When any member of the Department becomes sick, injured or otherwise
disabled while off duty or becomes sick, injured or otherwise disabled
to the extent necessitating his/her removal from duty to his/her residence,
physician's office or hospital, the Police Chief or, in his/her
absence, the ranking officer on duty, may investigate or cause to
be investigated the circumstances surrounding the mishap, disorder
or accident resulting in the member's sickness, injury or disability
in accordance with any and all appropriate guidelines of internal
investigations. He/she may employ the assistance of a health care
professional designated by the Township or of the member's attending
physician in so doing.
In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-137, leaves
of absence with pay not exceeding one year shall be granted to members
and officers of the Department and force who shall be injured, ill
or disabled, from any cause, provided that the examining health care
professional designated by the Township shall certify such injury,
illness or disability.