[1]
Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of
1974 Code §§ 2-85 — 2-95.1 and Ordinance
Nos. 87-3, 90-25 and 94-84.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. #11-10 § 1; Ord.
#11-14 § 1; Ord. No. 2018-11; amended 10-19-2021 by Ord. No. 21-58; 3-21-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-19]
There is hereby established in the Township of Woodbridge a
Police Department which shall consist of such members and employees
as deemed necessary by the Appointing Authority and may include a
Police Director, Deputy Police Director (if appointed) and/or a Chief
of Police (if appointed), no more than seven (7) Captains, no more
than twenty (20) Lieutenants, no more than thirty-five (35) Sergeants,
and no more than one hundred eighty-three (183) Police Officers (Patrolmen).
The number of positions listed herein is a maximum limit on the number
of officers authorized for the Police Department. Nothing in this
section shall require the Police Department to employ the maximum
level set forth herein. If a Chief of Police is not appointed, the
Police Director shall assign the responsibilities of the Chief Law
Enforcement Officer (CLEO) to a superior officer from among the pool
of superior officers. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118)
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
The Police Department shall preserve the peace; protect life
and property; detect, arrest and prosecute offenders of the laws of
New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of Woodbridge; direct
and control traffic; provide attendance and protection during emergencies;
provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement
agencies; and provide training for the efficiency of its members and
employees. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118)
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
The Business Administrator for the Township of Woodbridge shall
be designated as the Appropriate Authority as provided in New Jersey
Statutes. The Appropriate Authority shall be responsible for the overall
performance of the Police Department. The Appropriate Authority shall
adopt and promulgate Rules and Regulations for the government of the
Police Department and for the discipline of its members and employees.
The Business Administrator for the Township of Woodbridge or his designee
shall act as hearing officer in Police Department disciplinary proceedings.
(N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118)
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 11-10 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
If a Police Chief is appointed, he/she shall exercise any and
all of the rights, authorities, powers and responsibilities reserved
solely to the Chief of Police as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118
and other rights, authorities, powers and responsibilities not reserved
solely to the Chief of Police by statute as delegated by the Police
Director. If a Police Chief is not appointed, any and all of the rights,
authorities, powers and responsibilities reserved solely to the Chief
of Police as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 that cannot be performed
by the Police Director shall be delegated to a Chief Law Enforcement
Officer as designated by the Police Director. Pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40A:14-118, the Chief of Police shall:
a.
Administer and enforce rules and regulations and special emergency
directives for the disposition and discipline of the force and its
officers and personnel;
b.
Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of
the force;
c.
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other
personnel;
d.
Delegate such of his authority as he may deem necessary for the efficient
operation of the force to be exercised under his direction and supervision;
and
e.
Report at least monthly to the appropriate authority in such form
as shall be prescribed by such authority on the operation of the force
during the preceding month, and make such other reports as may be
requested by such authority.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
No member or employee of the Police Department shall be suspended,
removed, fined or reduced in rank for any cause other than for incapacity,
misconduct or disobedience as provided in the New Jersey Statutes
and the Police Department's Rules and Regulations. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147)
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
No person shall be appointed to the Police Department who is
not qualified as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The Appropriate
Authority may also require that the applicant for appointment to the
Police Department successfully complete a physical, medical and psychological
examination.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
All promotions within the Department shall be made in accordance
with all applicable laws, rules and ordinances.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. #11-10 § 3; Ord. No. 2018-11]
The Township Council of the Township of Woodbridge may appoint
from time to time special law enforcement officers in accordance with
New Jersey Statutes for terms not exceeding one (1) year. They shall
possess and exercise all the powers and duties provided by said statutes
during their term in office, but shall not be continued as regular
members of the Police Department and shall not be entitled to tenure.
The Chief of Police or Chief Law Enforcement Officer may authorize
special law enforcement officers when on duty to exercise the same
power and authority as regular officers of the Police Department including
the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8
et seq.)
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
a.
No person shall be given or accept a permanent appointment as a Police
Officer unless they successfully complete a police training course
at a school approved and authorized by the Police Training Commission
in the Department of Law and Public Safety of the State of New Jersey,
pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:17B-66 et seq.
b.
This subsection shall not prohibit the giving or accepting of probationary
or temporary appointment as a Police Officer for a period not to exceed
one (1) year, to enable a person seeking a permanent appointment to
complete a police training course as prescribed by the Police Training
Commission.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. No. 2018-11]
School crossing guards shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions
of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.1, and their qualifications, training and removal
will be governed by N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.1 and 40A:9-154.2.
[Ord. #98-92 § 2; Ord. #04-58; Ord. No. 2018-11]
a.
Within the Township of Woodbridge there shall be a Bureau of Emergency
Management.
b.
The Emergency Management Bureau shall be constituted and appointed
and have such functions, powers and duties as provided by law, R.S.
App. A:9-41.
c.
The Emergency Management Coordinator shall be the head of the Emergency
Management Bureau and shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice
and consent of the Council. In the event an emergency declaration
is to be declared the Emergency Management Coordinator shall consult
with the Mayor or his designee prior to said declaration.
d.
Whenever, if in the opinion of such coordinator, a disaster has occurred
or is imminent in the Township, he/she shall proclaim a state of local
disaster emergency. He/she shall then be empowered to issue and enforce
such orders, in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the
State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety as may be
necessary to implement and carry out Disaster Control operations and
to protect the health, safety and resources of the residents.
e.
The Emergency Management Coordinator is hereby authorized to create
and, he or his designee, to oversee a Community Emergency Response
Team (C.E.R.T.), in cooperation with the New Jersey State Office of
Emergency Management and the United States Department of Homeland
Security. The C.E.R.T. program shall follow the national curriculum
established, which is provided as part of the program.
f.
All members of the C.E.R.T. program shall complete the prescribed
training (twenty (20) hour minimum) and shall be activated by the
Emergency Management Coordinator, or his designee, in accordance with
the Approved Emergency Operations Plan, Annex R, governing the Community
Emergency Response Team. All applicants to the C.E.R.T. program shall
submit to a criminal background check prior to being approved for
training.
[Ord. #01-23 § 1; Ord. #01-27; Ord. #12-15; Ord. No. 2018-11; amended 10-19-2021 by Ord. No.
21-58; 11-9-2021 by Ord. No. 21-64]
Whenever any person requests duplication of a record contained
in the Records Bureau of the Woodbridge Township Police Department
which record is not deemed to be a public record pursuant to N.J.S.A.
47:1A-2, the following fees are to be paid:
|
Description
|
Fee
|
|---|---|
|
Walk-in motor vehicle accident report
|
$0.10 per page
|
|
Walk-in investigation report
|
$0.10 per page
|
|
Mail request
|
$2.00 up to five pages;
|
|
$0.50 per additional page
| |
|
Police photographs
|
$0.75 provided on CD
|
|
Duplication of MVR tapes
|
$1.00 per DVD
|
|
Search/retrieval of telephone and radio CD's
|
$0.75 per CD
|
|
OPRA requests
|
$0.05 per page for letter size
|
|
$0.07 per page for legal size
| |
|
Duplication of BWC recordings
|
$3.00 per Blu Ray Disc
|
[Added 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-41]
The Police Department shall charge a twenty ($20.00) dollar
fee, per set, for fingerprinting.
[Ord. #11-10 § 4; Ord. #13-61 § 3; Ord. No. 2018-11]
The head of the Police Department shall be the Police Director,
who shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall be the executive head
of the Department.
[Ord. #11-10 § 5; Ord. No. 2018-11]
The Police Director shall be charged with the duties of supervising
the Department of Police in all areas and aspects as it shall impact
upon policy and the good order and discipline of the Department and
shall implement rules and regulations for the Police Department and
establish policies for the daily operation of the Police Department
and the discipline of its members. The Police Director shall be responsible
for recommending discipline to the Appropriate Authority in all disciplinary
matters within the Police Department. These duties shall be consistent
with the authority permitted to be vested in the Police Director pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and shall include, but not be limited to:
a.
Have charge and responsibility for all property of the Township used
by the Division of Police.
b.
Keep a record of all business transacted by the Division of Police
and shall approve all bills for the expense of the Division.
c.
Keep and maintain an accurate record and submit an annual report
to the Mayor and Township Council, on or before January l, which report
shall assess the operations of the Division, and its personnel, equipment
and property.
d.
Keep and maintain all records, reports, documents and data required
to be kept and maintained by the Federal and/or State government and/or
any of their respective subdivisions.
e.
Keep and maintain a record of all appointments, dismissals, removals,
resignations and deaths of officers as they take place, with such
other information as may be necessary.
f.
Have responsibility for developing the annual budget for the Division
of Police and shall be responsible for overseeing any and all expenditures
of the Division.
g.
Analyze crime trends and statistics to ensure that the Division makes
the best use of available funds, personnel, equipment and supplies.
h.
Evaluate effectiveness of work program and procedures of all units
and bureaus within the Division and develop effective work methods
for subordinates.
i.
Undertake special studies pertaining to public safety functions and
promote close coordination of planning efforts.
j.
Establish and maintain helpful and cooperative relations with civic
and business organizations, schools, and court offices, and with other
groups and public authorities and other jurisdictions, and with others
interested in the maintenance of law and order.
k.
All such other duties not specifically reserved to the Chief of Police
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[Ord. #11-10 § 5; Ord. No. 2018-11]
There is created a Deputy Police Director who shall, if appointed,
in the absence of the Police Director, exercise any and all powers
vested in the Police Director, and shall perform such other duties
and functions as shall be designated by the Police Director from time
to time, including but not limited to:
a.
Develop records to document and monitor the departmental inventory.
b.
Coordinate, required "staff reports."
c.
Fleet Officer - responsible for servicing and over-all condition
of the police fleet. To coordinate with the Operations Support Division
in regard to fleet files and records; and to coordinate routine preventive
maintenance servicing with the appropriate automobile repair facility.
d.
To coordinate periodic inspections of the Department, as prescribed
by the Police Director.
e.
To coordinate an annual inspection of the Department, as prescribed
by the Police Director.
f.
To initiate and manage the annual budget.
g.
To monitor all schedule changes and time off requests from commanding
officers.
[Ord. #11-10 § 7; Ord. No. 2018-11]
a.
The Police Director shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall serve
during the term of office of the Mayor appointing him, and until the
appointment and qualification of the successor.
b.
The Police Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and
may be removed by the Mayor at his discretion.
[Ord. #11-10 § 8; Ord. No. 2018-11]
a.
If appointed, the Deputy Police Director shall be appointed by the
Mayor and shall serve during the term of the office of the Mayor appointing
him, and until the appointment and qualification of his successor.
b.
If appointed, the Deputy Police Director shall serve at the pleasure
of the Mayor and may be removed by the Mayor at his discretion.
[Ord. No. 2018-11]
The duties of the Superior Officer assigned to serve as the
Chief Law Enforcement Officer shall include, but not be limited to:
[Ord. No. 2018-11]
The duties of a Captain shall include, but not be limited to:
a.
Command — The direction and control of personnel under his
command to assure the proper performance of duties and adherence to
established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. He shall
provide for continuation of command and supervision in his absence.
b.
Loyalty and Esprit de Corps — The development and maintenance
of esprit de corps and loyalty to the Department.
c.
Discipline and Morale — The maintenance of discipline and morale
within the command and the investigation of personnel complaints not
assigned elsewhere.
d.
Inter-Divisional Action — The promotion of harmony and cooperation
with other units of the Department. Initiation of proper action in
cases not regularly assigned to his command, when delay to inform
the proper unit might result in a failure to perform a police duty.
e.
Organization and Assignment — Organization and assignment of
duties within his unit to assure proper performance of Department
functions and those of his command.
f.
Reports and Records — Preparation of required correspondence,
reports, and maintenance of records relating to the activities of
his command. Assure that information is communicated up and down the
chain of command, as required.
g.
Maintenance — Assurance that quarters, equipment, supplies
and material assigned to his command are correctly used and maintained.
h.
Division Commanders will hold the rank of Captain or above and will
be further responsible for such "General" and "Specific" duties as
defined by S.O.P.
[Ord. No. 2018-11]
The duties of a Lieutenant shall include, but not be limited
to:
a.
Supervision — Closely supervises the activities of their subordinates,
making connections when necessary and commending when appropriate.
b.
Leadership — Provide on-the-job training as needed for efficient
operation and coordination of effort when more than one member or
employee is involved.
c.
Direction — Exercise direct command, when necessary, in a manner
that assures the good order, conduct, discipline, and efficiency of
subordinates. Exercise of command may extend to subordinates outside
their usual sphere of supervision if the police objective or reputation
of the Department so requires or if no other provision is made for
personnel temporarily unsupervised. This authority shall not be exercised
unnecessarily. If a supervisor required a subordinate other than his
own to leave a regular assignment, the supervisor so directing will
inform the subordinate's own supervisor as soon as possible.
d.
Enforcement of Rules — Enforcement of Department rules and
regulations and requiring compliance with Department policies and
procedures.
e.
Inspection — Inspection of activities, personnel, and equipment
under their supervision and initiation of suitable action in the event
of a failure, error, violation, misconduct or neglect of duty by a
subordinate.
f.
Assisting Subordinates — Having a working knowledge of the
duties and responsibilities of his subordinates. Observing contacts
made with the public by his subordinates and being available for assistance
or instruction as may be required. He shall respond to calls of serious
emergencies, crimes in progress, assaults, and others, including calls
for service that require a multi-police car or agency response unless
actively engaged in a police incident. He should observe the conduct
of the assigned personnel and take active charge when necessary.
g.
Assignments — When two supervisory officers are assigned to
the same command (i.e., a lieutenant and a sergeant assigned to the
same shift), they will coordinate their time off so that one is always
present.
h.
Loyalty and Esprit de Corps — The development and maintenance
of esprit de corps and loyalty to the Department.
i.
Discipline and Morale — The maintenance of discipline and morale
within the command and the investigation of personnel complaints not
assigned elsewhere.
[Ord. No. 2018-11]
The duties of a Sergeant shall include, but not be limited to:
a.
Good Order — The general good order of his command during his
tour of duty includes proper discipline, conduct, welfare, field training,
and efficiency.
b.
Roll Call — Conduct prescribed roll calls, communication of
all orders, or other information at roll call and inspection and correction
of his command as necessary.
c.
Reporting — Reporting as required by a commanding officer.
d.
Personnel Complaints — Inquiry into personnel complaints against
members or employees under his command in accordance with the provisions
of the Rules & Regulations and Policies and Procedures.
e.
Assisting Subordinates — Having a working knowledge of the
duties and responsibilities of his subordinates. Observing contacts
made with the public by his subordinates and being available for assistance
or instruction as may be required. He shall respond to calls of serious
emergencies, crimes in progress, assaults, and others, including calls
for service that require a multi-police car or agency response unless
actively engaged in a police incident. He should observe the conduct
of the assigned personnel and take active charge when necessary.
f.
Loyalty and Esprit de Corps — The development and maintenance
of esprit de corps and loyalty to the Department.
g.
Discipline and Morale — The maintenance of discipline and morale
within the command and the investigation of personnel complaints not
assigned elsewhere.
[Ord. No. 2018-11]
The duties of a Police Officer shall include, but not be limited
to:
a.
Police Mission — A Police Officer is responsible for the accomplishment
of the police mission on his patrol. He shall constantly be alert
for violations of the laws and ordinances and shall make every effort
to prevent breaches of the peace and offenses against persons and
property. He shall be held accountable for crime, accidents, disorders,
and other criminal conditions on his patrol beat or post.
b.
Reporting for Duty — He shall report promptly at the designated
hour and place, in proper uniform for assignment and inspection. He
shall listen attentively to orders and instructions of his superior
officers, and read such materials as are made available to him. He
shall make written memoranda of such information as necessary and
shall immediately proceed to his post or beat upon completion of these
tasks.
c.
Familiarization with Patrol — A Police Officer shall thoroughly
familiarize himself with his assigned area. He shall be familiar with
all public businesses, and offices, and their entrances, exits, skylights,
fire escapes, and other possible means of escape. While making security
checks of doors, he shall familiarize himself with the location of
safes and night-lights. Changes in night-lights will be particularly
noted.
d.
Method of Patrol — During his tour of duty, the Police Officer
shall continuously patrol every part of his assigned area giving attention
to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great.
As far as possible, he shall not patrol his assigned area according
to any fixed route or schedule, but shall alternate frequently and
backtrack in order to be at the location least expected.
e.
Unlocked Buildings.
1.
When a door or window is found open under suspicious or unusual circumstances
on any tour of duty, a Police Officer shall make a thorough investigation
and determine, if possible, whether a burglary or other crime has
been committed and whether the door or window can be secured. He shall,
if necessary, summon assistance to examine the premises and to secure
such doors and windows. He shall notify his shift commander and the
property owner.
2.
Under circumstances indicating that an intruder is still inside a
building, the Officer discovering same should immediately summon assistance
and then stand guard. When the assistance arrives, he may enter and
search the building.
f.
Field Interviews — When the occasion demands it, the Police
Officer shall courteously but firmly question persons on the public
streets as to their names, addresses, reason for being on the street,
and other matters relating to the circumstances. In all cases, good
judgment, probable cause, and discretion shall be used in making a
decision to arrest.
g.
Vice Suppression — Uniformed officers shall give particular
attention to places where vice violators might congregate. They shall
use every lawful means to suppress the illegal activities of such
persons, prosecute them, and require all establishments to operate
in accordance with municipal ordinances and State laws and shall report
all violations. To prevent interference with ongoing investigations
written reports of vice activities shall be made prior to uniformed
officer actions.
h.
Traffic Law Enforcement — Police Officers are charged with
the enforcement of all provisions of local and State traffic codes.
Failure to take appropriate action in traffic violation cases is considered
neglect of duty.
i.
Complaint Action — A Police Officer shall carefully investigate
all complaints on or near his patrol which are assigned to him or
which are brought to his attention by citizens. He shall take suitable
action in those cases which come under his jurisdiction, and inform
interested parties of the laws or ordinances relative to the particular
complaint or incident. If the legal remedy of the complaint lies outside
the jurisdiction of the Police Department, he shall advise the complainant
accordingly and refer him to the proper authority.
j.
Preliminary Investigations — At the scenes of major crimes,
subject to direction from higher authority, the first officer at the
scene, (after it has been established that the perpetrator is no longer
present), will begin the preliminary investigation (except in the
case of homicide or apparent homicide or sex crime). In those instances,
a member of the Detective Bureau will be called to the scene immediately.
In all instances, members and employees not assigned will not enter
the premises or do any other thing that might interfere with the investigation
or destroy evidence. In cases of homicide, the first duty of the Patrol
Officer is to guard the scene, exclude all unauthorized persons, and
detain all witnesses.
k.
Radio Failure — Members and Special Police Officers shall pay
strict attention to all regular radio transmissions. When they fail
to hear any radio transmissions or time signals for a period not to
exceed 15 minutes, they shall immediately call the dispatcher for
a special test. If he fails to receive an acknowledgment, he shall
immediately contact the desk officer by telephone. In case of radio
trouble, the officer shall notify his shift commander and/or dispatcher
of the nature of the trouble.
l.
All members of the Department will be further responsible for daily
performance standards and such other duties as defined by S.O.P.
m.
Loyalty and Esprit de Corps — The development and maintenance
of esprit de corps and loyalty to the Department.
