of the Department; professional judgment; quality of work; responsibility; attendance; productivity; promotional potential in a supervisory capacity defined as use of independent judgment in the performance of duties, ability to supervise personnel and give directions and orders; disciplinary records; commendations.

Promotion to Lieutenant.

(1)

Personal profile.

(a)

A minimum of one week prior to the Chief of Police setting forth a list of candidates, each candidate shall prepare and provide to the Chief of Police a typed, standardized resume and cover letter.

(b)

The standardized resume format shall be promulgated by the Chief of Police.

(c)

(d)

Time in grade/eligibility. No Sergeant shall become eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant until he shall have served in the capacity of Sergeant for at least six months. The date to be utilized for the calculation of the minimum period of eligibility shall be the date of the issuance of the written notice commencing the applicable promotion process.

(e)

Promotional process. A four-part promotional process has been developed to identify employees who possess the ability for assuming greater responsibilities combined with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform competently at a higher organizational level.

(2)

Supervisory recommendation.

(a)

This section of the promotion process shall carry a weight of 43 points at a maximum.

(b)

All active-duty supervisors of the rank of Lieutenant and above will participate in this section of the promotion process. A list of candidates who meet the established criteria and express a desire to participate in the promotional process by submitting a cover letter and resume will be promulgated by the Chief of Police. Each supervisor will be provided with a copy of this list. The supervisors will rank each eligible candidate. The selections will be ranked in order of preference. A written narrative explaining the rationale for the selection shall be completed for the top six candidates. The supervisors' decisions should be based on a review of the candidates' submissions and their evaluation of the general qualifications of each candidate pursuant to the supervisors' working knowledge of the candidates and how each candidate satisfies the job description of Lieutenant as promulgated by the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police will supply all supervisors with any documents or further instructions he/she deems necessary to complete this process. Personal profile information will be made available by the Chief of Police upon request. The supervisors shall consider the following factors:

[1]

Resume and cover letter.

[2]

Knowledge of the duties of a Lieutenant as described in the Lieutenant job description.

[3]

Knowledge of community.

[4]

Appearance.

[5]

Adaptability.

[6]

Oral and written communication skills.

[7]

Knowledge of policy and procedures.

[8]

Professional judgment.

(c)

Scoring.

[1]

Each supervisor will independently rank all eligible candidates in order of preference with one being the most qualified to be promoted to Lieutenant and the last one being the least qualified. The candidates are scored as follows: total first place points will be determined by the number of eligible candidates. (Example: nine candidates participating in the process will result in the nine points for first place. Point values will decrease by one point for each position below first place. (i.e., second place: eight, third place: seven, etc.)

[a]

First place: (the total number of eligible candidates) points.

[b]

Second place: (tba) points.

[c]

Third place: (tba) points.

[d]

Fourth place: (tba) points.

[e]

Fifth place: (tba) points.

[f]

Sixth place: (tba) points.

[g]

Seventh place: (tba) points.

[h]

Eighth place: (tba) points.

[i]

Ninth place: (tba) points.

[2]

Each candidate's score for this section is calculated by utilizing the following formula: total points received by the candidate divided by the number of supervisors participating times the number of candidates participating, then multiplied by 43, equals the candidate's score. [Example: There are nine supervisors in the process. There are eight candidates participating. Candidate A receives a total of 27 supervisor points. (27/(9 x 8)) x 43 = 16.12 points.] All point values will be rounded to the nearest hundredths place.

(3)

Time in grade.

(a)

This section of the promotion process shall carry a weight of 10 points at a maximum.

(b)

There shall be 1.00 point per year awarded for every full year as a Bridgewater Police Sergeant commencing from each candidate's date of promotion to the date of the written notice initiating the promotion process up to a maximum of 10 points.

(4)

Education.

(a)

College education: maximum seven points. Points will be awarded to the candidates as follows:

[1]

Master's degree, PHD, LLB, JD: seven points.

[2]

Bachelor's degree: five points.

[3]

Associate's degree or active military service: 3.5 points.

[4]

Thirty or more credits or military reserve service: 2.5 points.

[5]

Less than 30 college credits: zero points.

(5)

All eligible candidates that have participated in the promotional process for Lieutenant shall continue to the oral interview.

(6)

Oral interview.

(a)

This section of the promotional process shall carry a weight of 40 points at a maximum.

(b)

An oral interview will be conducted with all the candidates for the position of Lieutenant. The interview shall include uniform questions, rating scales and the interview results shall be recorded on a standardized form. The oral interview shall be based on a total of 100 points for each rater for a total of either 400 or 500 possible points (depending on the number of available raters pursuant to § 4-83E(6) of this chapter) for each candidate for this particular section. Notwithstanding § 4-83E(6) of this chapter, raters for this section shall include:

[1]

Chief of Police.

[2]

Operations Captain.

[3]

Administrative Captain.

[4]

Lieutenant.

[5]

Lieutenant.

(c)

Evaluation of candidates' performance shall involve consideration of the following criteria and factors:

[1]

Comprehensive and presentation skills in oral communication.

[2]

Maturity in judgment.

[3]

Evidence of supervisory and administrative leadership.

[4]

[5]

Knowledge and understanding of supervisory and management practices, police patrol practices, Department rules and regulations, policies and procedures.

[6]

Knowledge of criminal and motor vehicle laws, rules of evidence, search and seizure, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Directives and New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines.

(d)

Scoring.

[1]

Each candidate's score for this section is calculated by utilizing the following formula: total points received by the candidate divided by 500 (or divided by 400 in the event there are only four raters pursuant to § 4-83E(6) of this chapter) then multiplied by 40 is the candidate's score for this section. [Example: Candidate's overall score is 350. (350/500) x 40 = 28.00 points.]

[2]

Each of the four elements (supervisory recommendation, time in grade, education, oral interview) comprising the promotional process will provide each candidate with a numerical overall score. The candidates shall be ranked from highest score to lowest score. The top five highest scoring candidates shall comprise the promotion eligibility list for the rank of Lieutenant .

(7)

Appointment.

(a)

(b)

Promotion to captain.

(1)

Personal profile.

(a)

A minimum of one week prior to the Chief of Police setting forth a list of candidates, each candidate shall prepare and provide to the Chief of Police a typed, standardized resume and a cover letter.

(b)

The standardized resume format shall be promulgated by the Chief of Police.

(c)

(d)

Eligibility. Only members of the Bridgewater Township Police Department who hold the rank of Lieutenant shall be eligible to take part in the promotional process for Captain.

(2)

Supervisory review.

(a)

Supervisory review personnel shall consist of the Chief of Police, the Administrative and Operations Captains.

(b)

A list of candidates who meet the established criteria and express a desire to participate in the promotional process by submitting a cover letter and resume will be promulgated by the Chief of Police. Each Captain will be provided with a copy of this list. The Chief of Police, the Administrative Captain, and the Operations Captain will formulate a list of three candidates they deem most qualified. The Captains' decisions shall be based on a review of the candidate's submissions and their evaluation of the general qualifications of each candidate pursuant to the supervisors' working knowledge of the candidates and how each candidate satisfies the job description of Captain as promulgated by the Chief of Police.

(c)

Other factors for consideration:

[1]

Leadership capability.

[2]

Decision making.

[3]

Professional attitude.

[4]

Oral and written communication skills.

[5]

Interpersonal skills.

[6]

Work performance.

[7]

Investigative, supervisory and/or administrative potential.

(3)

Command staff review.

(a)

For the purposes of this review, the Command staff shall consist of the Chief of Police, the Administrative Captain, and the Operations Captain.

[1]

The Command staff shall meet and discuss their top candidates.

[2]

The Chief of Police, after consultation with the Administrative Captain and the Operations Captain, shall recommend the most qualified candidate for promotion to the rank of Captain.

[3]

In the event a Captain leaves his/her employment prior to or during the promotional process, the Chief of Police and the remaining Captain will encompass the Command staff review.

(b)

Miscellaneous considerations.

(1)

Selection of candidate for promotion.

(a)

The Chief of Police, with the consent of the appropriate authority, will determine when a promotional process is necessary. A promotional process is considered to have begun when written notice of the initiation of the process is given to all police personnel by the Chief of Police.

(b)

The Chief of Police will make his selection for promotion from the top three highest-scoring candidates. Should there be more than one vacancy to be filled, the Chief of Police will select from the top three highest-scoring candidates who remain after the Chief makes his initial selection.

(c)

In making the selection, the Chief of Police shall review and consider the following performance-related areas for each of the top three candidates: job-related experience; compliance with the rules and regulations of the department; professional judgment; quality of work; responsibility; attendance; productivity; promotional ability to supervise personnel and give directions and orders; disciplinary records; commendations; demonstrated conformity to department mission and core values; leadership; and ethical behavior and integrity.

(d)

Upon making his selection of a candidate for promotion, the Chief of Police will recommend his selection to the appropriate authority for approval.

(2)

(Reserved)

(3)

Promotion eligibility list.

(a)

Following the completion of the promotional process, the Chief of Police will prepare promotional eligibility lists for the ranks of Lieutenant and Sergeant. The lists will contain the names of the candidates who are eligible for promotion in descending order starting with the highest-scoring candidate.

(b)

The promotional eligibility lists will remain valid for two years from the date of publication. The appropriate authority as so designated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and § 4-84D(2) hereof may, prior to the expiration of any promotional eligibility list for any rank, upon consultation with the Chief of Police, and in consideration of staffing requirements, pending and anticipated retirements, and other relevant factors, extend the promotion eligibility list for up to six additional months. Written notice shall be provided to all affected employees of any extension exercised pursuant to this section.

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event there is a vacancy at the rank of Captain, the Chief of Police may, with the approval of the appropriate authority, commence a new promotion process pursuant to § 4-83A(5) for any vacancy existing at that rank.

(d)

Any candidate may request, through his/her chain of command, to view his/her point total. At the end of the one-year period, the Chief of Police shall return to the candidate's personnel file any materials reviewed by the Chief.

(e)

A promotion eligibility list for the rank of Captain will not exist following the Chief's selection to fill the vacant position(s).

(4)

The Chief of Police shall be responsible for the security of all promotional materials and all phases of the promotional process. All promotional materials will remain in the custody of the Chief of Police, and shall be stored in a secured file within the office of the Chief of Police.

(5)

Oral interviews of candidates shall include uniform questions, rating scales and the interview results shall be recorded on a standardized form.

(6)

Oral interviews. Pursuant to § 4-83B(6)(b) and C(6)(b), oral interviews are to be conducted by the Chief of Police, Operations Captain, Administrative Captain, and two Lieutenants (collectively referred to as "raters"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever one of the aforementioned positions shall be vacant for whatever reason, the four remaining raters shall conduct the oral interview and evaluate scoring pursuant to the provision of this chapter. If an individual decides to withdraw from participating in the oral interview, the candidate will be removed from the process and said candidate will not be eligible for inclusion on any current promotion list.

Reapplication. Officers who are not promoted after the most recent promotional process has expired (eligibility list) will not be given any preference in any future promotional opportunities and must reapply for each subsequent process.

Appeals.

(1)

Within 10 days of the posting of the ranking of candidates, a candidate may file a written letter of appeal. This letter must contain the reason(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. Such requests may address the following areas of the promotional process:

(a)

Review and retabulation of the scored elements of the promotional process.

(b)

Review any documents that were used in the promotional process related to the appellant.

(2)

If the appeal impacts upon the results of the promotional ranking as determined by the Chief of Police, the candidate may be permitted to be reevaluated.

Service preferences. If two or more candidates receive the same exact score during a promotional process, the candidates’ length of service and residency within the Township will be given preference in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-122.6 (residency) and N.J.S.A. 40A:14-129 (length of service).

Conflict of interest. No supervisory officer shall participate in a promotion process and must entirely recuse themselves therefrom if a relative or member of the supervisory officer’s household is a candidate for promotion.

[1]

Editor's Note: Former § 4-83, Police Commission, as amended, was repealed 6-1-1987 by Ord. No. 87-24.

§ 4-84 Chief of Police.

[Amended 12-15-1975 by Ord. No. 75-24; 6-1-1987 by Ord. No. 87-24; 5-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-19]

The Chief of Police shall:

(1)

Assemble the budget information for the Police Department.

(2)

Be responsible for the purchase of all Police Department supplies and records as approved in the budget and in accordance with the established purchasing procedure of the Township.

(3)

Supervise the training of police personnel.

(4)

Initiate and respond to recommendations for the alleviation of hazardous conditions.

(5)

Work with the Township Administrator and other municipal officials in preparing applications for federal and state financial assistance.

(6)

Supervise the daily operation of the police force.

(7)

Enforce all police rules and regulations and the statutes for the organization and discipline of the Police Department.

(8)

Report, at least monthly, to the Mayor in such form as shall be prescribed by the Mayor on the operation of the force during the preceding month, which report shall include but not be limited to reports detailing the status of all internal affairs investigations and reports detailing the deployment of personnel and all assignments of personnel and make such other reports concerning police activities as may be requested by the Mayor.

(9)

Analyze crime trends and statistics to ensure that the Department makes the best use of available funds, personnel, equipment and supplies.

(10)

Allocate assignments and instructions to subordinate members and employees of the police force.

(11)

Provide members and employees of the Police Department with guidance and advice and supervise their work to see that proper procedures are followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship, conduct, and output are maintained and that desired police objectives are achieved.

(12)

Direct the establishment and maintenance of police records and files.

(13)

Issue directives and allocate resources to ensure police protection for public events, hazardous situations or weather conditions, times of emergency (fires, blackouts, etc.) and in response to emergency conditions (traffic, public disturbances, etc.).

(14)

Review for administrative purposes, reports prepared by subordinate officers and employees.

(15)

Evaluate effectiveness of work programs and procedures of all units and bureaus within the Department and develop effective work methods for subordinates.

(16)

Undertake special studies pertaining to public safety functions and promote close coordination of planning efforts.

(17)

Establish and maintain helpful and cooperative relations with civic and business organizations, schools and court offices and with other groups and police authorities in other jurisdictions and with others interested in the maintenance of law and order.

(18)

Review, analyze and make recommendations regarding budget requests from the Police Department to the Mayor.

(19)

Review, analyze and evaluate all police equipment needs and make the appropriate recommendations to the Mayor.

(20)

Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of the force.

(21)

Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel.

(22)

Delegate such authority as he may deem necessary for the efficient operation of the force to be exercised under his direction and supervision.

(23)

As a separate annual report to the Mayor, prepare and maintain, with annual review and amendment, a five-year plan for the Department to include recommended staffing, equipment, facilities, expenses and capital budgets, with projected law enforcement and other Police Department activities.

(24)

Cooperate fully with any committee or commission appointed by the Council to conduct investigations of the operation of the police force in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-118.

(25)

Pursuant to the Bridgewater Code § 4-20F report at least semiannually to the Mayor and Council, in such form as shall be approved by the Business Administrator, on the work of the Department during the preceding six months.

(26)

Issue any operations orders, general orders or standard operating procedures or policies as he deems necessary for the efficiency and operation of the Police Department, including the routine day-to-day operation of the police function which, under New Jersey law, is under the sole province and direction of the Chief of Police.

Organizational table. A graphic Table of Organization shall be maintained by the Chief of Police to show the divisional structure of the Police Department. The functions and duties of each position in the Table of Organization shall be defined by policies established by the Chief of Police.

Limitation on authority of the Chief of Police. Nothing contained herein shall infringe upon or limit the duty and authority of the Chief of Police to act to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the municipality in an emergency through special emergency directives.

Composition and organization of the police force.

(1)

The Police Department shall consist of one Chief of Police, two Captains, six Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, and 54 police officers, no more than three of whom shall be School Resource Officers. The Police Department may also elect to employ two sworn officers in addition to the aforementioned 54 police officers for the purposes of development and training and may retain said officers for a period of 90 days after the conclusion of the course of training as designated by the Department. In no event shall the number of active police officers exceed 54. With the exception of the Chief of Police position, all such subordinate appointments shall be made by the Director of the Department of Police (Chief of Police) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-43(d). Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10, the Police Department may also employ up to 10 Class III Officers for school safety purposes. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers to be hired by the Township shall meet all the qualifications of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10 and shall not be counted towards the total police officer head count as authorized above. The Director of the Department of Police, with the approval of the Mayor, may, from time to time, leave one or more of the above positions vacant, as he sees fit. The express purpose for naming these offices is to establish a statutory line of authority from all police employees to a higher elected authority. No personnel may be appointed to the Township of Bridgewater Police Department until they have satisfied all statutory requirements and have complied with the selection process and standards established by the rules and regulations adopted by the Director of Police to govern the Police Department, this article (§§ 4-82 to 4-84) and the applicable statutes of the State of New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 to 130). The Chief of Police shall not only have authority over police officials within the Department, but also over all administrative and civilian employees of the Department as well. Each police officer retained by the Police Department shall take an oath and be sworn pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:1-1 et seq.

[Amended 9-7-2006 by Ord. No. 06-38; 6-26-2008 by Ord. No. 08-14; 8-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-21; 5-21-2012 by Ord. No. 12-08; 7-15-2013 by Ord. No. 13-09; 5-4-2015 by Ord. No. 15-12; 8-15-2016 by Ord. No. 16-16; 10-1-2018 by Ord. No. 18-17; 2-21-2019 by Ord. No. 19-05; 9-8-2022 by Ord. No. 22-18; 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

(2)

Line of authority. The Township of Bridgewater Police Department shall come under the jurisdiction of the appropriate authority which is hereby created pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. Said appropriate authority shall be the Mayor. The Director of the Police Department / Chief of Police shall be directly responsible to the Mayor of the Township. The Chief of Police, as Director of the Department shall be the head of the Police Department and shall be in charge of the daily operations of the Department, including the routine day-to-day operations thereof as described hereinabove.

(3)

Promotion or removal from within the ranks. A promotion of any member or officer of the Police Department to a superior position shall be made by the Director of the Department of Police, who is the Chief of Police, as is provided under N.J.S.A. 40:69A-43(d). All promotions shall be made from within the membership of the Police Department pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-129, and a member or officer of the Police Department shall not be promoted until he has served at least three years in such Department pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-130. The Director of the Department of Police shall have the power to remove subordinate officers and employees within the Department, with the approval of the Mayor, and subject to general New Jersey law regarding termination. Promotions made on a temporary basis, due to a vacancy at the rank of Captain, Lieutenant, or Sergeant, shall be made on a temporary basis in a manner prescribed by the Chief of Police and in accordance with departmental policy.

[Amended 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

(4)

Acting Chief.

[Added 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

(a)

In the event of an extended absence of the Chief of Police due to illness, personal leave (including vacation), or other temporary condition where the Chief of Police's return to work is anticipated, the Chief of Police may appoint a Captain to serve as Acting Chief during the time of the Chief of Police's absence.

(b)

In the event of the temporary incapacity of the Chief of Police prior to which the Chief of Police was unable to make an appointment pursuant to § 4-84D(4)(a), the appropriate authority, as so designated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and § 4-84D(2), shall appoint a Captain to serve as Acting Chief of Police who shall serve as Acting Chief of Police until such time as the incumbent Chief of Police is able to resume the duties of the position or until the position is deemed to be permanently vacant.

(c)

In the event of a vacancy in the position of Chief of Police due to retirement or permanent incapacity, the appropriate authority, as so designated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and § 4-84D(2), shall appoint a Captain to serve as Acting Chief of Police who shall serve as Acting Chief of Police until such time as a permanent replacement is selected pursuant to § 4-83A hereof.

(d)

In the event there are no Captains available at the time of any absence, incapacity, or vacancy in the position of Chief of Police as herein described, the appropriate authority, as so designated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and § 4-84D(2), may appoint a sworn officer with the rank of Lieutenant to the position of Chief of Police in an acting capacity pursuant to any subsection hereof.

Compensation for members of the Police Department. Salary and other forms of compensation for each member of the Police Department shall be as set forth either in the Township Salary Range Ordinance, the PBA collective-bargaining agreement and/or the SOA collective-bargaining agreement and are incorporated herein by reference. The salary for the Chief of Police as Director of the Police Department shall be in an agreement negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the Council.

[Amended 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-25]

Office of Police Chaplain.

[Added 11-5-2020 by Ord. No. 20-22]

(1)

Appointment; qualifications. The Chief of Police of Bridgewater Township may appoint one or more Chaplains to the Police Department. Any person appointed shall be a member of the clergy in good standing in the religious body in which he/she was ordained. Said Chaplain shall become a volunteer member of the Township Police Department, after completing a background investigation conducted by the Police Department. This subsection will be in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141.

(2)

Authority.

(a)

The office of Chaplain is to be of service to the Chief of Police, officers, their families, and the residents of the Township of Bridgewater.

(b)

The Chaplain is a staff assistant to the Chief and may be consulted for any purpose by the Chief or supervisory staff. It is understood that all communications with the Chaplain whether of a personal or professional nature by members of the Police Department will be held in confidence.

(c)

The Chaplain will not hold rank or salary, however will be a duly credentialed or commissioned (licensed or ordained) Minister, Priest, Rabbi, or other recognized leader of a religious body. It shall be the responsibility of the Police Department to provide the Chaplain with necessary insurance, uniforms and equipment.

(d)

The Chaplain is considered a staff assistant to the Chief of Police and is authorized to act in his/her name where the presence of police officers requires the assistance of the Chaplain. When on duty, the Chaplain shall be properly distinguished by his/her insignia and identification and shall conduct himself/herself in a manner becoming his/her role and denomination.

(3)

Duties and responsibilities.

(a)

The Chaplain is requested to perform the following duties, and such other duties that may be requested by the Chief of Police:

[1]

Assist Police Department officials in making notifications to families receiving serious injury or upon death.

[2]

When an officer is seriously injured or killed on duty, respond to the hospital on request and work with the hospital staff and hospital chaplain according to common ethical courtesies.

[3]

Visit sick or injured police personnel at home or in the hospital.

[4]

Attend and participate in funerals of active as well as retired members of the Police Department.

[5]

Counsel officers with personal problems.

[6]

Conduct memorial services.

[7]

Participate in in-service training programs.

[8]

Attend departmental graduations, promotions, award ceremonies and other invocations and benedictions.

[9]

Assist in programs and plans for youthful offenders.

[10]

Assist in improving public relations.

[11]

Notify, as soon as possible, an involved person's clergyman in case of a death or serious accident.

[12]

Make proper referrals in unique cases which need specialized attention.

(b)

The Chaplain shall also produce yearly reports detailing his/her activities to the Chief of Police.

(c)

The Chaplain should meet on a regular basis with the Chief of Police and superior officers for the purpose of ongoing evaluation, developing programs and discussion of the departmental morale.

(4)

Regulations and procedure. The Chaplain should have a working knowledge of the duties of law enforcement officers and shall keep abreast of new procedures and be willing to attend training sessions and programs. In addition, the Chaplain shall comply with the following procedures:

(a)

The Chaplain shall conform to all police procedures and department regulations insofar as applicable.

(b)

The Chaplain shall be available by telephone call to the Chief of Police, Department members and dispatchers.

(c)

The Chaplain shall not publicly comment on any law enforcement officer, department official or department policy or action.

(d)

The Chaplain shall not release any information to the public without the approval of the Chief of Police and the person or officers involved.

§ 4-85 Office of Emergency Management.

[Amended 4-20-1981 by Ord. No. 81-7; 5-15-2006 by Ord. No. 06-19; 6-21-2021 by Ord. No. 21-12]

Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator.

(1)

Pursuant to the authority granted thereto in N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.1, within the Department there shall be a division known as the "Office of Emergency Management," the head of which shall be the Municipal Coordinator of Emergency Management who shall be appointed by the Mayor.

(2)

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. App. A:9-44, the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator shall be responsible for the planning, activating, coordinating, and the conduct of emergency management operations within the Township of Bridgewater and shall be empowered with and subject to all the powers and responsibilities delegated by N.J.S.A. App. A:9-30 et seq.

(3)

The Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator shall serve for a term of three years from the date of the initial appointment by the Mayor. Any vacancy in the position of Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator shall be filled by the Mayor for the time remaining on the unexpired term of the prior coordinator.

Community Emergency Response Team.

(1)

The Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator shall be designated as program director of Bridgewater Township's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

(2)

The CERT shall comply with all guidelines, directives, and protocols of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

(3)

The Mayor, by resolution with advice and consent of the Township Council, shall appoint members to the Township's Community Emergency Response Team for terms not to exceed one year from the date of initial appointment.

(4)

A roster of the active CERT members shall be kept by the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator.

State of emergency.

(1)

Pursuant to the power N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.5, whenever, in the opinion of the Township's Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator, disaster has occurred or is imminent in the Township of Bridgewater, the Municipal, Emergency Management Coordinator shall proclaim a state of local disaster emergency within the Township and immediately notify the Mayor, Administrator and Council of such action.

(2)

The Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the State Director of Emergency Management, shall be empowered to issue and enforce such orders as may be necessary to implement and carry out emergency management operations and to protect the health, safety, and resources of the residents of the municipality.

(3)

The powers conferred to the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator by this chapter are confined to those conferred by N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.5 and shall be exercised in a manner strictly consistent therewith.