[1]
Editor's Note: For Statutory authority to create the Police Department, see N.J.S.A. 40:47-1 et seq.
[1969 Code § 50-1; Ord. No. 97-07 § 1; Ord. No. 2001-09 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-07 § 1; Ord. No. 2009-29 § 1; amended 8-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
a. 
At the beginning of each calendar year, the Chief of Police shall submit a proposed table of organization for the Police Department to the appropriate authority for approval or denial.
b. 
If no changes are needed to the existing table of organization at the beginning of the year, the previous table of organization shall be used.
c. 
A copy of the current table of organization shall be maintained by the Police Department and furnished upon request.
[1969 Code § 50-3; Ord. No. 439; Ord. No. 964 § 1; Ord. No. 98-10 § 1; Ord. No. 99-24 § 1; Ord. No. 2005-13 § 1; Ord. No. 2008-01 §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 2010-08; Ord. No. 2013-11; Ord. No. 2013-18; amended 9-14-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-11]
a. 
No person shall hereafter be appointed probationary Police Officer who is not eligible under the New Jersey Statutes.
b. 
No person shall hereafter be appointed permanent Police Officer unless he is eligible for that appointment under the applicable laws of the State of New Jersey, and no sooner than 12 months following the date of appointment by the Mayor and Council.
c. 
No person shall be appointed a probationary Police Officer who is not a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New Jersey.
d. 
No person shall be appointed a probationary Police Officer who is unable to read, write, speak, and understand the English language well and intelligently.
e. 
No person shall be appointed a probationary Police officer unless they possess a valid New Jersey State driver's license and meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. 
Possession of a four year college degree preferably in criminal justice from an accredited institution;
2. 
Service in the military for at least three years; or
3. 
Service as a Special Law Enforcement Officer for at least two years with the Fairfield Police Department and the Chief of Police has recommended his or her appointment as a probationary Police Officer.
f. 
No person shall be appointed a probationary Police Officer unless they successfully complete a medical examination including eyesight test of 20/20 vision or 20/30 vision correct. All candidates shall successfully pass a drug screening test as administered by the Township physician.
g. 
No person shall be appointed a probationary Police Officer who is not of good moral character or who has been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
h. 
Except as provided in Subsection 2-11.2j, no one shall be appointed a probationary Police Officer who does not successfully complete the following process:
1. 
Written Examination. All candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination with a minimum score of 80. The Governing Body shall determine the person(s) or organizations who shall be responsible for the preparation and administration of the written examination.
2. 
Physical Agility Test. All candidates who successfully pass the written examination will be required to pass a physical agility test with a minimum score of 80. The Governing Body shall determine the person(s) or organization who shall be responsible for the preparation and administration of the physical agility test.
3. 
Oral Interview. Candidates who successfully pass both the written examination and physical agility test will be interviewed and scored. The Governing Body shall determine the person(s) or organization responsible for the preparation and administration of the oral interview.
4. 
Medical Examination. All successful candidates considered for appointment shall submit to a medical examination by a licensed physician selected by the Governing Body. All candidates must meet health requirements set for eligibility into the Police and Fire Pension System.
5. 
Background Investigation. All successful candidates being considered for appointment shall submit to a background investigation which shall be conducted by the Fairfield Police Department, or persons or organizations designated by the Governing Body. This investigation shall determine the suitability of the candidate to be a patrolman. A copy of the investigation shall be submitted to and retained by the Chief of Police.
6. 
Psychological Evaluation. All successful candidates being considered for appointment shall submit to a psychological evaluation to determine the candidate's emotional fitness for the position by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist selected by the Governing Body. Copies of the evaluation shall be retained by the Chief of Police.
7. 
Grading. Testing results shall be weighted as follows:
(a) 
Written Examination: 50%.
(b) 
Oral Interview: 50%.
The physical agility test, medical examination, background investigation and psychological evaluation shall be scored on a pass/fail basis.
8. 
The resulting list of all qualified candidates, in scored rank order, will be provided to the Governing Body and will remain in effect for two years from the date of the test, unless it is found necessary to conduct another test sooner than two years.
i. 
Appointment to the Police Department shall be by resolution of the Governing Body of the Township of Fairfield from the list of qualified candidates following interview(s) by the Governing Body with the candidate(s). Interviews of qualified candidates shall be conducted from a pool consisting of the highest ranked candidates numbering no less than two times the number of positions to be filled. In the event that a candidate has previously been interviewed by the Governing Body such candidate(s) shall only be interviewed by the Governing Body again thereafter at the specific direction of the Governing Body.
j. 
Lateral Hires of Fully Certified Police Officers. Notwithstanding other provisions contained in this chapter, in the event the Chief of Police recommends, and the Governing Body finds, that it would be in the best interest of the Township of Fairfield to waive the regular process and hire one or more probationary Police Officers who are certified by the New Jersey Police Training Commission as certified Police Officers in the State of New Jersey, the Governing Body may waive the requirements that such officers take the written examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h1 herein and the physical agility test set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h2 herein and the oral examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h3 herein and hire the probationary officer(s). However, prior to hiring a probationary officer in the circumstances, all candidates must first pass the medical examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h4 herein, the psychological evaluation set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h6 herein and be interviewed as set forth in Subsection 2-11.2I herein.
k. 
Alternate Route and SLEO II Candidates Having Less than Full Certification. Notwithstanding other provisions contained in this chapter, in the event the Chief of Police recommends, and the Governing Body finds, that it would be in the best interest of the Township of Fairfield to waive the regular process and hire one or more probationary Police Officers who are considered either an Alternate Route or SLEO II candidates partially certified by the New Jersey Police Training Commission, the Governing Body may waive the requirements that such officers take the written examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h1 herein and the physical agility test set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h2 herein and the oral examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h3 herein and hire the Probationary Officer(s). However, prior to hiring a Probationary Officer in the circumstances, all candidates must first pass the medical examination set forth in Subsection 2-11.2h4 herein and be interviewed as set forth in Subsection 2-11.2i herein. In addition, all such Alternate Route and SLEO II candidates must be eligible by law and will be required within one year from their date of employment to obtain full certification from the New Jersey Police Training Commission at their own cost and expense.
[1969 Code § 50-3; Ord. No. 965 § 1; Ord. No. 93-62 §§ I-V; Ord. No. 97-07 §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 2001-09 §§ 2 — 4; Ord. No. 2006-07 §§ 2 — 5; Ord. No. 2008-01 §§ 1 — 4; Ord. No. 2013-09]
a. 
Promotions.
1. 
Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police. The promotion procedure covered by this subsection shall cover all Police Department promotions, except promotions to the Office of the Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police if a Deputy Chief shall be deemed necessary by the Governing Body. The Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police if a Deputy Chief shall be deemed necessary by the Governing Body shall be appointed by the Mayor and Council.
2. 
Captain. If the appointment of a Captain is deemed necessary by the Governing Body, all candidates for promotion to Captain shall have held the rank of Lieutenant with the Fairfield Township Police Department.
[Amended 8-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
3. 
Lieutenant. All candidates for promotion to Lieutenant shall have held the rank of Sergeant with the Fairfield Township Police Department.
[Amended 8-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
4. 
Sergeant. All candidates for promotion to Sergeant shall have served as full-time Police Officers with the Fairfield Township Police Department for a minimum of five continuous years by the date established by the Chief of Police for the submission of the letter of intent.
5. 
Corporal. All candidates for promotion to Corporal shall have served as full-time Police Officers with the Fairfield Township Police Department for a minimum of five continuous years by the date established by the Chief of Police for submission of the letter of intent.
b. 
Selection of Candidates. In making the selections as outlined above, the Mayor and Council shall select the most qualified candidates for promotion to a new or vacant position. In order to assist the Mayor and Council in making its selections for promotion to a new or vacant position, the Chief of Police shall submit a list of all candidates for consideration, the personnel files for review, and comments for each candidate.
1. 
Selection Criteria. This award will be based on, but not limited to, the individual's past performance in current rank, absentee record, disciplinary record, record of commendations or citations, overall value to the Department and dedication and professionalism as a Police Officer.
2. 
The Township of Fairfield shall adhere to all laws that apply to the selection of police officers for promotion in the State of New Jersey.
[Added 8-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
c. 
Letter of Intent. Each officer who intends to be a candidate for promotion shall write a "Letter of Intent" to the Chief of Police, stating his/her intention to be considered for a promotion. Such a letter must be received by the Chief of Police by the date established by the Chief of Police.
d. 
Reservation of Rights and Confidential Information. The Governing Body reserves the right to reject all candidates and make no promotion if they feel it is in the best interest of the Township. Any candidate who refuses to have his/her personnel file reviewed will not be considered for promotion. Any and all information contained in the personnel file shall remain confidential and shall only be utilized for promotion. Furthermore, the Governing Body will only deliberate on such personnel information in closed session.
e. 
Waiver. Any requirements of this section may be waived by resolution of the Governing Body.
[1969 Code § 50-4]
No member of the Department shall be removed or demoted for any cause other than incapacity, neglect of duty, misconduct, nonresidence, disobedience of rules and regulations established for the government of the Department and such cause as may at the time of the removal or demotion be valid cause for such action according to the laws of the State of New Jersey then existing.
[1969 Code § 50-5]
Each member of the Department shall receive such salary as shall be fixed by the Salary Ordinance for the position he holds.
[1969 Code § 50-6]
Each member of the Department shall devote his entire time to the duties of his employment as such, and shall not engage in any other occupation or business, and he shall be prepared to act as a Police Officer at any time that his services may be required.
[1969 Code § 50-7]
No member of the Department shall be absent from his duties continuously for a period of five days without just cause, and such absence, without leave or reasonable excuse, shall be deemed a resignation of such member.
[1969 Code § 50-8; Ord. No. 92-30 § 2; Ord. No. 2006-07 § 6; Ord. No. 2014-16]
The Chief of Police shall be the executive officer of the Police Department, subject to such rules, regulations and orders as may be prescribed by the Governing Body. The Chief of Police shall be responsible to the Governing Body which is herein designated as the appropriate authority pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. However, in the absence of a quorum of the Governing Body, the Chief of Police shall be responsible to the Administrator as the appropriate authority's designee.
The Chief shall keep complete, confidential personnel records of all of the members of the Department, make the same available to the Mayor and Council and shall arrange for the keeping of an accurate record of the work and operations of the Police Department, and at the end of each month shall prepare and present to the Mayor and Council at its next regular meeting a report of the work and operations of the Department in the preceding month. In the absence or disability of the Chief of Police, the duties of the Chief shall devolve upon and be performed by the Deputy Chief of Police, who shall be designated as the Officer in Charge. The Officer in Charge may appoint the next highest ranking officer ("Temporary Officer in Charge") to act on the Officer in Charge's behalf during an emergency, his absence, or disability. Such appointment may be made without regard to seniority of the next highest ranking officer even if there are multiple officers holding the same position. In the event the Temporary Officer in Charge cannot fulfill the position due to an emergency, or during his absence or disability, then the Temporary Officer in Charge may appoint another officer parallel in rank, or if no such officer is available, then the next highest ranking officer. Notwithstanding the above appointment authority, the Governing Body reserves the right to either appoint a new Officer in Charge or to replace any temporary Officer in Charge, whenever the governing body determines, that it is in the best interest of the Township to do so.
[1969 Code § 50-9]
In case of fire it shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to report to the acting executive officer of the Fire Department, and render under the supervision and direction of the officer such Police assistance as may be necessary.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: For the Fire Department, see § 2-12.
[1969 Code § 50-10]
The duties of the members of the Police Department not herein expressly set forth, or defined by regulations of the Mayor and Council adopted pursuant hereto, shall be the same as ordinarily performed by Police Officers in other communities.
[1969 Code § 5-11; Ord. No. 98-03 § 2; amended 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-13]
Effective June 14, 2021, the Rules and Regulations of the Police Department of the Township of Fairfield being entitled "Fairfield Police Rules and Regulations" revised date January 2021, a copy of which is annexed hereto, be and is hereby adopted for the operation of the Police Department of the Township.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The manual referred to herein may be found on file in the Fairfield Township Police Department and in the office of the Township Clerk attached to Ordinance No. 98-03.
[1969 Code § 5-12; Ord. No. 924]
The headquarters of the Department shall be located in the Municipal Building, and all records of the Department shall be kept there and be preserved and made available to proper persons in such manner as the Mayor and Council shall provide.
[1969 Code § 50-63; Ord. No. 576]
a. 
Establishment. There is hereby established a division in the Police Department for the use of Police dogs to aid Police Officers in the performance of their duties, to be known and designated as the "K-9 Corps."
b. 
Acquisition of Police Dogs. The Mayor and Council may acquire such number of Police dogs for the K-9 Corps as it may deem necessary for law enforcement.
c. 
Control and Supervision. The K-9 Corps shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Chief of Police, who shall designate specially trained Police Officers to be in charge and control of each Police dog assigned to him, be responsible for its housing at the Police Officer's home and also be responsible for the feeding, care and training of such dog assigned to him.
[Ord. No. 2001-08 § 1]
a. 
Establishment; Purpose. The West Essex Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team or DVRT is hereby established pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17), as amended on January 18, 2000, requiring municipalities to maintain domestic violence intervention teams in order to assist police authorities in dealing with domestic violence cases. The West Essex DVRT will be a regional effort with volunteers servicing the residents of Fairfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, North Caldwell, Verona and West Caldwell to provide information on available resources and referrals as well as to act as a liaison with the police and other agencies, as appropriate. The team will not have police powers, but the team's basic function will be to educate and counsel.
b. 
Appointment of Members.
1. 
The West Essex Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team shall consist of an unlimited number of volunteers who shall be at least 21 years of age and bona fide residents of New Jersey. The team members shall serve without compensation. Interested individuals shall complete the necessary application forms provided by the Township and shall be fingerprinted by the Township Police Department as well as subject to a background check.
2. 
No person may serve as a team member unless he or she has first completed a forty-hour specialized training program as developed by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
3. 
The Chief of Police shall certify the completion of all appropriate checks and training or individual team members and shall provide a list to the Mayor for the necessary recommendation.
4. 
Members of the West Essex DVRT shall be appointed by resolution of the Township Council, upon recommendation of the Mayor. The Township Council shall also appoint certain members as coordinators, upon recommendation of the Mayor.
c. 
Terms. All coordinators and members of the West Essex Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team shall be supervised by the Township Police Department and shall serve at the discretion of the Mayor and Council.
d. 
Duties: Functions. The duties and functions of the team shall include, but are not limited to: meeting with victims of domestic violence to provide support, compassion and advice; providing information on available resources, appropriate agencies, and hotlines as well as serving as a liaison with police and other agencies, as appropriate; such other functions and duties as may be established by the Township Police Department.
e. 
Duties of the Township Police Department. The Township Police Department shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council an annual report summarizing the activities of the team and including any necessary recommendations to improve the program.
[Ord. No. 2009-02; Ord. No. 2011-19; Ord. No. 2018-10; 9-24-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-25; 7-25-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-06; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-10; 2-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03; 2-12-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-04]
a. 
As of the effective date of this revised ordinance, contractors requesting officers to work off-duty traffic and security jobs pay the following rates:
1. 
Officers.
(a) 
Officer. $90 per hour for non-night, non-weekend, or non-holiday shift for all extra duty employment wherein the Township of Fairfield is not the customer for the police service and where no reimbursement for services to the Township will be made. Should any employee work more than eight hours for any assignment, any time worked beyond eight hours shall be billed at the rate of $135 per hour.
(b) 
Whenever an outside vendor employs a Fairfield police officer in an extra duty capacity during a night shift, weekend shift and/or a recognized federal holiday shift, the rate of pay for the officer shall be $135 per hour. A shift that begins on a night shift, weekend shift or recognized federal holiday will be paid at the rate of $135 hour; however, once that shift, if less than eight hours, extends into a non-night, non-weekend or non-recognized federal holiday, the rate will change to $90 hour for the time that is non-night, non-weekend or non-recognized federal holiday. For any shift in excess of eight hours during any of these shifts, even if it extends into a period that is no longer a night shift, weekend shift, and or a recognized federal holiday shift, the officer shall be paid at a rate of $135 per hour rate.
(c) 
In cases where officers are directly assisting Township employees with their work, they will be paid at their overtime rate.
(d) 
In cases where a third-party contractor is being paid directly by the Township of Fairfield to perform work on their behalf, the rate of pay for an officer will be $70 hour. For any shift in excess of eight hours, officer shall be paid at a rate of $70 per hour rate.
(e) 
A four hour minimum applies to the above jobs and cancellation must occur at least two hours prior to the assignment start time.
(f) 
Due to scheduling and emergencies, the Municipality cannot guarantee that coverage will be provided at all times.
2. 
Police Vehicles. $20 per hour;
3. 
Township Administration Fee. $10 per hour;
(a) 
Third Party Administrative Fee. The Township will be permitted to add a reasonable third-party administrative fee.
4. 
Definitions.
(a) 
Night Shift. Any full or part of an extra duty employment shift that takes place between 18:00 hours and 06:00 hours the following day.
(b) 
Weekend Shift. Any full or part of an extra duty employment shift that occurs between Saturday at 00:01 hours and the following Sunday at 24:00 hours.
(c) 
Holiday Shift. Any shift that occurs between 00:01 hours and 24:00 hours for any recognized federal holiday.
b. 
Municipal Service Agreement.
1. 
The attached (Appendix A) form is to be used by the Township and those individuals and businesses seeking to engage Police services from the Township. This form may be found at the end of this Article.
Editor's Note: Appendix A may be found in the Township offices.
2. 
This form of agreement is to be used for the engagement of municipal police officers as provided in Subsection 2-11.15 of the Township Code.
[Ord. No. 2009-15 § 1]
a. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers; Appointments; Qualifications.
1. 
Fairfield Township, as it deems necessary, may appoint Special Law Enforcement Officers sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities permitted by local ordinances authorized by N.J.S. 40A:14-118.
2. 
No person may be appointed as a Special Law Enforcement Officer unless the person:
(a) 
Is a resident of the State of New Jersey during the term of appointment;
(b) 
Is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and has a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(c) 
Is sound in body and of good health;
(d) 
Is of good moral character;
(e) 
Has successfully undergone the same psychological testing that is required of all full-time police officers in the municipality or, has successfully undergone a program of psychological testing approved by the Police Chief.
3. 
Every applicant for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to this subsection shall have fingerprints taken, which fingerprints shall be filed with the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
4. 
No person shall be appointed to serve as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in more than one local unit at the same time, nor shall any permanent, regularly appointed full-time Police Officer or any local unit be appointed as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in any local unit. No public official with responsibility for setting law enforcement policy or exercising authority over the budget of the local unit or supervision of the Police Department of a local unit shall be appointed as a Special Law Enforcement Officer.
5. 
Before any Special Law Enforcement Officer is appointed, the Chief of Police, or, in the absence of the Chief, other chief law enforcement officer of the local unit shall ascertain the eligibility and qualifications of the applicant and report these determinations in writing to the Mayor and Council.
6. 
Any person who at any time prior to his appointment had served as a duly qualified, fully-trained, full-time officer in any municipality of this State and who was separated from that prior service in good standing, shall be eligible to serve as a Special Law Enforcement Officer. The training requirements set forth in N.J.S.A. § 40A:14-146.11 may be waived by the Police Training Commission with regard to any person eligible to be appointed as a Special Law Enforcement Officer.
b. 
Duties.
1. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers should be used for emergencies, both anticipated and unexpected, and can be used as well to supplement or augment regular force.
2. 
The State's policy to protect regular municipal Policemen by giving them tenure of office during good behavior cannot be nullified by appointing Special Law Enforcement Officers to perform the same duties as regular Policemen during normal conditions.
3. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers may be appointed to serve on a temporary or intermittent basis for emergent or unusual conditions, to supplement the regular Police Departments for traffic and crowd control and/or to provide extra security at parades, sporting events, riots, natural disasters and for other similar purposes.
4. 
The Chief of Police, or in the absence of the Chief, other chief law enforcement officer of the local unit wherein the officer is appointed, may authorize Special Law Enforcement Officers when on duty to exercise the same powers and authority to permanent, regularly appointed Police Officers of the local unit including, but not limited to, the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest, subject to rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the certification requirement, as may be established by the Mayor and Council.
c. 
Training Course; Firearms.
1. 
No person may commence his duties as a Special Law Enforcement Officer unless he has successfully completed a training course approved by the Police Training Commission and no Special Law Enforcement Officer may be issued a firearm unless he has successfully completed the basic firearms course approved by the Police Training Commission for permanent, regularly appointed police and annual requalification examinations. There shall be two classifications for Special Police Officers. The Police Training Commission shall prescribe by rule or regulation the training standards to be established for each classification. Training may be in a Police Training Commission approved academy or in any other training program which the Police Training Commission may deem appropriate. The classifications shall be based upon the duties to be performed by the Special Law Enforcement Officer as follows:
(a) 
Class One. Officers of this class shall be authorized to perform routine traffic detail, spectator control and similar duties. If authorized by this subsection, Class One officers shall have the power to issue summonses for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, violations of municipal ordinances and violations of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be strictly prohibited and no Class One Officer shall be assigned any duties which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(b) 
Class Two. Officers of this class shall be authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time Police Officer. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class may be authorized only after the officer has been fully certified as successfully completing training as prescribed by the Commission.
2. 
The Police Training Commission may, in its discretion, except from the requirements of this subsection any person who demonstrates to the Police Training Commission's satisfaction that he has successfully completed a Police training course conducted by any Federal, State or other public or private agency, the requirements of which are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this subsection.
3. 
The Police Training Commission shall certify officers who have satisfactorily completed training programs and issue appropriate certifications to those officers. The certificate shall clearly state the category of certification for which the officer has been certified by the Police Training Commission.
d. 
Uniforms. Every Special Law Enforcement Officer prior to the commencement of his duties shall be furnished with a uniform which shall identify the officer's function. The uniform shall include, but not be limited to, a hat and appropriate badges which shall bear an identification number or name tag and the name of the local unit in which the officer is employed. The uniform shall also include an insignia issued by the Commission which clearly indicates the officer's status as a Special Law Enforcement Officer and the type of certification issued pursuant to Section 4 of act N.J.S.A. § 40A:14-146.11. Reimbursement for uniforms shall be as follows:
[Amended 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12; 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-13]
1. 
Class II Officers shall be reimbursed for their uniform purchase as follows:
(a) 
After completion of one year of service with the Township as a Class II Officer: 50%.
(b) 
Completion of two years of service: 100%.
2. 
With the recommendation of the Chief of Police, this requirement may be waived by way of a resolution adopted by the Township Mayor and Council.
e. 
Terms and Revocation of Appointments as Special Law Enforcement Officers.
1. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers may be appointed for terms not to exceed one year, and the appointments may be revoked by the local unit for cause after adequate hearing, unless the appointment is for four months or less, in which event the appointment may be revoked without cause or hearing. Nothing herein shall be construed to require reappointment upon the expiration of the term.
2. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers so appointed shall not be members of the Police force of the Township of Fairfield, and their powers and duties as determined shall cease at the expiration of the term for which appointed.
3. 
No Special Law Enforcement Officer may carry a firearm except while engaged in the actual performance of the officer's official duties and when specially authorized by the Chief of Police, or, in the absence of the Chief, other chief law enforcement officer of the local unit to carry a firearm and provided that the officer has satisfactorily completed the basic firearms course required by the Police Training Commission for regular Police Officer and annual requalification examinations as required for permanent, regularly appointed full-time officers in the local unit.
4. 
The Special Law Enforcement Officer shall comply with the rules and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of the permanent, regularly appointed Police Officers of the local unit, as well as any rules and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of Special Law Enforcement Officers.
5. 
Any firearm utilized by a Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be returned at the end of the officer's workday to the officer in charge of the station house, unless the firearm is owned by the Special Law Enforcement Officer and was acquired in compliance with a condition of employment established by the local unit. Special authorization shall be in the form of a permit which shall not be unreasonably withheld, which is subject to renewal annually and may be revoked at any time by the Chief of Police. The permit shall be on the person of the Special Police Officer whenever a revolver or other similar weapon is carried off duty. No permit shall be issued until the Special Police Officer has successfully completed all training courses required under this section. Any training courses completed by a Special Police Officer under the direction of the Chief of Police in a school and a curriculum approved by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L. 1961, c. 56 (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-66 et seq.) shall be credited towards the 280 hours of training required to be completed by this section. Any training required by this section shall commence within 90 days of the date of the appointment of the Special Police Officer, whichever is later.
6. 
A Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Police, or in the absence of the Chief, other chief law enforcement officer of the local unit wherein the officer is appointed, and shall perform his duties only in the local unit except when in fresh pursuit of any person pursuant to Chapter 156 of Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes or when authorized to perform duties in another unit pursuant to a mutual aid agreement enacted in accordance with Section 1 of P.L. 1976, c. 45 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.1).
7. 
The officer shall comply with the rules and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of the permanent, regularly appointed Police Officers of the local unit, as well as any rules and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of Special Law Enforcement Officers.
f. 
Assembly.
1. 
Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be allowed to perform law enforcement duties outside of the jurisdictional limits of the local unit in which the officer was appointed when authorized to do so pursuant to a mutual police aid agreement enacted in accordance with current law. Section 1 of P.L. 1976, c. 45 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.1) permits the governing bodies of two or more municipalities to enter into agreements by reciprocal ordinances for rendering mutual police or fire aid in case of emergency. These mutual aid agreements are now used to permit regular municipal Police Officers to perform law enforcement duties in areas outside the jurisdictional limits of their law enforcement departments.
2. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers will be allowed to travel through the jurisdiction of another law enforcement unit in order to reach a noncontiguous area of the local unit in which he has his appointment or to transport persons to and from a correctional facility.
g. 
Hours of Employment.
1. 
Generally, Special Law Enforcement Officers are not to be employed for more than 20 hours per week. However, in the event of an emergency, or when the Chief of Police deems a need exists, there shall be no limitation of hours. The use of Special Law Enforcement Officers shall not violate Subsection g2 of this subsection regardless of any emergency situation.
2. 
Special Law Enforcement Officers may be employed only to assist the local law enforcement unit but may not be employed to replace or substitute for full-time, regular Police Officers or in any way diminish the number of full-time officers employed by the local unit.
3. 
The Township of Fairfield may designate one Special Law Enforcement Officer to whom the limitations on hours shall not be applicable.
[Ord. No. 2017-08]
a. 
Preamble. The Superintendent of Fairfield Township's School District desires to protect the Township's public schools by one Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III for each public school in the District.
New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie signed Bill S86/A3629 establishing Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III, who would be uniformed, armed, retired police officers; and who, when on school property during times when students and staff are present and/or anytime they are going to and from the school, would have the same authority to take police action as a full-time law enforcement officer.
The Legislature of New Jersey passed N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10, Special law enforcement officers; appointment; qualifications; and said Statute will be effective on June 1, 2017.
The Township Council therefore determined that an ordinance is necessary to establish the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III, for the purpose of protecting Fairfield Township's public schools.
b. 
Position Established. The Governing Body does hereby authorize the establishment of the Special Law Enforcement Officers Class III position, as described above, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10, for the purpose of protecting Fairfield Township's public schools.
c. 
Cost. The cost of one Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III for each Fairfield Township public school, at the rate of $30 per hour, shall be added to the Township's budget.
d. 
Qualifications.
1. 
As the Police Training Commission will begin processing waiver requests for Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III on July 1, 2017, Fairfield Township's applicants for the title will comply with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10, and will meet the following pre-certification requirements:
(a) 
Must be retired Police Officer that has previously served as a duly qualified, fully trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of the State of New Jersey, or as a member of the New Jersey State Police, and must be living in New Jersey.
(b) 
Left agency in good standing (necessary to have a good standing letter from agency retired from and copy to be submitted to the PTC).
(c) 
Must be less than 65 years of age for appointment.
(d) 
Pass a psychological exam.
(e) 
Pass a medical exam to include stress test.
(f) 
Drug tested.
(g) 
Updated background investigation.
(h) 
First year may not exceed a five year break in service, July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2018, may not exceed three year break in service after July 1, 2018. Any officer who retired AFTER June 30, 2012, will be eligible for the first year. Police Department is authorized to perform the necessary background investigations and arrange for all that is associated with the hiring of such officers, so that they will be ready to start in September, 2017.
2. 
After appointment to Special Law Enforcement Officers Class III position:
(a) 
Submit Request for Waiver of Training Form (Form PTC-15), located at www.njptc.org.
(b) 
Copy of appointment (Resolution).
(c) 
Notice of New Appointment (NONA) form, located at www.njptc.org.
(d) 
Complete SRO training within 12 months of being appointed (courses to be offered at the local academies).
(e) 
Conform to Attorney General's Mandatory inservice training requirements.
(f) 
Must be a uniformed officer, displaying the Special Law Enforcement Officers Class III patch, provided by the Police Training Commission.
(g) 
Act under authority the Fairfield Township Police Department.
(h) 
Complete Agency Training.
(i) 
Must be appointed yearly and must be less than 65 years of age (cannot be reappointed if age 64 or older).
[Added 3-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
a. 
Designation established. The governing body does hereby authorize the Chief of Police to designate the position of Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:22-14.1. The Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) shall be subject to such rules, regulations and orders as may be prescribed by the governing body. The Humane Law Enforcement Officer can be changed at will pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
b. 
The Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) shall be responsible for detecting, investigating, enforcing, and signing complaints for violations of animal welfare and animal cruelty within the municipality. The HLEO shall enforce and abide by the provisions of Chapter 22 of Title 4 and shall be authorized to investigate and sign complaints, arrest violators, and otherwise act as an officer for detection, apprehension, and arrest of offenders against the animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the state and ordinances of the municipality.
c. 
Qualifications and training. HLEOs shall complete training specific to animal welfare and animal cruelty investigations sanctioned by the New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC) within one year of his/her designation as HLEO. The Police Department may obtain a waiver of this requirement from the PTC for HLEOs who have previously completed police training courses that are substantially equivalent to law-enforcement parts of the animal protection law enforcement course established by the PTC [N.J.S.A. 4:22-11.11c(1)] or HLEOs who have previously completed initial animal control courses that are sustainably equivalent to portions of the animal protection law-enforcement course established by the PTC [N.J.S.A. 4:22-11.11C(2)].