[Adopted 11-6-1991 by Ord. No. 1131 (§§ 52-1 through 52-10 of the 1982 Code)]
There is hereby created and reestablished a Police Department for the Borough of Leonia which shall consist of a Chief of Police and such number of sworn officers and civilian employees as the governing body may designate from time to time.
A. 
The Police Department shall preserve the public peace; protect life and property; detect, arrest and prosecute offenders of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Borough of Leonia; direct and control traffic; provide attendance and protection during emergencies; provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement agencies; and provide training for the efficiency of its members and officers.
B. 
The Mayor and Borough Council may appoint from time to time special law enforcement officers in accordance with New Jersey Statutes for terms not exceeding one year. They shall possess and exercise all the powers and duties provided by said statutes during their term in office, but shall not be continued as regular members of the Police Department and shall not be entitled to tenure. The Chief of Police may authorize special law enforcement officers when on duty to exercise the same powers and authority as regular members of the Police Department including the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest.
The Board of Police Commissioners comprised of three members of the Council appointed annually by the Mayor shall be designated as the appropriate authority as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The Board shall be responsible for the overall performance of the Police Department. The Board of Police Commissioners together with the Mayor and Council shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the government of the Police Department and for the discipline of its members.
The Chief of Police shall be the head of the Police Department and shall be directly responsible to the Board of Police Commissioners for its efficiency and day-to-day operations. Pursuant to policies established by the Board, the Chief of Police shall:
A. 
Administer and enforce the rules and regulations of the Police Department and any special emergency directive for the disposition and discipline of the Department and its members and officers;
B. 
Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of the Police Department;
C. 
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all members and officers;
D. 
Delegate such authority as may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the Police Department to be exercised under the Chief's direction and control; and
E. 
Report at least monthly to the Board of Police Commissioners in such form as shall be prescribed on the operation of the Police Department during the preceding month and make such other reports as may be requested by the Board.
[Amended 5-22-2000 by Ord. No. 00-05; 12-24-2003 by Ord. No. 31-03; 4-19-2004 by Ord. No. 07-04; 11-14-2005 by Ord. No. 16-05; 3-17-2008 by Ord. No. 10-08; 4-6-2009 by Ord. No. 05-09; 1-4-2010 by Ord. No. 26-09[1]; 5-3-2010 by Ord. No. 07-10; 5-19-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-4; 7-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-5]
The Police Department shall consist of the following positions: one Chief of Police, one Captain, five Sergeants, and 10 officers.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided that if there are currently employees serving in positions in excess of those provided for above, those positions shall be maintained until the number of employees is reduced to conform to the table of organization, whether by promotion, demotion, retirement or any other reason.
No person shall be appointed to the Police Department who is not qualified as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. Except as otherwise provided by law, each applicant for a position in the Police Department or for promotion shall be evaluated by the criteria consistent with and in accordance with the Police Department's Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures and as required by Borough Code.
In addition to the requirements and standards set forth by the Police Department's Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures, and the Borough Code, the following education achievement shall be required prior to appointment to the Police Department.
A. 
As of January 1, 1978, 120 credits or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
B. 
As of January 1, 1992, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
A. 
In order to be eligible for examination for promotion to the rank of Sergeant, police officers shall have successfully served as probationary patrolmen and patrolmen in the Leonia Police Department for a cumulative period of at least four years immediately preceding the examination. This period of time shall begin upon successful completion of basic recruit training.
B. 
In order to be eligible for examination for promotion to a rank above Sergeant, a police officer shall have served as a Sergeant in the Leonia Police Department preceding an announcement of examination.
C. 
In order to be eligible to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant or above, a police officer shall have an associate or bachelors degree. In those cases where a police officer is pursuing a bachelor's degree, the midpoint of the program is to be considered the equivalent of an associate degree.
A. 
Recommendations for appointment to the office of Chief of Police shall be made by the Board of Police Commissioners and shall be consistent and in accordance with New Jersey statutes and the Borough Code.
B. 
The governing body shall appoint the Chief of Police.
The Board of Police Commissioners shall recommend for adoption by the governing body such rules and regulations concerning the proper regulation of the Police Department, including but not limited to professional conduct and appearance; Department property and equipment; communications and correspondence; investigations; arrests; detentions; firearms; public activities; political activities; judicial and investigative actions; appearance and testimony; personnel regulations, including oath of office and probationary period; driver's license requirements; outside employment; surrender of departmental property; resignation; and disciplinary rules.
[1]
Editor’s Note: See Art. III, Rules and Regulations.
No member or officer of the Police Department shall be suspended, removed, fined or reduced in rank for any cause other than for incapacity, misconduct or disobedience as provided in the New Jersey statutes and the Police Department's Rules and Regulations.