[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of West Deptford as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 6-18-1970 as § 2-6.9
of the General Ordinances; amended in its entirety 10-21-1993 by Ord. No. 93-19]
A.
General organization. There is hereby created in and for the Township
of West Deptford a Police Department which may consist of a Chief
of Police; one Deputy Chief of Police; two Lieutenants; six Sergeants;
five Corporals; 27 police officers and such personnel and officers
as shall be deemed necessary by the Township Committee of the Township
of West Deptford which shall, from time to time, determine the number
of persons including temporary officers and members in an emergency,
to be appointed to these positions, their terms of office, the fixing
of their compensation and the prescription of their powers, functions
and duties.
In addition, the Police Department may employ clerical personnel
and other civilian employees to assist the Department with performing
non-law enforcement support functions in the Township. The determination
as to the employment of additional staff shall fall under the hiring/firing
parameters of the municipality.
[Amended 5-2-2013 by Ord.
No. 2013-03; 7-15-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10; 2-5-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-03]
B.
Appropriate authority. The Township Committee of the Township of
West Deptford shall be designated as the Appropriate Authority as
provided in the 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.
C.
Purpose. The Police Department shall: preserve the public peace;
protect life and property; detect, arrest, and prosecute offenders
of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of West
Deptford; direct and control traffic; provide attendance and protection
during emergencies; provide appearances in court; cooperate with all
other law enforcement agencies; provide training for the efficiency
of its members and officers.
The Chief of Police shall be the head of the Police Department
and shall be directly responsible to the Township Committee for its
efficiency and day-to-day operations. Pursuant to policies established
by the Township Committee, the Chief of Police shall:
A.
Administer and enforce the rules and regulations of the Police Department
and any special emergency directive for the disposition and discipline
of the Department and its members and officers;
B.
Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of
the Police Department;
C.
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all members and officers;
D.
Delegate such authority as may be deemed necessary for the efficient
operation of the Police Department to be exercised under the Chief's
direction and control; and
E.
Report at least monthly to the Township Committee in such form as
shall be prescribed on the operation of the Police Department during
the preceding month and make such other reports as may be requested
by the Township Committee.
No person shall be appointed to the Police Department who is
not qualified as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The Township
Committee may also require that an applicant for appointment to the
Police Department shall successfully complete a physical, mental and
psychological examination, and have completed two years of college.
The Township Committee may waive educational requirements in lieu
of on-the-job experience.
Except as otherwise provided by law, no permanent member or
officer of the Police Department shall be removed from his office,
employment or position for political reasons or for any cause other
than incapacity, misconduct or disobedience of rules and regulation
established for the government of the Police Department, nor shall
such member or officer be suspended, removed, fined or reduced in
rank from or in office, employment or position therein, except for
just cause as hereinbefore provided and then only upon a written complaint
setting forth the charge or charges against such member or officer
in accordance with the New Jersey Statutes and Police Department Rules
and Regulations.
[Amended 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-17]
A.
The Township Committee of the Township of West Deptford may appoint
from time to time special law enforcement officers in accordance with
New Jersey Statutes for terms not exceeding one 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 may authorize special law enforcement officers when
on duty to exercise the same powers and authority as regular members
of the Police Department.
B.
Classes of special officers.
(1)
Class I. An officer of this class shall be authorized to perform
routine traffic detail, spectator control and similar duties. Class
I officers shall have the power to issue summonses for disorderly
persons and petty disorderly person offenses, violations of municipal
ordinances and violations of Title 39 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes.
The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be strictly
prohibited, and no Class I officer shall be assigned any duties which
require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(2)
Class II. 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 certified
as successfully completing training as prescribed by the Commission.
[Added 9-2-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-12]
A.
Position
created. The position of Police Chaplain for the West Deptford Police
Department is hereby created in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141.
The position will be a volunteer position. The position of Chaplain
shall be under the authority of the Chief of Police.
B.
Qualifications.
Any person appointed as Chaplain shall be an ordained clergy person
in good standing in the religious body from which he/she is selected.
The Chaplain shall have basic training and shall be a certified Police
Chaplain credentialed in accordance with the General Order of the
West Deptford Police Department.
C.
Duties.
The duties of Police Chaplain shall include but not be limited to
assisting the West Deptford Township Police Department in death notifications,
station house adjustments, counseling and any other duties that may
be assigned by the Chief of Police.
D.
Rank and
salary. Any person appointed as Chaplain shall serve in that capacity
as a volunteer without rank or salary.
E.
Term of
office. A person appointed as Chaplain shall serve on a yearly basis
and may be reappointed if recommended by the Chief of Police and approved
by the appropriate authority.
F.
Appointment.
The Chief of Police may recommend to the appropriate authority, persons,
that he/she believes meet the qualifications of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141
as well as General Orders of the West Deptford Township Police Department
with reference to chaplains. All applicants for the position of Chaplain
shall be reviewed by the Chief of Police, Police Chaplain-Director
and Chaplain Liaison Officer to determine his/her qualifications in
accordance with this section and shall make recommendations to the
appropriate authority regarding the appointment as Chaplain. The appropriate
authority shall appoint Chaplains in accordance with this section.
[Added 12-30-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-26]
A.
Appointments
by Township Committee.
(1)
The
Township Committee shall determine the number of persons to be appointed
to various positions within the Department. The Township Committee
shall make such appointments at such times as the Township Committee
shall deem appropriate, and shall determine terms of office and compensation.
(2)
Prior
to making such appointments, applicants will be required to meet such
qualifications as the Township Committee deems appropriate. Candidates
must meet the eligibility requirements at the time that the promotional
vacancy is announced. The Chief of Police shall be responsible for
the administration of the promotional process with the exception of
a vacancy of the Chief of Police position, while the Township Committee
is responsible for the administration of the promotional process for
the Chief of Police position.
B.
Chief of
Police. Applicants for the position of Chief of Police must satisfy
the Township Committee that he or she possesses the necessary qualifications
to act as Chief of Police and have charge of the business and personnel
contained with this Department. The Township Committee will attempt
to choose from at least three qualified applicants for this position.
In assessing the qualifications of any applicant, the Township Committee
shall consider the following qualifications:
(1)
Education.
A minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent, a bachelor's
degree is preferred. The applicant must also have successfully completed
a basic police academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(2)
Experience.
Five years of experience in police activities intended to provide
assistance and protection for persons and property. The applicant
must have served in a command grade position within the division of
police in West Deptford Township. However, in order to have a sufficient
number of candidates for consideration, the Township Committee, in
its discretion, may waive the requirement of command grade experience.
(3)
Licenses.
Possession of a valid New Jersey motor vehicle license.
(4)
Knowledge
and general abilities:
(a)
The
ability to operate a department within the government of the Township
of West Deptford and to handle the internal and external problems
related to such duty;
(b)
A
thorough working knowledge of criminal and civil law, local ordinances
and police procedures, regulations and organization;
(c)
The
ability to manage the internal organization of the Department;
(d)
The
ability to provide citizens and others with proper police information,
service and protection;
(e)
Knowledge
of the types of police communications that are useful and feasible
for the Department;
(f)
Knowledge
of methods of detecting, apprehending, placing charges against, safeguarding
and prosecuting lawbreakers, and providing police protection at paces
and times when needed; and
(g)
The
ability to formulate measures to curb juvenile delinquency within
the Township.
C.
Deputy Chief
of Police.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Deputy Chief of Police shall be graded in accordance
with the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-30
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year in grade
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-30
|
|
Mayor/Township Committee interviews
|
0-30
|
|
100
|
(2)
In considering
applicants for this position, the Township Committee shall consider
the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent; a Bachelor's
degree is preferred. The applicant must also have successfully completed
a basic police academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(b)
Experience:
five years of experience in police activities intended to provide
assistance and protection for persons and property. The applicant
must have served in a command grade position within the division of
police in West Deptford Township. However, in order to have a sufficient
number of candidates for consideration, the Township Committee, in
its discretion, may waive the requirement of command-grade experience.
(c)
Licenses:
possession of a valid New Jersey motor vehicle license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; the ability to supervise and instruct subordinates;
the ability to conduct complex investigations effectively; the ability
to prepare concise, complete, and accurate reports; the ability to
interrogate suspects and take voluntary statements; the ability to
work effectively and diplomatically with the public; and the willingness
to take initiative and assume responsibility with minimum supervision.
D.
Lieutenant.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Lieutenant shall be graded in accordance with
the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-30
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year in grade
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-30
|
|
Mayor/Township Committee interviews
|
0-30
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In considering applicants for the position of Lieutenant, the Township
Committee shall consider the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
a minimm of a high school diploma or its equivalent; an Associate's
degree is preferred. The applicant must also have successfully completed
a basis Police Academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(b)
Experience:
a minimum of five years of experience as a full time sworn police
officer is required with at least two years shall have been satisfactorily
served in the rank of sergeant for eligibility for promotion to this
rank. However, in order to have a sufficient number of candidates
for consideration, the Township Committee, in its discretion, may
waive this requirement.
(c)
Licenses:
possession of a valid New Jersey motor vehicle license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; ability to supervise and instruct subordinates; ability
to prepare concise, complete and accurate reports; ability to interrogate
suspects and take voluntary statements; ability to work effectively
and diplomatically with the public; and willingness to take initiative
and assume responsibility with a minimum supervision.
E.
Sergeant,
Bureau of Regular Police.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Sergeant within the Bureau of Regular Police shall
be graded in accordance with the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-50
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year in a Corporal-graded
position
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-40
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In making appointments to the position of Sergeant, Bureau of Regular
Police, the Chief of Police or a panel designated by the Chief of
Police shall consider the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent; an Associate's
degree is preferred. The application must have successfully completed
a Basic Police Academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(b)
Experience.
The applicant must currently be in the rank of Patrol Corporal or
Detective Corporal, possess a minimum of five years of experience
in police activities intended to provide assistance and protection
for persons and property. However, in order to have a sufficient number
of candidates for consideration, the Township Committee, in its discretion,
may waive these requirements. The Township Committee shall consider
the experience and record of the applicant within the Police Department
of West Deptford Township.
(c)
Licenses:
possession of a valid New Jersey automobile driver's license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; good communication skills; the ability to perform supervisory
duties in relation to other personnel within the Police Department;
the capability to operate the Police Department in the absence of
command staff personnel and perform the necessary operation duties
associated with said task; the capacity to give suitable assignments
and instructions to personnel on duty, to provide them with the necessary
advice and assistance when difficult and unusual situations arise,
to check their work to see that proper procedures are followed, and
to see that reasonable standards of workmanship, conduct and output
are maintained so that the desired level of police protection is maintained.
F.
Detective
Sergeant.
[Amended 2-3-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-01]
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Detective Sergeant shall be graded in accordance
with the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-50
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year in grade [combined]
as a [Patrol Sergeant], Patrol Corporal or Detective Corporal
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-40
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In making appointments to the position of Sergeant within the Detective
Bureau, the Chief of Police or a panel designated by the Chief of
Police shall consider the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent; an Associate's
degree is preferred. The applicant must also have successfully completed
a Basic Police Academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(b)
Experience.
The applicant must currently be in the rank of [Patrol Sergeant],
Patrol Corporal or Detective Corporal, possess at least two years
of experience in the Detective Division and not less than five years
total service as a full-time police officer. However, in order to
have a sufficient number of candidates for consideration, the Township
Committee, in its discretion, may waive this requirement.
(c)
Licenses.
Possession of a valid New Jersey automobile driver's license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; ability and display of a high level of success in detection
and arrest of perpetrators of crimes; ability to supervise and instruct
subordinates; ability to conduct complex investigations effectively;
ability to prepare concise, complete and accurate reports; ability
to interrogate suspects and take voluntary statements; ability to
work effectively and diplomatically with the public; and willingness
to take initiative and assume responsibility with a minimum of supervision.
G.
Police Corporal.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Police Corporal within the Police Department shall
be graded in accordance with the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-50
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year of full-time
sworn police service
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-40
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In making appointments to the position of Police Corporal, the Chief
of Police or a panel designated by the Chief of Police shall consider
the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
successful completion of at least the 12th grade or its equivalent,
and successful completion of the basis police training course approved
by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
(b)
Experience.
The applicant must possess a minimum of four years of experience as
a full-time sworn police officer prior to being appointed as a Corporal
in the Patrol Division. However, in order to have a sufficient number
of candidates for consideration, the Township Committee, in its discretion,
may waive this requirement. The Chief of Police shall consider the
experience and record of the applicant within the Police Department
of West Deptford Township.
(c)
License:
possession of a valid New Jersey automobile driver's license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities. A thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; good communication skills; the ability to detect, apprehend
and prepare proper charges against lawbreakers; the ability to perform
supervisory duties in relation to other personnel within the Police
Department; the ability to assume the responsibilities of supervisors
or sergeants in the absence of such supervisor; the capability to
operate the Police Department in the absence of the command staff
personnel and perform the necessary operational duties associated
with said task; the capacity to give suitable assignments and instructions
to personnel on duty, to provide them with the necessary advice and
assistance when difficult and unusual situations arise, to check their
work to see that proper procedures are followed, and to see that reasonable
standards of workmanship, conduct and output are maintained so that
the desired level of police protection is maintained.
H.
Detective
Corporal.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Police Corporal within the Police Department shall
be graded in accordance with the following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-50
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year combined as
a Patrol Corporal or a Detective
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-40
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In making appointments to the position of Detective Corporal, the
Chief of Police or a panel designated by the Chief of Police shall
consider the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
successful completion of at least the 12th grade or its equivalent,
and successful completion of the basic police training course approved
by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
(b)
Experience.
The applicant must possess a minimum of four years of experience as
a full-time sworn police officer and must possess a minimum of one
year of experience in the Detective Division prior to being promoted
to a Detective Corporal. However, in order to have a sufficient number
of candidates for consideration, the Township Committee, in its discretion,
may waive this requirement. The Chief of Police shall consider the
experience and record of the applicant within the Police Department
of West Deptford Township.
(c)
License:
possession of a valid New Jersey automobile driver's license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; good communication skills; the ability to detect, apprehend
and prepare proper charges against lawbreakers; the ability to perform
supervisory duties in relation to other personnel within the Police
Department; the ability to assume the responsibilities of supervisors
or sergeants in the absence of such supervisor; the capability to
operate the Police Department in the absence of the command staff
personnel and perform the necessary operational duties associated
with said task; the capacity to give suitable assignments and instructions
to personnel on duty, to provide them with the necessary advice and
assistance when difficult and unusual situations arise, to check their
work to see that proper procedures are followed, and to see that reasonable
standards of workmanship, conduct and output are maintained so that
the desired level of police protection is maintained.
I.
Detective.
(1)
Applicants
for the position of Detective shall be graded in accordance with the
following point system:
|
Work performance graded by the Chief of Police
|
0-50
|
|
Seniority points awarded, one point for each year of full-time
sworn police service
|
0-10
|
|
Authorized examination
|
0-40
|
|
100
|
(2)
Qualifications.
In making appointments to the position of Detective within the Detective
Bureau, the Chief of Police or a panel designated by the Chief of
Police shall consider the following qualifications:
(a)
Education:
a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent; an Associate's
degree is preferred. The applicant must also have successfully completed
Basic Police Academy and be certified by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission. Certifications from related schools and seminars will
be evaluated.
(b)
Experience.
The applicant must have three years of full-time sworn police experience.
However, in order to have a sufficient number of candidates for consideration,
the Township Committee, in its discretion, may waive this requirement.
(c)
Licenses:
possession of a valid New Jersey automobile driver's license.
(d)
Knowledge
and general abilities: a thorough working knowledge of criminal and
civil law, local ordinances and police procedures, regulations and
organization; ability and display of a high level of success in detection
and arrest of perpetrators of crimes; ability to manage crime scenes;
ability to properly collect and seize evidence and maintain the chain
of custody; ability to conduct complex investigations effectively;
ability to prepare concise, complete and accurate reports; ability
to interrogate suspects, take voluntary statements, ability to work
effectively and diplomatically with the public; must have the ability
to be on call and respond to investigations; and willingness to take
initiative and assume responsibility with a minimum of supervision.
K.
Review of
process. At the conclusion of the promotional process, the Township
Chief of Police shall provide to the individuals applying for a promotion,
the list, in order of scoring, of all candidates for promotion. Each
candidate shall have the opportunity to review any documents used
to evaluate their suitability for promotion. Said documents are available
for inspection and only relate to each individual candidate. Candidates
are not entitled to review any documents of other candidates.
[Adopted 9-2-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-13]
For those persons and entities which utilize the services of
extra-duty law enforcement of the West Deptford Township Police Department,
and to authorize the outside employment of the Township police while
on extra duty, the Township hereby establishes a policy regarding
the use of said officers.
A.
Members of the Police Department shall be permitted to accept police-related
employment for private employers or school districts only during extra-duty
hours and at such time as will not interfere with the efficient performance
of regularly scheduled or emergency duty for the Township.
B.
Any person or entity wishing to employ extra-duty police shall first
obtain approval of the Chief of Police and/or designee, which shall
be granted if, in the opinion of the Chief and/or designee, such employment
is not inconsistent with the efficient functioning and good reputation
of the Police Department, and would not reasonably endanger or threaten
the safety of the officer or officers who are to perform the work.
A.
An extra-duty application and agreement must be signed and filed
by the extra-duty employer who is requesting the service two working
days prior to the start of the event/project. (Public utilities are
exempt from this requirement when performing emergency repairs.) All
applications are subject to review by Chief of Police in order to
determine if the event/project is staffed according to department
policy and according to work zone safety regulations. Applications
require final approval by the Chief of Police and/or designee.
B.
All extra-duty requests are a minimum of three hours except for the
school district. If the job is not canceled at least four hours prior
to the start time due to inclement weather and/or 16 hours if just
canceled (i.e., this includes rescheduling), then a three-hour minimum
will be paid, by the person or entity, to the officers assigned to
work the event/project.
C.
Prior to the performance of services by any Township law enforcement
officer, the person or entity requesting such services shall agree
to indemnify and hold the Township harmless from and against any and
all losses, claims, damages or expenses, including reasonable attorney
fees, arising from the performance or police-related duties by such
extra-duty Township police officer on behalf of such entity. The Chief
of Police and/or designee may further require additional documents,
information or assurances from the requesting party or entity to the
extent necessary to comply with other legal, operational, or insurance
requirements.
D.
Prior to performance of services by any Township law enforcement
officer, the person or entity requiring such services shall provide
the Township with a certificate of insurance from a company authorized
to do business in the State of New Jersey. Such policies of insurance
shall name the Township as an additional insured and shall remain
in effect during the entire period that the officer is employed by
the outside entity.
A.
Any person or entity requesting the services of an extra-duty law enforcement officer in the West Deptford Township Police Department shall include in its written submission a detailed breakdown of the number of man hours necessary for the detail. The requesting party shall further be required to provide the municipality with funds in the amount of 100% of the anticipated cost prior to the commencement of any work and further agrees to pay the Township for any additional charges. The Chief of Police and/or designee, shall establish an escrow account with the Chief Financial Officer and/or designee of the Township of West Deptford by depositing an amount sufficient to cover the rates of compensation and administrative fees set forth in § 51-11. All payments for such services will be made payable to the Township of West Deptford Off-Duty Detail Escrow Account.
B.
The Chief of Police and/or designee shall verify that the balance
in the escrow account of the person or entity requesting service is
sufficient to cover the compensation and fees for the number of hours
specified in the request for services prior to delivery of said services.
The Chief of Police and/or designee are further authorized, in the
case of emergency, to accept an oral request for said services.
C.
In the event the funds in such an escrow account should become depleted,
services of extra-duty law enforcement officers shall cease and request
for further services shall not be performed or posted until additional
funds have been deposited in the escrow account in the manner described
above.
D.
The person or entity requesting such services shall be responsible
for ensuring that sufficient funds remain in the escrow account in
order to avoid any interruption of services.
Where, as authorized by resolution of the Township Committee
of the Township of West Deptford, a third party has been contracted
by the governing body for administration and fee collection associated
with extra-duty law enforcement services, a fee may be charged in
addition to those set forth above as set by the resolution authorizing
such third-party contract.
