[Amended 11-1-2000 by Ord. No. 00-10]
A. 
These rules are adopted pursuant to the authority vested in the governing body as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A.
B. 
The Police Department is established by authority of an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the Township of West Amwell establishing a Police Department for the Township of West Amwell, in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey, and to provide for the maintenance, regulation and control thereof."
C. 
The Township Committee shall establish and may, from time to time, amend and repeal such rules and regulations as deemed necessary for the governance and efficient working of the Police Department. These rules and regulations shall govern the conduct of police officers and certain policies to be followed by police officers in responding to the general public, criminal activities and related matters.
D. 
The rules and regulations, as currently in force, shall be posted permanently on a bulletin board in the police headquarters and at least two copies shall be filed with the Township Clerk and be available for public inspection. A copy of these rules and regulations shall be issued to all employees of the Police Department.
E. 
Any amendment will be presented at a Township meeting held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act[1] and adopted by majority favorable vote of the Township Committee. A copy of any amendment shall be posted on the bulletin board, filed in the Township Clerk's office and issued to each member of the Department within five days after adopted.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.
F. 
Members of the Police Department shall at all times observe the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section. Such rules and regulations shall be dispositive of all matters not set forth in this Code in relationship to incapacity and misconduct of members as well as all other areas of behavior, procedures and organization. Any action taken against any officer pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147 et seq. shall be based on the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Part 2. No charge shall be brought against any officer for violation of any rule or regulation or amendment thereto which has not been duly promulgated, posted and delivered as herein required.
A. 
Police regulations are applicable to all officers of the Department and, where specified, to all civilian employees of the Department.
[Amended 12-19-1990 by Ord. No. 17-90]
B. 
Police regulations shall not be canceled, amended or issued without the approval and signature of the Township Committee.
C. 
Failure of an officer, either willfully or through negligence or incompetence, to perform the duties of this rank or assignment or violation by an officer or civilian employee of any police regulation or order or local, state or federal statutes or ordinances may be considered sufficient cause for disciplinary action.
A. 
Distribution of manual. One copy of the Police Manual shall be distributed to each member of the Department and to certain civilian employees of the Department.
B. 
Responsibility for maintenance. All members and employees who are assigned a manual shall be responsible for its maintenance and care. All manuals shall be kept current, and supplementary pages, concerning additions, revisions or amendments, shall be promptly inserted.
C. 
Familiarization. Each police officer and each civilian employee is duty bound to thoroughly familiarize himself with the provisions of the Police Manual. Failure to comply shall be considered a neglect of duty.
D. 
Ignorance of contents of manual. In the event that neglect of duty is charged against a member for failure to observe the rules and regulations, Department procedures or orders, ignorance of any provision of this manual or any Department procedure or order, will not be accepted as an excuse.