Borough of Wood-Ridge, NJ Article IX Crossing Guards

§ 114-35 Section established.

A There shall be a Pedestrian Safety Section within the Civil Affairs Division consisting of crossing guards, who shall be under the command and control of the Chief of Police and who shall report through the chain of command to the commanding officer of their respective bureau and division as promulgated in this chapter, to enhance the services and protection provided by the Department's sworn police officers.

A. The authority and operations of the Pedestrian Safety Section and the appointment, training, deployment and performance of its crossing guards shall be governed by the policies and procedures established in this chapter and the rules and regulations of the Wood-Ridge Police Department, as well as any applicable state statutes.

B. The number of crossing guards shall be determined by the Mayor and Council. All crossing guards shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council, subject to the policies and procedures established in this chapter.

§ 114-36 Responsibilities and duties.

A. Crossing guards shall be responsible for following guidelines, carrying out procedures, and performing functions, as promulgated by their training, in order to cause vehicular traffic to stop for the purpose of allowing pedestrians to safely cross busy streets and intersections, pursuant to the policies and procedures established in this chapter and the rules and regulations of the Wood-Ridge Police Department.

B. Crossing guards shall exercise the authority afforded them by state statute only when on duty at their posts as ordered by the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, and shall be under the supervision of sworn police officers on duty during crossing guards' shifts.

C. Crossing guards shall attend and successfully complete any and all training and continuing education as mandated by the Chief of Police or the Borough Administrator.

D. Crossing guards shall be issued a badge, identification, safety clothing and any such other devices, equipment or supplies necessary to perform their duties as determined by the Chief of Police and shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of any items issued to them.

E. Crossing guards shall follow all guidelines, carry out all procedures, perform all functions and possess, wear and utilize all clothing, equipment, tools, and devices as promulgated by their training and required by the Chief of Police at all times while on duty at their posts.

§ 114-37 Qualifications.

To be eligible for appointment, all crossing guards shall meet the qualifications of any applicable state statutes, as well as the following requirements:

A. Be at least 18 years of age.

B. Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Bergen County.

C. Be able to speak, read and write the English language.

D. Be of good moral character.

E. Be physically and mentally fit.

F. Possess a high school diploma or general equivalency degree.

G. Be able to successfully complete all required pre-appointment and post-appointment screening, evaluation and training processes.

§ 114-38 Appointment process.

A. All qualified persons desiring to be appointed as crossing guards shall submit a completed application to the Chief of Police.

B. All applicants will be subject to a background check, a motor vehicle driving record check and medical, physical, psychological, and/or drug screening examinations.

C. All applicants will be evaluated based upon their qualifications, education, work history and interviews with and recommendations of the Chief of Police as well as any other sworn officers and/or Borough officials involved in the evaluation and appointment process.

D. The Chief of Police shall recommend qualified applicants to the Mayor for appointment with the advice and consent of the Council.

E. All appointees shall attend and successfully complete any and all training as mandated by the Chief of Police or the Borough Administrator prior to assuming a post on duty. Appointees who fail to successfully complete any mandated training and/or continuing education shall be immediately terminated.

F. The term of appointment shall match the beginning and ending dates of school days for students in an academic year. Appointments shall be made yearly, and an appointment made for any given academic year shall not be construed nor implied to constitute an offer for, or guarantee of, employment for a subsequent academic year.

§ 114-39 Personnel policies.

A. The salary and wages of all crossing guards shall be established pursuant to the Salary Ordinance adopted annually by the Mayor and Council. Wages will be paid only for hours worked, including hours attending mandated training and continuing education, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

B. Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, crossing guards shall not be eligible, as a result of their employment as a crossing guard, for the following benefits:

(1) Health, dental or prescription benefits.

(2) Enrollment in any state pension system.

(3) Paid vacation leave.

(4) Any severance, terminal leave, retirement or separation benefits.

C. During each term of appointment, crossing guards shall be permitted paid sick days equal to five working days.

D. Crossing guards shall be available for work on all official school days in the academic calendar when students are attending school. The work schedule and post location for all crossing guards shall be established by the Chief of Police or his or her designee.

E. Any and all policies and rules governing the hiring, employment, performance, conduct, deployment, scheduling, and/or duties of crossing guards, not otherwise provided for in this chapter, shall be governed by the Borough of Wood-Ridge Employee Personnel Policy Handbook, the Salary Ordinance adopted annually by the Mayor and Council, the rules and regulations of the Wood-Ridge Police Department and the policies and decisions of the Chief of Police and the Borough Administrator.