[Added 8-8-2018 by Ord.
No. 3654]
A.
The position of Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer(s) (MHLEO)
be and hereby is established.
B.
The MHLEO appointed as such must be named as an individual, not an
entity or company, and is permitted to be employed by a third party
or outside company or entity. The appointment of the individual person
becomes null and void if and when the individual person appointed
leaves the position of MHLEO.
C.
Until the time when the Office of the Bergen County Prosecutor prepares
and issues directives or policy for the Municipal Humane Law Enforcement
Officers, the policies established by the Office's Animal Cruelty
Task Force shall be used as the Model for the Ridgewood MHLEO.
D.
The MHLEO will be responsible for:
E.
While the position established herein is recognized as an "unfunded
state mandate," all summonses issued for violations of the state animal
cruelty laws will be heard in Municipal Court and the fines shall
be distributed in accordance with the directives of the Administrative
Office of the Courts guidelines.
F.
The individual to be appointed to the MHLEO position shall be subject
to any and all background investigations deemed appropriate by the
Village prior to the individual's appointment. Upon appointment,
the appropriate identification badge shall be issued to the appointed
person.
G.
The position of Animal Control Officer (either in-house or outside
contractors) shall be designated as Humane Law Enforcement Officers.
H.
Members of the Ridgewood Police Department may be dispatched to assist
the MHLEO and shall provide assistance in accordance with Department
guidelines and policy.
I.
The MHLEO shall be supervised by and under the authority of Chief
of Police of the Village or designee.
