[Adopted 10-9-2001 by Ord. No. 12-2001; amended in its entirety 12-11-2018 by Ord. No. 10-2018]
A.
There is hereby created in and for the Township of Mullica a Police
Department which may consist of a Chief of Police, a Captain, one
or more Lieutenants, one or more Sergeants, one or more Detectives,
one or more Corporals, one or more uniformed patrol officers, and
a matron/stenographer.
B.
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 Township of Mullica; direct and
control traffic; provide attendance and protection during emergencies;
provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement
agencies; and providing training for the efficiency of its members
and officers.
C.
The Township Committee shall be designated the appropriate authority
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. The appropriate authority shall be
responsible for the overall performance of the Police Department.
The appropriate authority shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations
for the government of the Police Department and for the discipline
of its members pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
D.
The Township Committee may designate the Mayor or other party as
a hearing officer for any disciplinary matter.
The Chief of Police is the ranking executive officer of the
Department. He shall be directly responsible to the appropriate authority
for the Department's efficiency and the day-to-day operation of the
Police Department, including all police personnel, functions and operations
related thereto. He exercises all lawful powers of his office and
issues each order as may be necessary to insure the efficient and
effective performance of the Department.
A.
Responsibilities.
The Chief of Police is responsible for training, instruction and assignment
of all police personnel.
(1)
He shall be the administrative officer of the Department and shall
administer and enforce rules and regulations and special emergency
directives for the disposition and discipline of the force and its
officers and personnel.
(2)
He shall organize and control all resources of the Department and
be responsible for their care and safekeeping.
(3)
He shall prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinate
and other personnel in the Department and hold them responsible for
the effective performance of such duties.
(4)
He shall be responsible for the investigation and adjudication of
all complaints concerning performance of services or duties performed
by members of the Department.
(5)
He shall maintain a constructive relationship with the media and
the public.
(6)
He shall be responsible for the dismissal of all special police officers
and supervise their training to insure the proper and lawful performance
of their duties.
(7)
He shall report monthly to the appropriate authority in such form
as shall be prescribed by such authority on the operation of the force
during the preceding month and make such other reports as may be requested
by such authority.
(8)
He shall enforce all laws and ordinances falling within the jurisdiction
of the Police Department.
(9)
He shall faithfully and promptly obey and cause all personnel of
the Police Department under him to obey all rules, regulations, and
orders.
(10)
He shall maintain the discipline and efficiency of the Police Department.
(11)
In case of riot, insurrection or threat thereof, he shall take command
of the Police Department in person and direct their movements and
operations in discharge of their respective duties.
(12)
He shall be responsible for the maintenance of a daily police attendance
record.
(13)
He shall establish procedures for the hearing and determination of
charges of violation of Department rules and regulations by any member
of the Department, in accordance with New Jersey Statutes, Title 40.
(14)
He shall have and exercise all of the functions, powers, and duties
of a Department head as prescribed by the Administrative Code and
the ordinances of the Department.
(15)
He shall have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties
of the force.
(16)
He shall delegate such authority as he may deem necessary for the
efficient operation of the force to be exercised under his direction
and supervision.
B.
Functions.
The Chief of Police conducts the day-to-day operation of the Police
Department, applies the policies of the Township Committee, coordinates
the operations of the units and the activities of the staff within
the Department, conducts public relations and implements the internal
disciplinary process.
C.
Authority
and responsibility. The authority and responsibility of the Chief
is subject to the policies predicated on law by the ordinances of
the Township of Mullica and the laws of the State of New Jersey.
E.
Personnel
and financial policies. The Chief of Police administers personnel
and financial policies in conformance with the ordinances of the Township
of Mullica and the laws of the State of New Jersey. The Chief of Police:
(1)
Causes examination to determine the qualification of persons applying
for positions.
(2)
Recommends to the appropriate authority for review and approval the
promotion of any officer in the Department subject to the ordinances
of the Township of Mullica and the laws of the State of New Jersey.
Recommends to the appropriate authority for review and approval all
settlements entered into on behalf of the Township which require the
expenditure of Township monies as part of the settlement.
(3)
Administers wage and salary programs and employee benefit plans and
personnel rating programs.
(4)
Requires that all personnel be trained and approves training programs.
(5)
Grants temporary leaves of absence to members of the Department with
approval of the Township Committee.
(6)
Submits the annual budget and proposed expenditure programs to the
Mayor or other appropriately designated officials.
(7)
Approves payment from allotted funds for operating expenses and capital
expenditures.
(8)
Approves expense accounts.
Command officers are police officers holding the rank of Lieutenant
or above.
A.
Responsibilities:
general. Commanding officers shall exercise direct control over all
members within their command, subject to higher authority and in accordance
with the rules, regulations and procedures of the Department. Commanding
officers:
(1)
Shall maintain good order and discipline within their command.
(2)
Shall cooperate with other Department units.
(3)
Shall investigate personnel complaints not processed elsewhere.
(4)
Shall assign duties and responsibilities within their command to
achieve command and Department objectives.
(5)
Shall prepare reports, correspondence and maintain records concerning
their command.
(6)
Shall maintain the quarters, control of the equipment and use of
supplies and material assigned to their command.
B.
Instructing
police officers. A commanding officer is responsible for determining
that each member of his command is instructed in his duties and performs
them properly. The commanding officer, under the direction and consistent
with the authority delegated to him by the Chief of Police and in
accord with these rules and regulations, assists the Chief of Police
in the management and discipline of the Police Department.
C.
Authority.
Commands and controls a division within the Police Department and
is responsible for its overall activities and performance.
D.
Responsibilities.
Informs and advises his immediate superior, the Chief of Police, of
all significant conditions and activities existing in his division.
Conducts weekly staff meetings and makes periodic inspections of all
personnel, equipment and facilities under his command. Ensures that
all commanding officers and supervisors are complying with and enforcing
current policies and procedures; effectively deploys personnel to
decrease the incidence of crimes, vice and traffic conditions within
the divisions; and directs and coordinates police operations at emergencies
or other situations requiring his immediate presence.
A.
Authority.
Shall perform the duties of the Chief of Police in his/her absence
and any other such duties as may be delegated by the Chief of Police.
In addition to the above, the Captain may command a division, shift
or unit of the Police Department and is responsible for the direction
and control of personnel under his command consistent with the authority
delegated to him and in accord with these rules and regulations.
B.
Responsibilities.
(1)
Analyzes and properly assigns the work of his unit providing for
the proper protection of persons and property, the prevention of crime,
enforcement of law and the apprehension, incarceration and prosecution
of lawbreakers.
(2)
Provides sufficient supervision to assure that the work of his unit
is carried out in an efficient manner.
(3)
Delegates such of his powers as may be deemed necessary to enable
subordinates to properly carry out their duties.
(4)
Performs sufficient inspection services to see that all ranks of
his command are properly and effectively performing assigned work.
Recommends or institutes changes as necessary.
(5)
Investigates, or causes to be investigated, complaints regarding
police service or alleged infractions of rules and regulations; makes
recommendations regarding disposition of same; and, in minor infractions,
disciplines subordinates.
(6)
Is responsible for police facilities and equipment; maintains or
causes to be maintained necessary records and files; does related
work as required.
A.
Authority. Under supervision, may command and is responsible for
a unit or squad, or performs field or desk supervisory functions.
B.
Responsibility.
(1)
Analyzes and properly assigns the work of his unit.
(2)
Provides police assignments and instructions necessary to assure
that the work of the unit or squad is carried out in the most efficient
manner.
(3)
Delegates such of his powers as may be deemed necessary to enable
subordinates to properly effect their duties.
(4)
Inspects the work of his unit or squad to assure that work standards
are adhered to.
(5)
Initiates and directs criminal and noncriminal investigations; assures
that accountability is maintained.
(6)
At such times as emergent action is required, takes such actions
as are necessary to meet the emergency; makes or causes to be made
all notifications necessary to same.
(7)
Prepares and directs the preparation of reports suitable to the required
accounting for each police action; does related work as required.
A.
Authority. Under direction, supervises and is responsible for the
activities of field or headquarters personnel, overseeing and taking
part in police activities intended to provide order, maintenance,
assistance and protection for persons and property, observance of
law, and the detection and apprehension of law violators.
B.
Responsibility.
(1)
Assigns and instructs subordinates in police patrol methods and procedures,
investigation practices, and related law enforcement problems. Provides
training as needed.
(2)
Directs criminal and noncriminal investigations; makes investigations
regarding improper police services or actions.
(3)
Supervises technical aspects of some police operations.
(4)
When necessary, takes proper police action against law violators.
(5)
Visits and inspects police patrol units, assignments, and posts;
noting and correcting or reporting any conditions which require police
attention.
(6)
Directs the preparation of reports and maintains necessary reports
and records; does related work as required.
Under direction, is assigned to investigative or technical units
and is responsible for the investigation and clearance of criminal
and noncriminal complaints, or other duties which may be assigned
because of a particular expertise.
A.
Shall intelligently and thoroughly investigate each assignment, initiating
the investigation by prompt contact with the complainant.
B.
Shall keep detailed day-to-day records of his investigations, acquainting
supervisors and interested units with information developed.
C.
Uses all legal means at his disposal to detect and solve crime and
prosecute offenders, thoroughly investigating information received
from any source.
D.
Must study and apply sound investigative techniques and improve his
efficiency by attention to:
E.
Shall prepare all cases in a manner which insures the best possible
presentation in court.
F.
Shall learn the rules of evidence, court procedure, and the art of
testifying, which make for an effective witness. He shall also cooperate
with the prosecution in trial preparation.
G.
Notwithstanding his assignment, he shall provide an immediate response
to an emergent or observed need for police service.
H.
When, from time to time, he shall be called upon to serve in a uniformed
capacity, he shall be governed by all rules pertinent to his regular
assignment and those governing uniformed police officers.
Under direction, during an assigned tour of duty, on foot or
in a vehicle, patrols a designated area to prevent crime, provide
protection for persons and property, assure observance of law and
apprehend lawbreakers and provide assistance to persons as necessary;
or is assigned to tasks consistent with a particular or educational
expertise.
A.
Shall exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed
by his oath of office and in conformance with the policies of the
Department.
B.
Is accountable to his superior officers and is responsible for obeying
all legitimate orders.
C.
Shall coordinate his efforts with other members of his shift and
the Department, and shall communicate to his superiors and coworkers
all information necessary to achieve the maximum of Department objectives.
D.
Shall report for duty and all other assignments punctually at specified
times, physically fit, neatly and properly groomed and with prescribed
equipment.
E.
Shall familiarize himself with administrative policy and procedures
and, within his area of responsibility, provide service necessary
for the:
F.
Shall conduct himself in accordance with high ethical standards,
on- and off-duty and shall, by study and observation, become familiar
with laws and ordinances and improved techniques and ideas which will
enable him to improve his performance.
G.
Shall maintain all equipment assigned to him in functional and presentable
condition.
H.
Shall thoroughly familiarize himself with his post or zone. 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 locations of safes and night lights. Changes in night lights
will be particularly noticed.
I.
Shall, during the tour of duty, continuously patrol every part of
his post or zone giving attention to and frequently rechecking locations
where the crime hazard is great. As far as possible, he shall not
patrol his post or zone according to any fixed route or schedule but
shall alternate frequently and backtrack in order to be at the location
least expected.
J.
Shall, when a door or window is found open under suspicious or unusual
circumstances on any tour of duty, 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 immediate superior and,
if possible, 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.
K.
Shall, when the occasion demands it, courteously but firmly question
persons on the public streets as to their names, addresses, reason
for being on the street and other matters relative to the circumstances.
In all cases, good judgment and discretion should be used in making
a decision to arrest.
L.
Shall familiarize himself with his assigned areas and provide diligent
patrol inspecting public and licensed premises.
M.
Shall give particular attention to places where vice violators might
congregate. They shall use every lawful means to suppress the illegal
activities of such person, prosecute them and require all such establishments
to be conducted in accordance with municipal ordinances and state
laws and shall report all violations.
N.
Shall, as motorized and foot police officers, be charged with the
enforcement of all provisions of local and state traffic codes. Failure
to take appropriate action in traffic violations cases is considered
neglect of duty.
O.
Shall carefully investigate all complaints on or near his post or
zone 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.
P.
Shall, when assigned to motorized patrol, pay strict attention to
all regular radio transmission. When he fails to hear any radio transmission
or time signals for a period not to exceed 15 minutes, he shall immediately
call the dispatcher for a special test. If, after three attempts,
he fails to receive an acknowledgment, he shall immediately contact
the desk officer by telephone. In case of radio trouble, the officer
shall notify his immediate supervisor and dispatcher of the nature
of the trouble.
Q.
Shall conduct a thorough investigation and report clearly and concisely
all facts concerning incidents or crimes which occur and of which
he has knowledge during his duty tour, or which he may observe or
become involved in while off duty.
R.
Shall insure the civil treatment and observance of rights of all
coming under the scope of his authority.
S.
Does related work as required.
A.
Responsibilities.
(1)
Shall serve as receptionist, answering and directing all incoming
telephone calls, greeting and directing all persons entering the Police
Department and forwarding all messages to the appropriate individuals.
(2)
Shall handle all of the Chief's correspondence. Shall handle any
correspondence necessary for supervisors.
(3)
Shall type all investigation, arrest, DWI, supplementary, property
and laboratory reports from each officer. Shall type all internal
affairs investigations. Shall type all affidavits and search warrants.
Shall forward said reports to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's office
where applicable. Shall forward accident reports to the Atlantic County
Prosecutor's office, County Manager and/or State Accident Bureau.
(4)
Shall file all reports when completed and reviewed. Shall file all
correspondence.
(5)
Completion and issuance of handicap placards, firearms permits and
monthly uniform crime reports.
(6)
Distribution of all directives from the State Attorney General, the
Atlantic County Prosecutor and/or Chief of Police.
(7)
Shall be available to search any female arrestee and/or jail inmate
during both working hours and after hours. Shall "wire" any female
confidential informant. Shall be available to provide presence for
male officers during questioning and/or arrest of female detainees.
(8)
Shall handle computer responsibilities, seeing to upgrades, correcting
problems or contacting appropriate source when these issues cannot
be resolved in-house.
(9)
Shall be responsible for all discovery requested by defense attorneys
and prepare all cases for prosecution by municipal, county, state
and/or federal courts.
(10)
Shall be responsible for forwarding copies of accident reports to
insurance companies, attorneys and record report services.
(11)
Shall maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding all
of the above.
B.
All other civilian employees shall assist Department police officers
in the accomplishment of the police function.
C.
Civilian employees subject to police authority. Civilian employees
shall be subject to the authority of the Chief of Police and of the
superior officer in charge of the bureau or unit or office to which
they are assigned.
D.
Civilian employee supervisors. Civilian employee supervisors are
employees who, by special designation by the Chief of Police, may
supervise other civilian employees and police officers.
E.
Employees bound by Department directives. All rules, regulations
and Departmental procedures and orders governing police officers shall
also bind all civilian employees whenever applicable.
A.
The Township
of Mullica 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. When authorized by statute, 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 in
including the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest.
B.
Special
Law Enforcement Officers (Special Officers) are employed by the Township
of Mullica Police Department to supplement the work of police officers
in the Police Department, perform a specified and limited subset of
the routine duties of sworn police officers and civilian employees,
and free those police officers from routine duties for their primary
mission patrol.
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.
No person shall be appointed to the Police Department who is
not qualified as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The appropriate
authority may also require that an applicant for appointment to the
Police Department shall successfully complete a physical, mental and
psychological examination.
The rules and regulations adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Mullica shall be contained in a document known
as the "Mullica Township Police Department Rules and Regulations."
A.
Adoption. The "Mullica Township Police Department Rules and Regulations"
issued December 11, 2014, is hereby adopted.
B.
Amendments. The Mullica Township Police Department Rules and Regulations
may be amended by ordinance of the Township Committee from time to
time as may be necessary.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 12-2019]
