Article III Special Law Enforcement Officers

[Adopted 1-14-1992 by Ord. No. 1143; amended in its entirety 7-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-13]

Special law enforcement officer (SLEO) means any person appointed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8, et seq., to temporarily or intermittently perform duties similar to those performed regularly by members of a municipal police department, or to assist a police department during unusual or emergency circumstances and to provide security in a school system within Palisades Park.

(1)

SLEO personnel are considered part-time employees and can be terminated 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 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.14).

(2)

Under no circumstances do the contents of this general order intend to create a contract for any purpose of a guarantee of continued employment between the Borough of Palisades Park and SLEO personnel.

(3)

No SLEO shall consider this position as a means of livelihood nor is there any guarantee, either written or implied, as to the amount of work or yearly remuneration that can be expected as a result of membership. There is also no guarantee that membership will in any way lead to appointment to the regular Police Department.

(4)

At no time will any SLEO be permitted to use, wear, or exhibit any badge, patch or insignia of the Palisades Park Special Police while performing any duty or work for any agency other than the Palisades Park Special Police Unit or the Borough of Palisades Park.

(5)

There is no limit to the number of SLEO I personnel.

Borough of Palisades Park Code § 58-4.8 authorizes special law enforcement officers (SLEO).

SLEO personnel shall be included in the agency's organizational chart and are subordinate to the division, bureau, or unit commander assigned. The Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer shall appoint a liaison officer.

(1)

The liaison officer is the first step in the chain of command for all SLEO personnel.

(2)

The liaison officer will report to Executive Officer then to the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement.

(3)

The liaison officer is the officer-in-charge of the special police unit. He/she shall conduct monthly meetings to disseminate information and shall prepare or assign someone to prepare work schedules to be posted no less than three days before its starting date.

(4)

He/she shall maintain all necessary records including but, not limited to personnel folders and attendance records and conduct all necessary correspondence.

Minimum qualifications for all SLEO personnel:

(1)

Must be legally permitted to work in the United States;

(2)

Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey during the term of appointment;

(3)

Must be at least 18 years of age;

(4)

Must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently;

(5)

Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(6)

Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license;

(7)

Must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and have a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(8)

Must be sound in body and of good health and be able to perform the physical functions of the duties assigned;

(9)

Must be of good moral character and shall not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude;

(10)

Must successfully undergo the same psychological testing that is required of full-time police officers.

Additional minimum qualifications for SLEO Class III personnel:

(1)

Must be a retired law enforcement officer who is less than 65 years of age. Note: a law enforcement officer shall not be considered retired if the officer's return to employment violates any federal or state law or regulation, which would deem the officer's retirement as not being bona fide;

(2)

Must have served as a duly qualified, fully-trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of this state or as a member of the New Jersey State Police and was separated from that prior service in good standing, within three years of appointment;

(3)

"Good standing" means to exclude a retirement resulting from injury or incapacity;

(4)

Must be physically capable of performing the functions of the position, determined in accordance with PTC guidelines.

No person shall be appointed to be an SLEO if he/she:

(1)

Serves as a special law enforcement officer in another jurisdiction;

(2)

Serves as a full-time, permanently appointed law enforcement officer in another jurisdiction;

(3)

Serves as a public official with responsibility for setting law enforcement policy in this Borough;

(4)

Serves as a public official exercising authority over the budget in this Borough;

(5)

Serves as a public official exercising authority over the supervision of the police personnel in any jurisdiction.

Any person who at any time prior to 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 an SLEO. The PTC may waive the basic training requirements with regard to any such person eligible to be appointed as an SLEO.

SLEO personnel can only be appointed to assist regular police officers and cannot be employed, used, or deployed to replace or substitute for regular police officers of this Department, or in any way diminish the number of full-time officers employed.

SLEO personnel in good faith carrying out and complying with, or attempting to comply with, rules and regulations made and promulgated or performing any authorized service shall have and possess all the rights, privileges and immunities conferred upon regular officers by the laws of this state.

When on duty, SLEO personnel are covered by state and federal statutes for compensation insurance in case of death or personal injury.

SLEO personnel are provided with public liability protection equal to that provided to regular police officers.

SLEO personnel shall be appointed for a term not to exceed one year.

(1)

Reappointment is not guaranteed at the expiration of the one-year term.

(2)

SLEO personnel are not members of the regular police force and their powers and duties shall cease at the expiration of the term for which appointed.

(3)

SLEO personnel have no law enforcement authority while off-duty.

(4)

SLEO personnel have no law enforcement authority outside the Borough of Palisades Park, except that SLEO personnel may travel through another local unit to transport persons to and from a correctional facility.

SLEO personnel shall not perform any duties other than authorized by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer or designee(s).

SLEO personnel shall not leave any assignment without notification to and permission from the shift sergeant or watch commander.

SLEO personnel shall not work on any premises in this Borough that serves or sells alcoholic beverages.

While off duty, SLEO personnel shall not wear or display any badge, patch or part of the Palisades Park Special Police Unit uniform that indicates or implies that they are employed by the Borough of Palisades Park while in or out of the Borough, except:

(1)

SLEO personnel may wear their uniform outside of the Borough while on duty or while on other official and authorized assignments.

(2)

SLEO personnel may wear their uniform directly to and from work.

Note: SLEO personnel must be aware that an armed criminal may, in an emergent situation, mistake them for and armed/regular officer.

Regular police officers shall not abdicate their authority and responsibility to an SLEO. When a regular police officer is present, the regular officer is responsible for any decisions made and/or actions taken.

SLEO personnel shall be deemed on duty only when they are performing the public safety functions on behalf of the Borough of Palisades Park and when receiving compensation as established by Borough ordinance.

SLEO personnel as subject to the same drug screening procedures established for regular police officers; see this Department's drug testing policy.

SLEO personnel are subject to all rules, regulations, policies, general orders, and directives of this department. Each SLEO will sign a statement, or electronic equivalent, acknowledging receipt.

Failing to carry out or disobeying any rule, regulation, general order, policy procedure, etc. shall be cause for appearance before a disciplinary review board and will subject SLEO personnel to such penalties as authorized by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer. Penalties include verbal counseling, written reprimand, suspension, and dismissal.

(1)

The disciplinary review board shall consist of the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer, the liaison officer and/or other officers or persons designated by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

(2)

Allegations/complaints of SLEO misconduct or violation of an offense or crime under the statutes of the State of New Jersey or another state, shall be handled in a manner similar to such complaints received or lodged against regular police officers, as directed by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

(3)

The following charges can, upon a finding of guilt by the disciplinary review board, be cause for dismissal or other penalties:

(a)

Intoxication while on duty;

(b)

Willful disobedience of lawful orders;

(c)

Indecent, profane or harsh language;

(d)

Disrespect to a superior officer;

(e)

Unnecessary force/violence or willful mistreatment of prisoners or citizens;

(f)

Neglect in paying his/her just debts, for rents or necessities of life contracted while on the force;

(g)

Leaving of post without permission or good reason;

(h)

Immorality;

(i)

Absence from assignment without proper notification;

(j)

Lewdness or indecency;

(k)

Sleeping while on duty;

Incompetence;

Neglect of duty;

Lack of energy;

Conduct unbecoming an officer;

(p)

Mental or physical disability that prevents the SLEO from performing an essential function of the position;

(q)

Conduct prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the regular and or special police departments;

(r)

Violation of any criminal law or penal ordinance;

(s)

Making known any proposed movement of the department including, discussing of confidential police information with anyone outside of the Palisades Park Police Department or Special Police Unit without permission from the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer or his/her designee;

(t)

Violating rules governing the municipal court of the Borough;

(u)

Refusal to perform duty of any kind whenever required on patrol or elsewhere whether in uniform or not;

(v)

Use of narcotics, hallucinogens or any other controlled dangerous substance, while on or off duty, (not including prescribed medication and cleared to perform duty by the prescribing doctor);

(w)

Being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance on or off duty, (not including prescribed medication and cleared to perform duty by the prescribing doctor);

(x)

Malfeasance;

(y)

Falsifying any record or report.

Within 10 days of any permanent change of residence or change of phone number, SLEO personnel shall notify the liaison officer in writing of any change.

§ 58-6 Selection process.

Prior to appointment, prospective SLEO personnel shall complete and return a comprehensive employment application.

(1)

All SLEO applicants shall be fingerprinted and subject to a background investigation, including but, not limited to:

(a)

Verification of qualifying credentials;

(b)

A review of any criminal or traffic record;

(c)

Verification of at least three personal references;

(d)

A check of the NJ Domestic Violence Registry;

(e)

A check of the NJSP Central Drug Registry.

(2)

Applicants must successfully undergo the same psychological testing that is required of all full-time police officers or a testing process for SLEO approved by the Police Training Commission pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:17B-70.

(3)

Applicants must successfully pass a drug screening test pursuit to New Jersey Attorney General's Law Enforcement Testing Policy and the Department's drug testing policy.

(4)

Applicants must successfully pass a medical examination in accordance with PTC guidelines. Such medical examination must be documented on a PTC Medical Certification Form (PTC 8A).

The Mayor and Borough Council make appointments upon recommendation by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer. The Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer shall certify the eligibility and qualifications of all applicants, in writing, to the Mayor and Borough Council prior to appointment.

Any person so appointed to the department as an SLEO, prior to entering the service of the Borough, take and subscribe an oath of office, which shall be filed with the Borough Administrator.

Following appointment, the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer or his/her designee shall forward the following documents to the PTC.

(1)

Request for Waiver of Training Form (Form PTC-15), if applicable;

(2)

Documentation confirming date of appointment (e.g., resolution, signed letter from the appointing authority, or signed copy of personnel action form). Note: oaths of office are not acceptable.

(3)

Notice of New Appointment (NONA) form;

(4)

Proof of completed SRO training (within 12 months of being appointed).

§ 58-7 Training.

All SLEO personnel must successfully complete a PTC approved basic training course before commencing duties and produce a certificate of completion from the New Jersey PTC as a Class IA, Class IB, Class III special law enforcement officer or a regular law enforcement officer.

(1)

The PTC may waive basic training consistent with subsection I.F[1] and N.J.A.C. 13:1-8.4.

[1]

Editor's Note: So in original.

(2)

If the applicant is a retired law enforcement officer, the PTC may require him/her to complete portions of the basic training course (e.g., applicant has been separated from the police service in excess of three years and may need to retake use of force training, etc.).

(3)

The Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer may also require SLEO personnel to complete a training course for safe school resource officers developed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:17B-71.8.

SLEO personnel are required to attend other mandatory training made necessary by their assignment or duties. Those training topics required of regular police officers shall be provided with the same frequency as regular police officers. These topics include but, are not limited to:

(1)

Use of force refresher (with the same frequency as regular officers);

(2)

Weapons proficiency (with the same frequency as regular officers);

(3)

Active shooter/threat response;

(4)

Pursuit guidelines (with the same frequency as regular officers only if vehicle operation is required);

(5)

Unlawful harassment in the workplace;

(6)

Ethics training;

(7)

Right to know;

(8)

Hazardous material awareness;

(9)

Bloodborne pathogens;

(10)

First Aid/CPR/AED/Narcan administration;

(11)

Other topics mandated by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

§ 58-8 Appointment, terms, regulations, and duties.

SLEO Class I (SLEO I) are authorized to perform traffic details, spectator control and similar duties when so authorized by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

(1)

SLEO I are prohibited from carrying and using a firearm and no SLEO I shall be assigned any duties that may require the carrying or use of a firearm.

(2)

SLEO I are permitted to carry and use oleoresin capsicum as a mechanical force weapon, but only upon training and maintaining proficiency with the same frequency as regular police officers.

(3)

SLEO I are authorized to utilize handcuffs and other restraining devices consistent with this Department's policies and only after demonstrating proficiency in the use of these devices.

(4)

SLEO I are prohibited from engaging in any high-speed response or vehicular pursuit.

(5)

SLEO I are authorized to issue summonses for traffic and municipal ordinance offenses.

(6)

SLEO I duties may include, but are not limited to:

(a)

Traffic direction and control, including crossings;

(b)

Crowd control;

(c)

Park security;

(d)

Special event security;

(e)

Parking enforcement.

Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III (SLEO III) personnel are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer while providing security at a public or nonpublic school on the school premises during hours when the public or nonpublic school is normally in session or when it is occupied by public or nonpublic school students or its teachers.

(1)

SLEO III personnel are authorized to carry a handgun and must qualify and demonstrate proficiency with the handgun and any other authorized firearms with the same frequency as a regular police officer, but must first comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 authorizing a retired law enforcement officer to carry a handgun.

(2)

SLEO III personnel are authorized to use batons, OC, handcuffs and other restraining devices consistent with this Department's general orders and only after demonstrating proficiency in the use of these devices with the same frequency as regular police officers.

(3)

SLEO III personnel are not eligible for health care benefits or enrollment in any state-administered retirement system.

(4)

SLEO Class III (SLEO III) personnel shall be appointed for a term not to exceed one year. Reappointment is not guaranteed at the expiration of the one-year term.

(a)

SLEO III personnel shall not perform any duties other than authorized by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

[1]

Regular police officers shall not abdicate their authority and responsibility to an SLEO III. When a regular police officer is present, the regular officer is responsible for any decisions made and/or actions taken.

[2]

SLEO III personnel shall not leave any assignment without notification to and permission from the duty tour commander or his/her designee.

[3]

SLEO III personnel shall be deemed on duty only when they are performing the public safety functions on behalf of Palisades Park and when receiving compensation as established by the Borough ordinance.

[4]

SLEO III personnel are subject to all rules, regulations, general order, policies and procedures of this Department.

[5]

SLEO III personnel authorized to utilize handcuffs and other restraining devices consistent with this department's general orders and only after demonstrating proficiency in the use of these devices.

[6]

SLEO III personnel can possess and carry their own off-duty handgun while on duty.

[7]

SLEO III personnel are not eligible for extra duty assignments.

(b)

SLEO III Duties in a School.

[1]

SLEO III personnel may be employed only to assist this Department with security duties and shall not supplant a law enforcement officer employed pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-43 or a safe schools resource officer employed pursuant to the provisions N.J.S.A. 18A:17-43.1.

[2]

SLEO III personnel are employees of this Department and are subordinate to the Chief of Police and his/her designees. SLEO III personnel are not school employees and not subject to the school's chain of command.

[3]

SLEO III personnel should not refuse any reasonable request by a school official if the duty is consistent with this general order, direction and control.

[4]

SLEO III personnel shall contact the SLEO III coordinator or a police supervisor for guidance if a request appears to be in conflict with this general order and the mission of the Police Department.

[5]

SLEO III personnel are responsible for security in their assigned school. SLEO III personnel shall work in cooperation with school officials and with the school system's security supervisor/administrator.

[6]

SLEO III personnel shall provide security at school activities and functions including, but not limited to:

School opening;

Student assembly;

Lunch;

Recess (where applicable);

[e]

School dismissal;

[f]

After-school activities, sports, and functions.

[7]

SLEO III personnel may be reassigned to different schools and different hours depending on the school, its specific security needs, and the specific school's extra-curricular activity schedule.

[8]

SLEO III personnel are also responsible for conducting security assessments and vulnerability studies as directed by the Chief of Police, operations commander, or the SLEO III coordinator.

[9]

While on duty, SLEO III personnel may respond to offenses or emergencies off school grounds if they occur in the officer's presence while traveling to a school facility, but an officer shall not otherwise be dispatched or dedicated to any assignment off of school property.

§ 58-9 Documentation.

SLEO personnel shall complete all reports and forms required by their assignment prior to reporting off duty.

SLEO personnel shall be issued an ID number, which shall be used on all documentation.

§ 58-10 Hours, schedules, meetings.

SLEO personnel shall be permitted to access the RMS program to read and sign for all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, general orders, or directives issued by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer or designee and to partake of any training or testing programs mandated or offered by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer or designee.

SLEO personnel shall be paid at a rate established by Borough ordinance and shall be paid their hourly rate for in-person training when done at the request of the Borough. Note: required RMS training, testing, and review of any directive as required by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer are not subject to reimbursement or remuneration unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer.

SLEO personnel shall receive performance evaluations with the same frequency as regular police officers.

§ 58-11 Uniforms, equipment and appearance.

SLEO personnel shall report for duty in the uniform of the day. The Chief of Police/Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer may authorize plainclothes administrative or clerical assignments.

Appearance standards, male:

(1)

The face will be freshly cleanly shaven, except that a mustache may be worn. When worn, a mustache will be neatly and closely trimmed. The length of mustache hair fully extended must not exceed 1/2 inch.

(2)

Hair shall be worn neatly combed or brushed. It may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline on the lower portion of the head gradual to the top of the head. Head hair will be styled in such a manner so as not to interfere with the proper wearing of uniform headgear.

(3)

Sideburns will not extend below the top of the orifice of the ear. The length of hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.

(4)

Note: The above regulations apply to all SLEO on all authorized duties or details.

Appearance standards, female:

(1)

Hair:

(a)

The length, bulk or appearance of natural hair shall not be excessive, ragged or unkempt.

(b)

Shall be neatly groomed.

(c)

Shall not be worn longer than the bottom of the shirt or coat collar at the back of the neck when standing with the head in a normal posture.

(d)

Shall be groomed in front as so that it does not fall below the band of properly worn uniform headgear.

(e)

Ponytails or platted hair are not permitted.

(f)

A bun or twist will be permitted on the top or back of the head provided it is worn in a neat manner and does not interfere with the wearing of uniform headgear.

(g)

No ribbons or ornaments shall be worn in the hair except for neat, inconspicuous bobby pins or conservative barrettes, which blend with the hair color.

(h)

Hair coloring, if used, must appear natural.

§ 58-12 through § 58-14. (Reserved)