[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.
D. 
Operations and activities. The Chief of Police administers and coordinates activities and approves operating plans.
(1) 
He sets the administrative policies of the Department.
(2) 
He allocates funds within the budget which are approved by the Township Committee.
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:
(1) 
Use of records and reports;
(2) 
Conduction of interviews;
(3) 
Cultivation of informants;
(4) 
Development of perceptive abilities; and
(5) 
Proper collection, identification, analysis, preservation and presentation of evidence.
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:
(1) 
Prevention and suppression of crime;
(2) 
Protection of life and property;
(3) 
Apprehension and prosecution of offenders;
(4) 
Preservation of the peace;
(5) 
Enforcement of regulatory measures; and
(6) 
Provision of miscellaneous field services.
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]