[Adopted 9-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-20]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141 there is hereby established within the Lacey Township Police Department a Police Chaplain Program and the position of Police Chaplain which shall be under the authority and subject to the control of the Chief of Police. The position of Police Chaplain is voluntary and civilian in character, and the person(s) appointed do not have any authority to perform any of the duties of a police officer.
Any person appointed as Chaplain shall be an ordained clergyman 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 rules and regulations of the Lacey Township Police Department and shall be qualified in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141.
The duties of Police Chaplain shall include, but not be limited to, assisting the Lacey Township Police Department in death notifications and any other duties that may be assigned by the Chief of Police.
Any person appointed as Chaplain shall be a member of the Lacey Township Police Department and shall serve in that capacity without rank or salary.
A person appointed as Chaplain shall serve for a period of one year from date of appointment and shall continue to serve in that capacity until he/she is either terminated or reappointed with the recommendation of the Chief of Police.
The Chief of Police may recommend to the Mayor persons that he/she believes meet the qualifications of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-141 as well as the rules and regulations of the Lacey Township Police Department with reference to Chaplains, if any. All applicants for the position of Chaplain shall be reviewed by the Chief of Police and Chaplain liaison to determine his/her qualifications in accordance with this article and shall make recommendations to the Mayor regarding the appointment as Chaplain. The Mayor shall appoint Chaplains in accordance with this article with the advice and consent of Township Council.
There is hereby created the position of Police Chaplain Program Liaison which shall be a police officer within the Lacey Township Police Department designated by the Chief of Police. The liaison shall serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police without compensation and shall assist in the administration and supervision of the Police Chaplain Program.