A.
Performance of duty. All employees shall promptly perform
their duties as required or directed by law, Department rule, policy or directive,
or by lawful order or a superior officer. A violation shall constitute a Class
1 offense.
B.
Action off duty. While off duty, police officers shall
take appropriate action as needed in any police matter that comes to their
attention within their jurisdiction as authorized by New Jersey law and Department
policy. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
C.
Obedience to laws and rules. Employees shall obey all
laws, ordinances, rules, policies and procedures and directives of the Department.
A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
D.
Withholding information. Employees shall report any information
concerning suspected criminal or improper activity of those employed by the
Robbinsville Township Police Department, and others. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
E.
Reporting violations of law or rules. Employees knowing
of other employees violating laws, ordinances or rules of the Department shall
report same in writing to the Chief of Police through official channels. If
the employee believes the information is of such gravity that it must be brought
to the immediate, personal attention of the Chief of Police, official channels
may be bypassed. A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
G.
Conduct toward other departmental employees. Employees
shall treat other Department employees with respect. They shall be courteous
and civil at all times in their relationships with one another. When on duty
and in the presence of the public, officers should be referred to by rank.
A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
H.
Compromising criminal cases. Employees shall not interfere
with the proper administration of criminal justice. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
I.
Recommending attorney and bail bond brokers prohibited.
Employees shall not suggest, recommend or advise the retention of any attorney
or bail bond broker to any person as a result of police business. A violation
shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
J.
Posting bail. Employees shall not post bail for any person
in custody, except relatives. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
K.
Use of force. Employees shall follow Department policy
and procedure on the use of force. A violation shall constitute a Class 1
offense.
L.
Physical fitness. Police officers shall maintain good
physical condition so that they can handle the strenuous physical activities
often required of a law enforcement officer. A violation shall constitute
a Class 3 offense.
M.
Driver's license. Employees operating Department
motor vehicles shall possess a valid New Jersey driver's license that
is in compliance with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code. Whenever a driver's
license is revoked, suspended or lost, the employee shall immediately notify
the appropriate supervisor giving full particulars. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
N.
Address and telephone numbers. Employees are required
to have a telephone in the place where they reside. Changes in address or
telephone number shall be reported in writing to the appropriate supervisor
within 24 hours of the change. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
A.
Issuing orders.
(1)
Manner of issuing orders. Orders from a supervisor to
a subordinate shall be in clear and understandable language. A violation shall
constitute a Class 3 offense.
(2)
Unlawful orders. No supervisor shall knowingly issue
any order which is in violation of any law or ordinance. A violation shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
(3)
Improper orders. No supervisor shall knowingly issue
any order which is in violation of any Department rule, policy or procedure.
A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
B.
Receiving orders.
(1)
Questions regarding orders. Employees in doubt as to
the nature or detail of an order shall seek clarification from their supervisors
by going through the chain of command. A violation shall constitute a Class
3 offense.
(2)
Obedience to unlawful orders. Employees are not required
to obey any order which is contrary to any law or ordinance. Responsibility
for refusal to obey rests with the employee, who will be required to justify
the refusal to obey. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
(3)
Obedience to improper orders. Employees who are given
any order which is contrary to Department rule, policy or procedure must first
obey the order to the best of their ability, and then report the improper
order as provided. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
(4)
Conflicting orders. Upon receipt of an order conflicting
with any previous order, the employee affected will advise the person issuing
the second order of this fact. Responsibility for countermanding the original
order rests with the individual issuing the second order. If so directed,
the latter order shall be obeyed first. Orders will be countermanded, or conflicting
orders will be issued, only when reasonably necessary for the good of the
Department.
(5)
Reports of unlawful or improper orders. An employee receiving
an unlawful or improper order shall, at first opportunity, report in writing
to the next highest-ranking supervisor above the supervisor who issued the
unlawful or improper order. Action regarding such a report shall be conducted
by the Chief of Police. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
(6)
Criticism of official acts or orders. Employees shall
not criticize the actions or orders of any Department employee in a manner
which is defamatory, obscene or which tends to impair the efficient operation
of the Department. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
A.
Release of information. Employees shall not release any
information nor reveal any confidential business of the Department to the
public or the press except as provided in Department policy and procedure.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
B.
Department records. Contents of any record or report
filed within the Department shall not be exhibited or divulged to any person
other than a duly authorized police officer, except with the approval of the
appropriate supervisor, or under due process of law, or as permitted under
Department policy and procedures. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
C.
Reports. No employee shall knowingly falsify any official
report or enter or cause to be entered any inaccurate, false or improper information
on records of the Department. A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
A.
Soliciting or accepting benefits. Employees shall not
directly or indirectly solicit, accept or agree to accept any benefit not
allowed by law to influence the performance of their official duties. A violation
shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
B.
Rewards. Employees shall not accept any gift, gratuity
or reward in money or other compensation for services rendered in the line
of duty, except that which may be authorized by law and Department policy.
A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
C.
Disposition of unauthorized gifts, gratuities. Any unauthorized
gift, gratuity, loan, fee, reward or other object coming into the possession
of any employee shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police, together with a
written report explaining the circumstances. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
A.
Consuming alcoholic beverages before duty. Employees
shall not consume alcoholic beverages within four hours prior to reporting
for duty. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
B.
Being under the influence. Employees shall not report
for duty under the influence of any alcoholic beverage. A violation shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
C.
Consuming alcoholic beverages on duty. Employees of the
Department shall not consume any alcoholic beverage while on duty. A violation
shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
D.
Exception.
(1)
Employees while assigned to duty in civilian clothes
may consume alcoholic beverages only if such consumption:
(a)
Is absolutely necessary in the performance of duty;
(b)
Has been approved by the appropriate supervisor;
(c)
Does not render the employee unfit for proper and efficient
performance of duty;
(d)
The consumption is in direct connection with an established
and bona fide religious observation and the member has received prior approval
by the appropriate supervisor.
E.
Consuming alcoholic beverages off duty in uniform.
(1)
Employees shall not consume alcoholic beverages while
off duty and in uniform or any recognizable component of the uniform. A violation
shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
(2)
Employees shall not consume alcoholic beverages while
off duty and engage in conduct that negatively effects the Department. A violation
shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
F.
Alcoholic beverages in police buildings. Alcoholic beverages
shall not, at any time, be consumed in police buildings, grounds or facilities.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
G.
Supervisor's responsibility. Supervisors shall not
assign to duty or allow to remain on duty any employee whose fitness for duty
is questionable due to the use of alcohol or medication. A violation shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
H.
Possession of alcoholic beverages. Employees shall not
have alcoholic beverages on their person while on duty or in uniform, nor
in any police Department building or vehicle, except for evidential or other
authorized purpose. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
I.
Entering licensed premises. Employees in uniform shall
not enter any licensed premises where alcoholic beverages are sold or stored,
except in the performance of duty and in compliance with Department policy.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
J.
Taking medication on duty. Employees of the Department
shall not take any medication which may diminish their alertness or impair
their senses prior to or after reporting for duty unless directed by a physician.
A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
K.
Notification about medication. When employees are required
to take any prescription medication or any nonprescription medication which
may diminish their alertness or impair their senses, the employee shall notify
their supervisor as to the medication required, its properties, the dosage
and the period during which the employee is required to take the medication.
If the medication is a nonprescription drug, the employee shall make this
notification. The required notification shall be made prior to the employee
reporting for duty. Every reasonable effort to ensure the confidentiality
of this information provided shall be taken. A violation shall constitute
a Class 2 offense.
A.
Reporting for duty. Employees shall report for duty at
the time and place specified, properly uniformed and equipped. A violation
shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
B.
Absence from duty. An employee who fails to appear for
duty at the date, time and place specified without the consent of competent
authority is absent without leave. Supervisors shall immediately report to
their supervisor in writing any employee who is absent without leave. A violation
shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
C.
Prohibited activity on duty. Employees who are on duty
are prohibited from engaging in activities which are not directly related
to the performance of their duty (e.g., sleeping, conducting private business
or gambling). A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
D.
Smoking while on duty. Employees shall not smoke except
in authorized areas. Employees shall not smoke on duty while in direct contact
with the public. A violation shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
E.
Personal radios. The use of portable radios and any other
form of entertainment other than equipment authorized by the Department is
prohibited while on duty. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
F.
Relief. Employees are to remain at their assignments
and on duty until properly relieved by other employees or until dismissed
by competent authority. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
G.
Meals. All meals are to be consumed within authorized
areas, subject to modification by the supervisor. A violation shall constitute
a Class 5 offense.
H.
Training. Employees shall attend training at the direction
of the appropriate supervisor. Such attendance is considered a duty assignment,
unless the prevailing collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
I.
Inspections. Employees directed to attend full dress
inspections shall report in the uniform prescribed and carry the equipment
specified. Unauthorized absence from such inspection shall be considered an
absence without leave. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
A.
Regulation uniforms required. All police officers and
uniformed civilians shall maintain uniforms prescribed in Department policy
and procedure. Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean and well-pressed at all
times. A violation shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
B.
Manner of dress on duty. Employees shall wear the uniform
or civilian clothing on duty as prescribed by Department policy and procedure
for the employee's current assignment. A violation shall constitute a
Class 4 offense.
C.
Wearing jewelry on duty. Police officers on duty shall
not wear loose fitting jewelry which may be grasped during a struggle or which
can inflict injury or retard the mobility of the officer. This provision shall
not prohibit nonuniform officers on duty from wearing jewelry appropriate
for the conditions of their current assignment in accordance with Department
policy. A violation shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
D.
Personal appearance. Employees, while on duty, shall
be neat and clean in person, with uniform or clothes clean and pressed. This
provision shall not prohibit nonuniform officers on duty from dressing appropriately
for the conditions of their current assignment in accordance with Department
policy. A violation shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
E.
Wearing or carrying identification. Employees shall wear
or carry their Department identification at all times, provided that it is
practical under the circumstances. A violation shall constitute a Class 4
offense.
F.
Identification as police officer.
(1)
Except when impractical or where the identity is obvious,
police officers shall identify themselves by displaying the official badge
or identification card before taking police action. A violation shall constitute
a Class 4 offense.
(2)
Any officer, while off duty, who has contact with another
law enforcement agency in an official capacity, excepting minor motor vehicle
infractions, shall notify their commanding officer, through the proper chain
of command, of the circumstances surrounding said encounter. Such notification
shall be made as soon as practical after the contact. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
A.
Equipment on duty. Employees shall carry all equipment
on duty as prescribed in Department policy and procedure based on their assignment.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
B.
Equipment off duty. Employees shall carry equipment off
duty as prescribed in Department policy and procedure based on their assignment.
A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
C.
Firearms. Employees shall follow Department policy and
procedure on the care and handling of firearms. A violation shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
D.
Department property and equipment. Employees are responsible
for the proper care of Department property and equipment assigned to them.
A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
E.
Use of Department property and equipment. Employees shall
not use any Department property or equipment for personal business or pleasure.
A violation shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
F.
Damaged or inoperative property or equipment. Employees
shall immediately report to their supervisors any loss of or damage to Department
property assigned to or used by them. The supervisor shall also be notified
of any defects or hazardous conditions existing in any Department equipment
property. A violation shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
G.
Care of Department buildings. Employees shall not mark
or deface any surface in any Department building. No material shall be affixed
to any wall in Department buildings without specific authorization from the
appropriate supervisor. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
H.
Notices. Employees shall not mark, alter or deface any
posted notice of the Department. Notices or announcements shall not be posted
on bulletin boards without permission of the appropriate supervisor, except
those areas designated for use by the collective bargaining units. A violation
shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
I.
Use of Department vehicles. Employees shall not use any
Department vehicle without the permission of a supervisor. Department vehicles
shall never be used for personal business or pleasure except as provided for
in Department policy. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
J.
Operation of Department vehicles. When operating Department
vehicles, employees shall not violate traffic laws except in cases of emergency
and then only in conformity with state law and Department policy and procedure
regarding same. A violation shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
K.
Transporting citizens. Citizens will be transported in
Department vehicles only in conformance with Department policy. A violation
shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
L.
Reporting accidents. Accidents involving Department personnel,
property, equipment and vehicles must be reported in accordance with Department
policy and procedure. A violation shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
M.
Inspection. Departmental property and equipment is and
remains the property of the Department and is subject to entry and inspection
without notice, including but not limited to motor vehicles, lockers, desks
and other work areas, computers, electronic messaging, storing and retrieval
systems. A failure to allow immediate access to the Department property or
equipment shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
N.
Liability. If Department property is damaged or lost
as a result of misuse or negligence by an employee, that employee will be
held liable to reimburse the Department for the damage or loss and is subject
to disciplinary action.
O.
Surrender of Department property.
(1)
Upon separation from the Department. Employees are required
to surrender all Department property in their possession upon separation from
the service. For failure to return a nonexpendable item, the employee will
be required to reimburse the Department for the fair market value of the article.
A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
(2)
Under suspension. Any employee under suspension shall
immediately surrender his identification, firearm (if applicable) and all
other Department property to the appropriate supervisor pending disposition
of the case. A violation shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
B.
Forwarding communications. Any employee who receives
a written communication for transmission to another employee shall forward
same without delay. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class
5 offense.
C.
Use of Department address. Employees shall not use the
Department as a mailing address for private purposes. The Department address
shall not be used for any private vehicle registration or drivers license.
A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 5 offense.
D.
Telephones. Department telephone equipment may not be
used for personal use involving toll charges without the express approval
of a supervisor. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4
offense.
E.
Radio discipline. Employees operating the police radios
shall strictly observe the procedures and restrictions for such operations
as set forth in Department policy and procedure and by the Federal Communications
Commission. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
A.
Courtesy. Employees shall be courteous and orderly in
their dealings with the public. They shall perform their duties politely,
avoiding profane language and shall always remain calm regardless of provocation.
A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
B.
Request for identification. Upon request, employees are
required to supply their name and identification in a courteous manner. A
violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
C.
Impartiality. Employees shall not exhibit bias or favoritism
toward any person because of race, sex, sexual orientation, creed, color,
national origin, ancestry or influence. A violation of this subsection shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
D.
Use of derogatory terms. Employees shall not use language
that is derogatory to anyone because of race, sex, sexual orientation, creed,
color, national origin, ancestry or influence. A violation of this subsection
shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
E.
Affiliation with certain organizations prohibited. No
employee shall knowingly became a member of any organization which advocates
the violation of law, or which professes hatred, prejudice or oppression against
any racial or religious group or political entity, except when necessary in
the performance of duty and at the direction of the Chief of Police. A violation
of this subsection shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
F.
Representing the Police Department. Employees shall not
give public speeches or demonstrations on behalf of the Department, nor shall
they endorse any product or service as a representative of the Department,
without prior approval from the Chief of Police. A violation of this subsection
shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
A.
Employees shall not be candidates for or hold office
in elective public positions or political organizations within or inclusive
of the jurisdiction in which they are employed unless authorized to do so
by the county prosecutor. A violation of this subsection shall constitute
a Class 1 offense.
B.
Employees may contribute funds or any other thing of
value to candidates for public office subject to the provision of law governing
such contributions. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class
4 offense.
C.
Employees shall not engage in any political activity
while on duty, or while in uniform, or at any other time if to do so would
conflict with their duties or impair their ability to perform their duties.
A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
D.
Employees shall not directly or indirectly use or attempt
to use their official position to influence the political activity of another
person. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 1 offense.
E.
Employees shall not engage in any polling duties except
in the performance of their official duties. A violation of this subsection
shall constitute a Class 2 offense.
F.
Employees shall not display any political material on
any government property or on their person while on duty or in uniform. A
violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 3 offense.
A.
Duty of employee to appear and testify. Employees shall
appear and testify on matters directly related to the conduct of their office,
position or employment before any court, grand jury or the State Commission
of Investigation. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class
3 offense.
B.
Subpoena. Employees must attend court or quasi-judicial
hearings as required by a subpoena. Permission to omit this duty must be obtained
from the prosecuting attorney handling the case or other competent court officials
or command personnel. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class
3 offense.
C.
Court appearance. When appearing in court on Department
business, employees shall wear either the Department uniform or appropriate
business attire. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4
offense.
D.
Testifying for the defendant. Any employee subpoenaed
to testify for the defense or against the municipality or Department in any
hearing or trial shall notify the appropriate supervisor immediately upon
receipt of the subpoena. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a
Class 2 offense.
E.
Department investigations. Employees are required to
answer questions, file reports or render material and relevant statements
in a departmental investigation when such questions and statements are directly
related to job responsibilities. Employees shall be advised of, and permitted
to invoke, all applicable constitutional and statutory rights, including consultation
with their designated representative. A violation of this subsection shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
F.
Truthfulness. Employees are required to be truthful at
all times whether under oath or not. A violation of this subsection shall
constitute a Class 1 offense.
G.
Civil action; subpoenas. Employees shall not volunteer
to testify in civil actions arising out of Department employment and shall
not testify unless subpoenaed. If the subpoena arises out of Department employment
or if employees are informed that they are a party to a civil action arising
out of Department employment, they shall immediately notify the appropriate
supervisor. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
H.
Civil depositions and affidavits. Employees shall confer
with the appropriate supervisor before giving a deposition or affidavit on
a civil case relating to their police employment. A violation of this subsection
shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
I.
Civil action, expert witness. Employees shall not volunteer
or agree to testify as expert witnesses in civil actions without the prior
written approval of the County Prosecutor. A violation of this subsection
shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
J.
Civil process. Employees shall not serve civil process
or assist in civil cases unless such service is approved by the appropriate
supervisor. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 offense.
