Township of Waterford, NJ Police Department

Chief of Police: The Chief of Police shall be the head of the Department and shall be directly responsible to the appropriate authority for the conduct, efficiency and management of the Department and, pursuant to policies established by the appropriate authority, shall:

Be the chief executive officer of the police force;

Organize and control all resources of the Department and be responsible for their care and safekeeping;

Administer and enforce rules and regulations for the control, disposition and discipline of the Department and of its officers and employees. Also, recommend to the appropriate authority changes to said rules and regulations;

Implement the procedures for the hearing and determination of charges alleging violation of Department rules and regulations by any subordinate member of the police force; provided that a member may be penalized only on written charges made or preferred against him, after such charges have been examined, investigated and heard by the proper hearing authority, upon such reasonable notice to the member charged, and according to such practice, procedure and manner as may be prescribed by rules and regulations of the Department. Said written charges shall contain a request for penalization by the applicable staff officer. If the Chief of Police is the officer charged with a violation of departmental rules and regulations and is to be removed from service, demoted in rank or suspended, fined, or otherwise penalized, the appeal and hearing must be under the jurisdiction of the appropriate authority;

Have, exercise, and discharge any functions, powers, and duties of the Department;

Prescribe the internal organization of the Department and the duties of his subordinates and assistants, pursuant to Township ordinance and policies established by the appropriate authority;

The Chief of Police shall make periodic unannounced and unexpected inspections of police headquarters and patrols at various and diverse times during the day and night. Records/forms will be kept documenting all such inspections either on the Chief's car sheet or such other form developed for that purpose.

Delegate such of his powers as he may deem necessary for the efficient administration of the Department, to be exercised under his direction and supervision, and shall hold supervisors responsible for effective performance of their duties;

Reports.

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

Report, as required monthly, on the work of the Department to the appropriate authority in the format prescribed by the appropriate authority to include the following.

The Chief of Police shall prepare a monthly report to the Public Safety Director which shall include:

[a]

Departmental performance (calls for service, summons issued, arrests etc).

[b]

Police-related training.

[c]

Highlights of the prior months calls and incidents.

[d]

Upcoming events that may be of interest to the Township Committee and the public.

(j)

In case of riot, insurrection or threat thereof, he shall take command of the Police Department in person and direct its movements and operations in discharge of its members' respective duties;

(k)

He shall be responsible for the maintenance of all daily police records in which each member shall record his name, rank and time of reporting and leaving duty, complaints, and matters pertaining to the Police Department;

(l)

Administer personnel and financial policies in conformance with the ordinances of the Township of Waterford and the laws of the State of New Jersey, and shall:

Cause examination to determine the qualifications of persons applying for positions;

Recommend promotions, demotions, releases or other disciplinary measures subject to the ordinances of the Township of Waterford and the laws of the State of New Jersey;

[3]

Administer wage and salary payroll and personnel rating programs;

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

[4]

Require that all personnel be trained and approve training programs;

[5]

Grant temporary leaves of absence to members of the Department with approval of the Mayor and Committee;

[6]

Submit the annual budget and proposed expenditure programs to the Mayor or other appropriately designated officials;

[7]

Approve payment from allotted funds for operating expenses and capital expenditures.

(m)

Graphic table of organization: A graphic table of organization (T.O.), shall be maintained by the Chief of Police to show the following:

The Waterford Township Police Department operational structure.

The Waterford Township Police Department personnel structure. The express function of each position will be as defined by this chapter and within the rules and regulations of the Waterford Township Police Department promulgated by the appropriate authority but is not necessarily limited to the same.

(n)

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Chief of Police shall be responsible to the appropriate authority for the performance of the Chief's duties. As such, the Chief of Police shall be considered a subordinate in relation to the appropriate authority and shall be duty-bound to obey any otherwise lawful direct orders or policies of the appropriate authority in the discharge of his or her duties. As such, the appropriate authority may issue such orders directing the day-to-day performance of the Police Chief's duties in any manner and to any degree not directly prohibited by law, specifically including N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and case law thereunder, as applicable.

Executive Assistant: This is a top management position with supervisory responsibility over police personnel to include duties involved in the investigative process and charging members of the department in the event misconduct is encountered. These duties, on occasion, will also involve serving management's interests in support of future negotiations with organizational bargaining units. The Executive Assistant provides executive support services such as data processing, accounting, purchasing, personnel and scheduling consistent with organizational need.

This is a salaried, executive position, which falls outside of any union representation or bargaining unit.

Additionally, the following duties are assigned, but the position is not necessarily limited to same:

Edits detailed correspondence containing factual content that may also convey management opinion concerning personnel and related matters and programs.

Keeps currently informed of new and revised personnel policy statements, regulations, directives, and other communications received from the Township and develops plans and procedures for implementation of such communications.

[3]

Assists in writing procedural instructions for use in personnel manuals, bulletins, and management directives.

[4]

Collects data for and assists in preparation of executive reports in support of Department activities.

[5]

Collects data for and assists in preparation of executive aspects of the annual budget request.

[6]

Expedites services such as maintenance, repairs, supplies and mail.

[7]

Grant development, application and management.

[8]

Assists with coordination of office operations including clerical work, internal reporting systems, forms, space and office equipment, and suggests methods for office improvements.

[9]

Plans, schedules, and/or attends meetings and conferences, and prepares reports thereon.

[10]

Directs the establishment and/or maintenance of records and files required for effective personnel and executive operations resulting in efficient data retrieval.

[11]

Maintains and organizes executive administrative police records consistent with approved record retention procedures and schedules.

[12]

Performs alternative responsibilities of Executive Assistant assigned to the Chief of Police.

[13]

Reviews and/or prepares routine correspondence.

[14]

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

[15]

Proficiency in various computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, etc.

[16]

Maintain confidential files including but not limited to personnel, medical, disciplinary, firearms and expungement.

[17]

Develop forms, policies and procedures necessary for the implementation and maintenance of an Integrated system of personnel management.

(Reserved)[1]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection B(3), Police Captain, was repealed 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10.

(4)

Police Lieutenant. In the absence of a Chief of Police, the Lieutenant with the most seniority will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Department. The Chief and the Lieutenants shall not take the same vacations, comp days or otherwise absent themselves all at the same time from the Department or from availability to the Department. At all times there will be at least one Lieutenant available to the Police Department whenever the Chief is on vacation or out of the area. The most senior ranking Lieutenant is second in command of the Department; is directly responsible for the efficiency and operation of all divisions; and is further assigned the following responsibilities:

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

Supervision. Closely supervise the activities of their subordinates, making corrections where necessary and commending where appropriate.

Leadership. Provide on-the-job training as needed for efficient operation and coordination of effort when more than one member or employee is involved.

Direction. Exercise direct command, when necessary, in a manner that assures the good order, conduct, discipline, and efficiency of subordinates. Exercise of command may extend to subordinates outside their usual sphere of supervision if the police objective or reputation of the Department so requires, or if no other provision is made for personnel temporarily unsupervised. This authority shall not be exercised unnecessarily. If a supervisor required a subordinate other than his own to leave a regular assignment, the supervisor so directing will inform the subordinate's own supervisor as soon as possible.

Enforcement of rules. Enforcement of Department rules and regulations and requiring compliance with Department policies and procedures.

Inspection. Inspection of activities, personnel, and equipment under their supervision and initiation of suitable action in the event of a failure, error, violation, misconduct or neglect of duty by a subordinate.

Assisting subordinates. Having a working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of his subordinates. Observing contacts made with the public by his subordinates and being available for assistance or instruction as may be required. He shall respond to calls of serious emergencies, crimes in progress, assaults, and others unless actively engaged in a police incident. He should observe the conduct of the assigned personnel and take active charge when necessary.

(5)

Police Sergeants: The Sergeants, during their tours of duty, exercise the same authority and have the same responsibilities as their Lieutenant, subject to the Lieutenant's authority. In the absence of a Sergeant, the senior available member of the shift is in charge, unless otherwise provided. When two supervisory officers are assigned to the same command (i.e., a lieutenant and a sergeant assigned to the same platoon), they will coordinate their time off so that one is always present. In addition to the general and individual responsibilities of all members and employees, the Sergeants are specifically responsible for the following:

Command. The direction and control of personnel under his command to assure the proper performance of duties and adherence to established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. He shall provide for continuation of command and supervision in his absence.

Good order. The general good order of his command during his tour of duty includes proper discipline, conduct, welfare, field training, and efficiency.

Loyalty and esprit de corps. The development and maintenance of esprit decorps and loyalty to the Department.

Discipline and morale. The maintenance of discipline and morale within the command and the investigation of personnel complaints not assigned elsewhere.

Organization and assignment. Organization and assignment of duties within his unit to assure proper performance of Department functions and those of his command.

Reports and records. Preparation of required correspondence, reports, and maintenance of records relating to the activities of his command. Assurance that information is communicated up and down the chain of command, as required.

Reporting. Reporting as required by the Chief of Police.

Maintenance. Assurance that quarters, equipment, supplies and material assigned to his command are correctly used and maintained.

Other such supervisory duties as may be assigned from time to time.

(6)

Detective: Detective duties shall be carried out as assigned by the Captain and Chief of Police, with emphasis in such investigative assignments in the specialized areas as follows:

Initial and follow-up investigations of serious crimes, vice crimes and other investigations specifically assigned by the Chief of Police.

Preparation of cases for prosecution.

Recovery of stolen property.

Performance of all identification functions.

Prevention and control of juvenile delinquency.

Processing of juvenile offenders.

Maintaining liaison with the juvenile courts.

Crime prevention.

Evidence storage and control.

(7)

Patrol officers: Patrol officers are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, prevention of crime, preservation of the public peace, and the apprehension of criminals. They will perform these duties as prescribed in Department orders and as directed by their supervisors. In addition to these and the general and individual responsibilities of all members and employees, patrol officers are specifically responsible for the following:

Police mission. A patrol officer is responsible for the accomplishment of the police mission on his patrol. He shall constantly be alert for violations of the laws and ordinances and shall make every effort to prevent breaches of the peace and offenses against persons and property. He shall be held accountable for crime, accidents, disorders, and other criminal conditions on his patrol beat or post.

Reporting for duty. He shall report promptly at the designated hour and place, in proper uniform for assignment and inspection. He shall listen attentively to orders and instructions of his superior officers and read such materials as are made available to him. He shall make written memoranda of such information as necessary and shall immediately proceed to his post or beat upon completion of these tasks.

Familiarization with patrol. A patrol officer shall thoroughly familiarize himself with the Township. He shall be familiar with all public businesses, offices, and their entrances, exits, skylights, fire escapes, and other possible means of escape. While making security checks of doors, he shall familiarize himself with the location of safes and night lights. Changes in night lights will be particularly noted.

Method of patrol. During his tour of duty, the patrolman shall continuously patrol every part of his assigned area, giving attention to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great. As far as possible, he shall not patrol his assigned area according to any fixed route or schedule, but shall alternate frequently and backtrack in order to be at the location least expected.

Unlocked buildings.

When a door or window is found open under suspicious or unusual circumstances on any tour of duty, a patrol officer shall make a thorough investigation and determine, if possible, whether a burglary or other crime has been committed and whether the door or window can be secured. He shall, if necessary, summon assistance to examine the premises and to secure such doors and windows. He shall notify his shift commander and the property owner.

Under circumstances indicating that an intruder is still inside a building, the officer discovering same should immediately summon assistance and then stand guard. When the assistance arrives, he may enter and search the building.

Field interviews. When the occasion demands it, the patrol officers shall courteously, but firmly, question persons on the public streets as to their names, addresses, reason for being on the street, and other matters relating to the circumstances. In all cases, good judgment, probable cause, and discretion shall be used in making a decision to arrest.

Traffic law enforcement. Patrol officers are charged with the enforcement of all provisions of local and state traffic codes. Failure to take appropriate action in traffic violation cases is considered neglect of duty.

Complaint action. A patrol officer shall carefully investigate all complaints on or near his patrol which are assigned to him or which are brought to his attention by citizens. He shall take suitable action in those cases which come under his jurisdiction and inform interested parties of the laws or ordinances relative to the particular complaint or incident. If the legal remedy of the complaint lies outside the jurisdiction of the Police Department, he shall advise the complainant accordingly and refer him to the proper authority.

Preliminary investigations. At the scenes of major crimes, subject to direction from higher authority, the first officer at the scene, after it has been established that the perpetrator is no longer present, will begin the preliminary investigation (except in the case of homicide or apparent homicide; in those instances, the Chief of Police or Captain will be called to the scene immediately). In all instances, members not assigned will not enter the premises or do any other thing that might interfere with the investigation or destroy evidence. In cases of homicide, the first duty of the patrol officer is to guard the scene, exclude all unauthorized persons, and detain all witnesses for interrogation.

(j)

Radio failure. Patrol officers shall pay strict attention to all regular radio transmissions. When they fail to hear any radio transmissions or time signals for a period not to exceed 15 minutes, they shall immediately call the dispatcher for a special test. If he fails to receive an acknowledgment, he shall immediately contact the dispatcher or commander. In case of radio trouble, the officer shall notify his shift commander and/or dispatcher of the nature of the trouble.

(k)

Patrol officers will be further responsible for daily performance standards and such other duties as defined by S.O.P.

§ 50-3 All members of the Police Department.

It shall be the responsibility of all sworn police members of the Police Department to enforce the laws of the State of New Jersey and the Township of Waterford.

§ 50-4 Salaries and wages.

The pay for all Waterford Police Department personnel will be as set forth in the Township Salary Ordinance and/or the applicable labor contracts. Said ordinances and contracts will be made available to the public by request through the Township Clerk's office.

§ 50-5 Secondary employment (moonlighting).

Waterford Township police officers are expected to give their whole time and attention to their duties in serving the public interest and public safety of/for the residents of Waterford Township. They are required by police rules and regulations to be armed at all practical times and are subject to duty recall when determined to be necessary by the Chief of Police or other appropriate authority. Additionally, there are certain private employment activities that are in direct conflict with police power vested in the officer by the Township of Waterford. Accordingly, effective upon passage of this chapter, no Waterford Township police officer will be allowed to "moonlight" in employment apart from their Township-held position except as follows:

Any officer wishing to moonlight must first submit a written request through the Chief of Police, with his endorsement recommending approval or not, to the appropriate authority for a permit to do so. The request will contain all necessary information, to include at a minimum: the type of employment; the hours to be worked; the name, address and phone number of the prospective employer and company; a certification from the employer that the duties will not involve police powers, that there will not be any conflict with the officer's police career, and that the company will provide the officer with full insurance benefits to indemnify the Township and cover the officer for his actions or inactions or if injured in the course of or during actions arising out of or related to the prospective moonlighting job. That is, the outside employer must provide proof of sufficient insurance coverage to protect the Township against liability for tort actions or other actions of the officer outside the officer's official Police Department duties, and to defend and indemnify and hold the Township and the officer harmless in any legal proceedings not arising out of and not directly related to the lawful exercise of police powers in furtherance of official police duties and related to the moonlighting employment. Said permit will only be issued by the appropriate authority, with the approval of the Mayor and Township Committee, for officers who have been productive employees for the Township as documented and certified by the Chief of Police. All such permits will be revoked for employees whose performance deteriorates after the secondary employment is started. The approved permit will be valid for a period of two years and will need to be reapplied for within 90 days prior to expiration. At any time this permit may be revoked by the Chief of Police, without due process, if it impedes or diminishes the ability to attain the departmental objectives of this agency in any way or compromises the reputation of the Police Department.

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

Entrepreneurial endeavors (e.g., self employment) are strictly prohibited subject to the same permit requirements listed in Subsection A above. Additionally, no permits for those endeavors will be issued for any business conducted within the boundaries of Waterford Township. The appearance of impropriety (even in the absence of actual wrongful behavior) necessarily stemming from paying attention to such business practices on Township time and/or using police powers in regard to such business enterprises has arisen in the past and may be particularly troublesome.

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

Permit criteria. The following standards shall be used to guide the appropriate authority in deciding requests from officers to engage in off-duty employment as well as operation of a business enterprise (i.e., self employment) off duty:

Whether the business/employment has the potential to be aided or furthered by an officer's use of confidential information that the officer is privy to solely by virtue of his police position, whether or not the officer may actually so use such information, based on the appearance and potential conflict created;

Whether the business/employment might tend to result in a loss of departmental control or authority over the officer while engaged in the business/employment beyond any loss of control over other off-duty officers not so employed or engaging in their own private business;

Potential for loss of the officer's police services as a result of injury sustained in the alternate employment/business;

(4)

Whether the employment/business has the potential to create the appearance that those who patronize the business or place of employment might curry favorable treatment by the officer in his police capacity or by the Department, or the appearance that those who patronize a competitor of the business/employer might be subject to unfavorable treatment by the officer or Department;

(5)

Whether the business/employment has the potential to cause diminished physical and mental capacity of the officer while on duty;

(6)

Whether the employment/business is in a publicly regulated industry which might create actual or appearance of conflicts of interest, even if with other branches or levels (e.g., state, county, municipal) of government;

(7)

Whether the employment/business has the potential for the creation of an appearance of favoritism among officers from the operation of a joint enterprise among multiple police officers holding different ranks on the police force when the same officers exercise their supervisory authority over each other in the course of their police duties;

(8)

The potential for possible pursuit of police time or resources to pursue private employment/business functions;

(9)

The potential civil liability of the Township for acts committed by the officer in the private employment/business;

(10)

Potential for the employment/business to affect the reputation and effectiveness of the police force;

(11)

The potential for the officer to be involved in the collection/accounts receivable aspects of the business/employment such that those dealing with the officer in the employment/business capacity might feel pressure/coercion in paying debts beyond that which would be present if such activities were not performed by an off-duty police officer;

(12)

Any other factor unique to the employment/business request with the potential to create a conflict or appearance of conflict with police employment.

Divestiture. All employees currently moonlighting, conducting a side business, or involved in any form of secondary employment without the required permit will immediately submit written application for same or terminate such employment within two weeks and/or divest themselves of all side businesses prohibited in Subsection B above within 30 days. A violation of this chapter constitutes grounds for immediate removal from service as a Waterford Township police officer.

§ 50-6 Police related off-duty employment.

Police officers employed by the Township of Waterford shall be permitted off-duty police-related employment pursuant to the provisions set forth herein. Off-duty employment shall not be permitted if the police officer and/or outside contractor fail to comply with the provisions set forth herein either prior to the commencement of the employment or at any time during the period of employment.

All off-duty police-related services performed by a Waterford Township police officer shall be in his/her official capacity as an employee of the Waterford Township Police Department and shall be subject to the control and supervision of the Police Department.

Waterford Township police officers are prohibited from engaging in any employment for police-related services with any private person, corporation or other entity except in the manner set forth in this chapter.

§ 50-7 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

CONTRACTOR

The person, corporation, or other legal entity employing a Waterford Township police officer to provide off-duty police-related services.

OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT

Any employment by a Waterford Township police officer for police-related services where the source of compensation to the police officer does not originate from the municipal budget line item for police wages and salary.

§ 50-8 Request for off-duty employee; special assignments by Chief of Police.

Contractors seeking to employ off-duty Waterford Township police officers shall make said request through the Waterford Township Police Department, to the attention of the Chief of Police. The request shall be in writing, except in case of emergency, and shall include the specific nature of the services desired.

The Chief of Police or his designee may assign Waterford Township police officers for police-related services based upon a determination that the police-related services are required for the public safety. The cost for said police-related services shall be the responsibility of the person or entity on whose behalf the services are provided or the property owner whose property or activities on said property cause the need for police-related services. All costs shall be paid as set forth at § 50-13 hereof.

§ 50-9 Assignment of police officers.

The Township Police Department shall maintain a list of police officers who have volunteered for off-duty employment. Assignment of off-duty police work shall be made in accordance with a rotation list to be maintained by the Chief of Police. When a police officer is assigned off-duty employment or if a police officer refuses an assignment, the officer's name will be placed at the bottom of the list.

§ 50-10 Remitted hours; emergency duty.

Under no circumstances shall a police officer be permitted to work more than 20 hours per week during a regularly scheduled work week in off-duty employment, and off-duty employment can be immediately terminated if the police officer performing said work is required for emergency police duty for the Township of Waterford as shall be determined by the Chief of Police.

§ 50-11 Police uniforms, equipment and vehicles.

Waterford Township police officers performing off-duty police-related services for private contractors shall be in full police uniform while said services are being provided. However, Waterford Township police vehicles shall not be used by police officers during the performance of off-duty police-related services unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police.

§ 50-12 Authorizing contract.

The Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute a contract with the contractor for the services required, which contract shall set forth, inter alia, the specific nature of the services to be performed, the location that said services will be performed, the dates and hours of service, payment arrangements, arrangements for the use of police vehicles, arrangements for insurance coverage, and any other provisions mandated by this chapter or any law or regulation of the State of New Jersey.

§ 50-13 Payment requirement; escrow accounts.

Any person or entity requesting the services of an off-duty law enforcement officer in the Waterford Township Police Department shall estimate the number of hours such law enforcement services are required, which estimate shall be approved in writing by the Chief of Police, and shall establish an escrow account with the Chief Financial Officer of the Township by depositing an amount sufficient to cover the rates of compensation and administrative fees for the total estimated hours of service. A separate dedicated by rider trust fund shall be established by the Township of Waterford, and all funds collected and disbursed relating to off-duty employment shall be made through said account.

Prior to posting any request for services of off-duty law enforcement officers, the Chief of Police or his designee shall verify that the balance in the escrow account of the person or entity requesting services is sufficient to cover the compensation and fees for the number of hours specified in the request for services. The Chief of Police shall not post a request for services from any person or entity unless all fees and compensation required in the manner described above have been deposited with the Chief Financial Officer. No officer shall provide any such services for more hours than are specified in the request for services.

In the event the funds in such an escrow account should become depleted, services of off-duty law enforcement officers shall cease and requests for further or future services shall not be performed or posted until additional funds have been deposited in the escrow account in the manner prescribed above.

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.

Salary and fee schedule.

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

Contractors hiring Township police officers for off-duty employment shall be charged pursuant to the following schedule which includes an hourly rate of pay for the police officer, the cost for the use of the police vehicle, plus a fair and reasonable sum representing the administrative costs, overhead and out-of-pocket expenses to the Township of Waterford for providing this service:[1]

[Amended 6-14-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-16; 4-14-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4; 4-27-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-8]

Traffic control.

Other traffic control.

Other police services.

Police vehicle fee.

Administrative fee.

When four or more officers are requested, the vehicle fee and the administrative fee will be reduced by 50%.

There is a four-hour minimum per officer for all off duty employment that is scheduled, unless it is cancelled at least two hours prior to the start time of the event. If there is a delayed start there will still be a four-hour minimum imposed.

Editor's Note: See Ch. 124, Fees, § 124-8A.

The above mentioned rates will apply except when the job is funded by Camden County in which instance the rate will be that which is applicable according to current law and the amount received per hour shall be paid to the officer.

Contractor shall submit payment to Waterford Township within five business days of receipt of said invoice. Failure of the contractor to make payment within said five days shall result in the immediate cessation of the police services being provided, and this agreement shall be deemed terminated. In the event this contract is terminated, the contractor shall forfeit all sums paid in advance and Waterford Township shall have the right to pursue any remedy at law for the collection of any amounts that may be due and owing for the services provided prior to termination.

§ 50-14 Payment to officers.

Police officers performing off-duty police-related services for private contractors shall be paid for said services by the Township of Waterford at the rate set forth at § 50-13(e).

All sums due a police officer performing off-duty employment shall be paid subsequent to the submission of a voucher which is approved by the Chief of Police or his designee.

§ 50-15 Insurance.

The contractor shall be responsible for providing all necessary insurance coverages as required by law, including but not limited to workers' compensation and general liability insurance. Coincidental with the execution of the contract referred to in § 50-12, the contractor shall provide the Township with appropriate insurance binders insuring that the police officer and Waterford Township are provided general liability coverage with respect to the services to be provided and that the police officer is covered by appropriate workers' compensation insurance.

§ 50-16 Indemnification.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Township of Waterford, its agents and employees, from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses, including but not limited to attorney's fees and court costs, arising out of, resulting from or in any way relating either directly or indirectly to:

The performance of the work;

Any and all claims made by said police personnel for injuries and/or illnesses while performing the off-duty employment;

The breach by contractor of any of the terms and conditions of the agreement;

(4)

The negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the police and/or the contractor, its employees, agents, and/or subcontractors;

(5)

Bodily injury, sickness and/or disease, including death at any time resulting from such bodily injury, sickness or disease, sustained by any person while in, on or about the site and surrounding areas where such injury, sickness, disease and/or death arose out of or was in any way connected with the work of, the performance of, or failure to properly perform the work;

(6)

Any liability based upon contractor's negligence imputed to the Township of Waterford;

(7)

Damage to property of contractor, the Township of Waterford or any other person or entity arising out of, incident to, or in connection with the performance of the work;

(8)

Laborers, mechanics and materialmen's liens, and all other liens and charges of every character whatsoever, arising out of work to be performed by this agreement; and/or

(9)

Any other cause of action which may be brought against the Township of Waterford arising out of or in any way relating to the work and contractor's obligations hereunder.

This indemnification and hold harmless agreement shall apply in all instances whether the Township of Waterford is a plaintiff or is made a direct party to the initial action or claim or is subsequently made a party to the action by third-party in-pleading or is made a party to a collateral action arising, in whole or in part, from any of the issues from the original cause of action or claim.

§ 50-17 The appropriate authority.

Jurisdiction/authority. The Police Department shall come under the jurisdiction of the appropriate authority, which position is hereby created pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. Said appropriate authority shall be the entire Township Committee. The appropriate authority shall be responsible for the promulgation, adoption, updating, and/or ratification of rules and regulations for police personnel which shall be known as the Rules and Regulations for the Police Department of the Township of Waterford. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118)

[Amended 12-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-8]

Policies to govern day-to-day operations. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Chief of Police is directly responsible to the appropriate authority for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations of the police force, and the Chief of Police performs his duties "pursuant to policies established by the appropriate authority." Therefore, the appropriate authority shall issue whatever policies, which may be referred to as operational policies, general policies, standard operating policies or otherwise, that are deemed appropriate and necessary for the operation of the Department. Any such policies promulgated by the Chief of Police shall require ratification by the appropriate authority. Any such policies issued by the Chief shall be submitted to the appropriate authority and will take effect 10 days later, absent a response from the appropriate authority to the contrary; this provision to be referred to as the ten-day review rule.

§ 50-18 Probationary periods.

All patrol officers are initially appointed subject to a one-year probationary period. Sergeants, Lieutenants and the Captain promotions are subject to a probationary period of six months, after which the appropriate authority may make such promotions permanent. In the event the appropriate authority does not make the promotion permanent, the probationary period may be terminated without the necessity of giving any cause for termination of said probationary period, and the officer will revert back to the previous rank/position held.

§ 50-19 Special law enforcement officer.

The appropriate authority shall, with the approval and consent of the Mayor and Township Committee, appoint such special law enforcement officers as he/she or they may deem necessary. They shall be a part of the Police Department established herein and subject to all the laws, rules and regulations governing the same. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq., the term of said appointment shall be at the discretion of the Mayor and Township Committee, but in no event shall exceed one year. The personnel referred to in this section shall be compensated at such hourly rate as designated in the Township's Salary Ordinance. Said personnel shall serve for the appointed term only and at the compensation, if any, established by ordinance or as modified or changed by the Mayor and Township Committee.

§ 50-20 Civilian employees.

[Amended 7-8-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]

The appropriate authority shall, with the approval and consent of the Mayor and Township Committee, appoint such civilian members of the Police Department to serve in the services division as he/she or they may deem necessary. Said members are to provide executive assistance to the Chief of Police, secretarial duties, dispatching services, clerical duties and logistics in support of the Police Department. Said positions will be one Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police and one police records clerk and additional civilian staff as deemed necessary.

§ 50-21 Police employees.

The appropriate authority shall, with the approval and consent of the Mayor and Township Committee, appoint, promote, assign or reduce in force for reasons of economy all police personnel employed by the Township of Waterford. Appointment of any additional police personnel shall require an amendment of this chapter.

§ 50-22 Appointment.

All members of the Police Department shall be recommended by the appropriate authority and appointed by and with the advice and consent of the governing body, and are to hold their offices as provided by law.

No person shall be appointed a member of the Police Department in the Township of Waterford who has failed, prior thereto, to have duly executed and signed a written application for such employment, upon a form supplied by the Township Clerk, requiring relevant data to be submitted by the applicant therein, and shall have also indicated therein his willingness to undergo a required preemployment physical examination and a preemployment psychiatric examination.

Appointments to new positions or offices or to fill vacancies shall also be subject to state laws.

§ 50-23 Qualifications.

Each applicant shall comply with all the laws of the State of New Jersey pertaining thereto. No person shall be given or accept a permanent appointment as a police officer in the Township unless he has first been given a probationary or temporary appointment to such office for a period of one year after successfully completing a police training course at a school approved and authorized by the Police Training Commission in the Department of Law and Public Safety of the State of New Jersey, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 1961 and amendments thereto.

No person shall be appointed to the Police Department as a regular or probationary member unless, at the time of making application, he is between the age of 18 and 35 years of age, except as otherwise provided by law. The applicant shall be a citizen of the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and preference shall be given to those applicants who have been residents of the Township of Waterford for a period of at least six months prior to the date of application. The Township Committee shall also require that an applicant for or appointee to the Police Department successfully complete a physical training test, a medical examination, a psychological examination, an oral interview (to include a writing exercise with a handwriting sample) by a panel to be determined by the Director of Public Safety, and they must have attained a minimum of an Associate's Degree from an accredited institution of postsecondary education, The Township Committee may waive the educational requirement in lieu of on-the-job police experience or completing acceptable active-duty military service.

§ 50-24 Oath of allegiance.

Each member of the Police Department shall, before entering upon the performance of his duties, take and subscribe an oath to bear true faith and allegiance to the government established in this state, to support the Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of New Jersey and to faithfully, impartially and justly discharge and perform all the duties of his office. Such oath or affirmation shall be filed with the Township Clerk.

§ 50-25 Disciplinary procedures.

Hearing authority.

In the event of any disciplinary proceedings against any member of the Police Department of the Township of Waterford, the appropriate authority or his/her designee shall be the sole hearing officer and person in charge of all such proceedings. The decision of the appropriate authority shall be final. The right of appeal shall be to the New Jersey Superior Court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-150, if and as applicable.

In the event the appropriate authority designates a hearing authority other than himself/herself, and the designated hearing authority is to be an officer within the Waterford Township Police Department, only a person of greater rank than the person charged may be so designated for that purpose. Whenever Special Counsel is designated to be the hearing authority, prior approval must be obtained by resolution of the Mayor and Township Committee. The decision of said hearing authority shall be provided within 10 days to the appropriate authority, who shall render the final and binding decision, both as to violation and penalty, within 10 days from when he/she receives the decision and supporting documentation such as a hearing transcript. The time lines established herein are to be construed flexibly in the interest of justice so that fair and reasoned decisions will follow. Should the appropriate authority fail to act within 10 days or give notice of necessary extension, the decision of the hearing authority shall become final.

Charging authority.

In the event a Waterford Township Police Department officer is to be charged in a disciplinary action and said employee is subordinate to the rank of the Chief of Police, only the Chief of Police or his/her designee may initiate such charges (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118). In the event the office of the Chief of Police has been abolished through intentional vacancy, pursuant to § 50-2A, then the appropriate authority or his/her designee shall function as the charging authority. Failure to initiate charges when same are indicated may constitute a neglect or dereliction of duty [Gauntt v. Bridgeton, 194 N.J. Super. 468, 477 A.2d 381 (App. Div. 1984)], but the function of the charging authority may not be circumvented.

In the event the Chief of Police for the Township of Waterford is to be charged in a disciplinary action against the chief, the appropriate authority or Special Counsel named by the appropriate authority to act on his/her behalf shall be the charging authority. The appropriate authority is hereby empowered to name a designated Special Council to function as an alternative charging authority without prior Council approval in an emergency. This is necessitated by the statutory time lines involved in the charging process. Notwithstanding this authority, at the earliest opportunity the appropriate authority shall inform Council of the action that he/she has taken and obtain its approval.