[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Camden 11-26-1986 by Ord. No.
MC-2248; amended in its entirety 12-19-2002 by Ord. No.
MC-3805 (Ch. 87 of the 1987 Code). Subsequent amendments
noted where applicable. Police Services in the City of Camden shall
be provided by the Metro Division of the Camden County Police Department
pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Police Service Agreement
the City of Camden and the County of Camden and any renewal, revision
or extension of said agreement. The provisions of Chapter 110 of this
Code shall be suspended while said Police Services Agreement and any
extension thereof is in effect but said provisions are specifically
saved from repeal. Those provisions of the Camden Code which refer
to the "Chief of Police" shall be construed to refer to the Chief
of Police of the Camden County Police Metro Division. References in
the Camden Code to the "Police Department" or the "Division of Police"
shall be deemed to refer to the Camden County Police Metro Division.]
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
A.
There is
hereby created in and for the City of Camden a Police Department,
which shall consist of a Police Director, a Chief of Police and members
and officers as shall be deemed necessary by the governing body of
the City of Camden which shall, from time to time, determine the number
of persons, including, without limitation, temporary officers and
members in an emergency, to be appointed to these positions, together
with their compensation, all as provided for under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
B.
Police services in the City of Camden shall be provided by the Metro Division of Camden County Police Department pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Police Service Agreement between the City of Camden and the County of Camden and any renewal, revision or extension of said agreement. The provisions of this Chapter 110 of this Code shall be suspended while this Police Service Agreement or any extension thereof is in effect but said provisions are specifically saved from appeal. While said agreement is in effect, those provisions of the Camden Code which refer to the "Chief of Police" shall be construed to refer to the Chief of Police of the Camden County Police Metro Division. References in the Camden Code to the "Police Department' or to the "Division of Police" shall be deemed to refer to the Camden County Police Metro Division.
[Added 12-10-2019 by Ord. No. MC-5232]
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340; 5-13-2008 by Ord. No.
MC-4388]
The Police Department shall preserve the public peace; protect
life and property; detect, arrest and assist in the prosecution of
offenders of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the City
of Camden; manage the traffic conditions within the City and provide
attendance and protection during emergencies; and provide training
for the efficiency of its members and officers, all as provided for
under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
The Mayor or his/her designee shall be the appropriate authority
as provided in the New Jersey statutes unless a Police Director is
appointed, in which case the Police Director shall be the chief executive
and the appropriate authority and shall be the head of the Department
in the absence of an appointed Chief of Police. 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, all as provided for under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
The Chief of Police, if one is appointed, shall be directly
responsible to the appropriate authority for the efficiency and day-to-day
operations of the Police Department and shall be the head of the Department.
Pursuant to the policies established by the appropriate authority,
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
function and control; and
E.
Report at least monthly to the appropriate authority in such form
as shall be prescribed by the appropriate authority on the operation
of the Police Department during the preceding month and make such
other reports as may be requested by the appropriate authority, all
as provided for under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340; 5-13-2008 by Ord. No.
MC-4388; 9-2-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4417[1]]
In addition to the authority vested in the Mayor and Police Director, as listed in § 110-3 above, ranks for the Camden City Police Department, as provided for under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, setting forth the line of authority, shall be the following:
A.
Chief of Police;
B.
Deputy Chief of Police;
C.
Police Inspector;
D.
Captain of Police;
E.
Lieutenant of Police;
F.
Sergeant of Police;
G.
Police Officer;
H.
Probationary and such other non-sworn Police Department employees
as the governing body of the City of Camden authorizes.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance provided that it shall
be retroactive to 7-30-2008.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
Members of the Police Department may be disciplined as provided
in the New Jersey statutes, New Jersey Administrative Code, City of
Camden ordinances and policies, and/or the Police Department's
rules and regulations, policies and procedures, all as provided under
N.J.S.A. 40A: 14-147.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
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, as provided under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-122 and
N.J.S.A. 40A:14-127.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340; 9-14-2010 by Ord. No.
MC-4567]
A.
Appointment:
(1)
The governing body of the City of Camden may appoint in a manner
consistent herein special law enforcement officers, and establish
limitations on the number and category of special law enforcement
officers which may be employed by the City of Camden:
[Amended 8-14-2012 by Ord. No. MC-4680]
(2)
All persons appointed shall serve as special law enforcement officers
in accordance with the "Special Law Enforcement Officers' Act" P.L.
1985, c. 439 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq.)
(3)
Before any special law enforcement officer is appointed, the eligibility
and qualifications of the applicant shall be ascertained.
(4)
A written report of eligibility determination shall be forwarded
to the appointing authority.
(5)
Every applicant for the position of special law enforcement officer
shall have fingerprints taken and filed with the Division of State
Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(6)
Special law enforcement officers may be appointed for terms not to
exceed one year, and the appointments may be revoked by the Camden
Police Department for cause after adequate hearing, unless the appointment
is for four months or less, in which event the appointment may be
revoked without cause or hearing. Nothing herein shall be construed
to require reappointment upon the expiration of the term.
(7)
No person shall be appointed to serve as a special law enforcement
officer in more than one municipality at the same time.
(8)
No public official with responsibility for setting law enforcement
policy or exercising authority over the City budget or supervision
of the Camden Police Department shall be appointed as a special law
enforcement officer.
B.
Qualifications. No person shall be appointed as a special law enforcement
officer (Class I) unless the person:
C.
Chain of command. Special law enforcement officers (Class I) and
their activities shall be under the supervision and direction of the
Chief of Police or, in the absence of the Chief, another law enforcement
officer in a supervisory capacity designated by the Chief to act in
his stead.
D.
Training.
(1)
No person may commence his or her duties as special law enforcement
officers (Class I) unless they have successfully completed a training
course approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
(2)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall attend in-service
training as required by the Chief of Police or, in the absence of
the Chief, another law enforcement officer in a supervisory capacity
designated by the Chief to act in his stead.
E.
Uniforms and equipment.
(1)
Every special law enforcement officer (Class I) prior to the commencement
of his or her duties shall be furnished with a uniform that identifies
the officer's function.
(2)
The uniform shall be consistent with Section 3.4 (Uniforms, Equipment
and Appearance) of the Camden Police Department's Rules and Regulations.
(3)
Additionally all special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall
properly display the appropriate "Class I" insignia on the right shoulder
of the prescribed uniform shirt.
(4)
At no time shall a special law enforcement officer (Class I) wear,
carry or possess any equipment or uniform article not specifically
authorized within the Police Department Rules and Regulations or Policy
and Procedures. special law enforcement officers (Class I) are strictly
prohibited from wearing, carrying or possessing apparel and equipment
prescribed for Camden Police Department Specialized Units.
(5)
The City may charge a reasonable fee for the supply of equipment
and uniforms.
(6)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall maintain all required
certifications for Department-issued equipment.
F.
Identification cards.
(1)
The identification card shall clearly distinguish any such special
law enforcement officers (Class I) from the regular and permanent
Camden Police Department members.
(2)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall at all times possess
their assigned Police Department credentials in conformance with Camden
Police Department Rules and Regulations.
G.
Compensation. special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall receive
an hourly compensation for work performed in the range of $12 to $14
per hour.
H.
Authority.
(1)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall be authorized to
perform routine traffic details, spectator control, and issue summonses
for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, violations
of municipal ordinances and violations of Title 39 of the Revised
Statutes.
(2)
The use of firearms by special law enforcement officers (Class I)
shall be strictly prohibited.
(3)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall not be assigned
duties, which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(4)
Special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall perform their duties
only within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Camden.
I.
Role and responsibilities.
(1)
Special law enforcement officers shall not replace or substitute
any full-time, regular Camden police officer or in any way diminish
the number of full-time, regular police officers employed by the City
of Camden.
(3)
special law enforcement officers (Class I) shall at no time be assigned
to:
(a)
Conduct searches or the guarding of prisoners.
(4)
All special law enforcement officers will be responsible for complying
with the Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations applicable to
the conduct and decorum of the permanent, regularly appointed police
officers of the City of Camden.
[Amended 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4388]
A.
Police officers' salary grades shall be established consistent
with the laws of the State of New Jersey and by agreement with the
majority representative of the employee organization, as defined by
and pursuant to the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act, N.J.S.A.
40A:14-118 and N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1.
B.
No police officer shall receive a promotion or appointment who has
not been a member of the Department of Police for at least three years.
[Amended 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4388]
A.
No person shall be given or accept a permanent appointment as a police
officer in the City unless such person has successfully completed
a police training course at a school approved and authorized by the
Police Training Commission in the Department of Law and Public Safety
of the State of New Jersey, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A.
52:17B-66 et seq.
B.
This section shall not prohibit the giving or accepting of a probationary
or temporary appointment as a police officer, for a period not to
exceed one year, to enable a person seeking a permanent appointment
to complete a police training course as prescribed by the Police Training
Commission.
C.
No City police candidate shall be permitted to take a police training
course under authority of the City unless he holds a probationary
or temporary appointment as a police officer in the City.
[Amended 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. MC-4340]
A.
The appropriate authority is authorized to structure the Police Department
into various commands and establish units of responsibility that will
enable the Police Department to fulfill its public safety mission
and that are consistent with state statutes and City ordinances.
B.
Unless otherwise provided by statute or labor agreements, the appropriate
authority shall have complete and exclusive power for assignment and
reassignment of Police Department personnel, and there shall be no
right of appeal from said decisions regarding said assignments.
The Police Chief shall provide, by rules and regulations, for
the custody and safekeeping of all property alleged to be found, abandoned,
stolen or embezzled; all property taken from the person of any prisoner;
and all property alleged to have been acquired or possessed unlawfully
which shall come into the possession of any member of the Department.
All such property and money shall be promptly described and registered
and accounted for in detail in such manner as the Business Administrator
shall prescribe. Such property shall be subject to the applicable
statutes of the State of New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1 et seq. and
N.J.S.A. 2C:65-1 et seq.
[Amended 2-12-2013 by Ord. No. MC-4720]
All persons appointed as Chaplains shall serve without salary.
The Chaplains will be assisted by Ambassadors from the Camden Organization
of Resident and Community-Based Organizations. The Ambassadors shall
serve without salary.
[Amended 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4388]
A.
Disciplinary procedures will be prescribed by departmental policy
and practice as established by the Director and implemented by the
Police Chief of the Department of Police. The procedures for implementing
these disciplinary policies shall be consistent with civil service
rules and regulations and initiated at the Department level.
B.
The Business Administrator will hear all appeals pursuant to these
procedures.
[Amended 6-10-2004 by Ord. No. MC-3956]
A.
Types of secondary employment. There shall be three types of secondary
employment classifications, as follows:
(1)
Regular secondary employment. Employment of a non-police nature in
which vested police powers are not a condition of employment, and
the work provides no real or implied law enforcement service to the
employer.
(2)
Contracted secondary employment. Work of a police nature in which
vested police powers are a condition of a contractual agreement and
City property/equipment may or may not be utilized and Department
uniforms of any kind are worn, or City property/equipment is used
and Department uniforms of any kind may or may not be worn, or work
in which vested police powers are a condition of employment and off-duty
members are not hired by the secondary employer as his employee on
either a full- or part-time basis.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 110-15A(3), Noncontracted
secondary employment, which immediately followed this subsection,
was repealed 7-28-2005 by Ord. No. MC-4090.
B.
Prohibited employment services. Members are prohibited from engaging
in or offering their services as an employee under any conditions
of employment which present a threat to the status or dignity of the
law enforcement profession or create a potential conflict of interest.
Some examples of such employment are:
(1)
Establishments that sell pornographic books, magazines, sexual devices,
adult videos or that otherwise provide entertainment of a sexual nature.
(2)
Employment involving the sale, manufacture or transport of alcoholic
beverages, unless approved by the New Jersey State Alcohol and Beverage
Control Board. Such approval does not guarantee approval from the
Chief of Police.
(3)
As a process server, repossessor, bill collector, or any employment
in which police powers are used for purposes of a civil nature.
(4)
As a tow truck operator or owner/representative of a towing business
providing services within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City
of Camden.
(5)
Contracted or noncontracted secondary employment involving any labor
dispute or strike within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City
of Camden.
(6)
Any employment that assists in any manner the case preparation of
the defense of any criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, or for either
side in any civil action resulting from an incident occurring in the
City of Camden.
(7)
At no time shall any member act as an independent contractor and
advertise, hold themselves out, actively pursue and solicit a variety
of police-related opportunities on a regular basis for hire or profit
or otherwise engage in a "private detective business."
(8)
Any employment at a location known or believed to be associated with
organized crime or any other criminal activity.
(9)
Personnel investigations for the private sector or any employment
which might require the member to have access to confidential police
information, files, records or services as a condition of employment.
(10)
Wearing the Department uniform while in the performance of tasks
other than those of a police nature.
C.
Limitations of secondary employment.
(1)
Members who are on extended medical leave may only be eligible to
engage in secondary employment that is consistent with limitations
established by the attending medical professional contracted by the
City regarding their primary employment status.
(2)
Members on limited- or restricted-duty status may only engage in
secondary employment that is consistent with limitations established
by the attending medical professional contracted by the City or other
authority regarding their primary employment status.
(3)
Members who have not completed their field-training program shall
not be eligible for contracted secondary employment.
(4)
Members shall not work any secondary employment assignments during
the times of their scheduled tour of duty while on administrative
leave.
(5)
Members shall not work secondary employment assignments while on
sick leave during the same twenty-four-hour period of their regular
scheduled tour of duty. Where the member's sick leave is for an immediate
family illness, the member may work secondary employment assignments
during hours not in conflict with their regular scheduled tour of
duty.
(6)
Absent emergency conditions, members shall not work in excess of
16 hours in a twenty-four-hour period whether on primary or secondary
employment or any combination thereof. The Chief of Police must authorize
all emergency condition exemptions,
(7)
Secondary employment work hours must be scheduled in a manner that
does not conflict or interfere with the member's regular assigned
duties.
(8)
Unless otherwise approved by the Chief of Police, contracted secondary
employment shall be limited to the jurisdictional boundaries of the
City of Camden.
(9)
Members while engaged in any secondary employment are subject to
call-out in case of emergency, and may be expected to leave their
secondary employment in such situations.
D.
Contract agreements.
(1)
Any government, private, nonprofit or profit entity seeking to utilize
the services of Department members in a contracted secondary employment
capacity under the provisions set forth in this directive shall submit
application to the Chief of Police on the prescribed form.
(2)
Upon receipt, the Chief of Police shall determine if such request
should be granted; in the event approval is given, a written contract
shall be prepared on a form approved by the City Attorney's office.
Upon signing such agreement, contracted secondary employment may begin.
(3)
The Secondary Employment Program Coordinator shall forward a copy
of the contract to the Department of Finance within 48 hours of execution.
E.
Staffing.
(1)
The Chief of Police shall designate, as deemed appropriate, a member
of sufficient rank as the Secondary Employment Program Coordinator.
The program coordinator shall be responsible for all administrative
responsibilities of the program, including the assignment of job coordinators
and staff, processing of applications, drafting contracts, recordkeeping
and the preparation of time sheets.
(2)
Job coordinators are responsible for assisting the program coordinator
in selecting, supervising and scheduling necessary staff.
(3)
All staff and job coordinators shall be selected for contracted secondary
employment in a fair and equitable manner, taking into account the
relationship between the employed member's skill, rank and past record
(including a history of failing to report as scheduled for contracted
secondary employment assignments, unacceptable work performance, etc.)
and the nature of the contracted secondary employment assignment.
Sound management principles, including span of control and the nature
of the required job tasks, should be taken into consideration when
determining staffing needs.
(4)
The Chief of Police may deny or revoke any employee's contracted
secondary employment with just cause whenever it is determined that
such employment is not in the best interest of the Department, or
where any provision of this section has been violated.
F.
Escrow accounts. All secondary employers required to contract under
the provisions of this directive shall, upon acceptance by the City,
deposit a predetermined amount of payroll funds into an escrow account
established and managed by the City of Camden Department of Finance.
A separate escrow account shall be established for each secondary
employment contract. All salaries paid for services shall be drawn
from the established escrow account. Initial as well as future deposits
shall be made in accordance with a deposit schedule outlined within
the contractual agreement.
G.
Wages.
(1)
The hourly rate for contracted secondary employment shall be $45
per hour, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed upon by the secondary
employer, City of Camden, and the collective bargaining agents representing
both rank/file and supervising members. Members shall receive compensation
in their primary payroll check.
(2)
Payroll for contracted secondary employment shall be documented on
a time sheet and forwarded to fiscal management personnel assigned
to the Office of the Chief of Police. Preparation and submission of
time sheets is the responsibility of the designated secondary employment
program coordinator.
(3)
Compensation for regular off-duty employment and noncontracted secondary
employment shall be independently negotiated between the secondary
employer and the employed member. The secondary employer shall pay
all compensation directly to the employed member.
H.
Administrative fees. The City of Camden shall require secondary employers
who are subject to the contract provisions of this policy to pay an
administrative fee of $5 per hour for each police vehicle used for
the provision of services in furtherance of the contract. The purpose
of the administrative fee is to offset the administrative cost of
equipment maintenance, fuel, processing, and liability exposure. Additionally,
secondary employers must pay an administrative fee of $15 per contract
to offset all administrative costs associated with processing the
contract. Administrative fees shall be paid by the secondary employer
in addition to the member's wages.
[Amended 4-27-2006 by Ord. No. MC-4173]
I.
Penalty.
(1)
No person, with the exception of those persons assigned by the Business
Administrator, the City Attorney or the Chief of Police, shall negotiate
any "contracted secondary employment" contract or agreement concerning
employment of members of the City of Camden Police Department.
(2)
No person shall solicit for the contracted secondary employment of
members of the City of Camden Police Department.
[Amended 5-13-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4388; 6-24-2008 by Ord. No.
MC-4402]
A.
There is hereby established within the City of Camden Police Department
a unit known as the "Housing Authority Unit," which shall be constituted
as a section within the City of Camden Police Department.
B.
The officers assigned to said section shall devote their full time
to police activities within the various developments of the Housing
Authority of the City of Camden, subject only to the authority of
the Chief of Police to make emergency assignments or the need of the
police officers to respond to emergencies outside those developments.
C.
The officers assigned to the Housing Authority Unit, as well as any
other officers of the City of Camden Police Department devoted to
police activities within the various developments of the Housing Authority
of the City of Camden, shall have the authority within the Housing
Authority's developments to enforce all laws and ordinances enacted
for preserving public peace and good order, including, but not limited
to, the laws of the State of New Jersey and ordinances of the City
of Camden governing defiant trespassing, loitering for controlled
substances and prostitution purposes, and curfew.
D.
The City of Camden may enter into an agreement with the Housing Authority
of the City of Camden that permits the officers of the City of Camden
Police Department to exercise their full arrest powers, perform any
police function, exercise any police power, or render any police service
on behalf of, and on the private property within the various developments
of, the Housing Authority of the City of Camden to enforce all laws
and ordinances enacted for preserving public peace and good order.
E.
Nothing contained herein shall be intended to be in derogation of
the authority provided to the Chief of Police by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The responsibilities for the Division of Animal Control were transferred from the Police Department to the Department of Code Enforcement by Ord. No. MC-4387, adopted 5-13-2008. See now § 7-64, Bureau of Animal Control. Therefore, former § 87-17, Division of Animal Control, added 12-9-2004 by Ord. No. MC-4007, which previously followed this section, has been removed from this chapter.
[Added 6-24-2008 by Ord. No. MC-4406]
A.
Application. Any authorized governmental entity seeking to utilize
the indoor and/or outdoor shooting ranges under the provisions set
forth in this section shall submit an application to the Chief of
Police on the prescribed form.
B.
Shooting range contract. Upon receipt of the application to use the
City's shooting ranges, the Chief of Police shall determine if
such request should be granted; in the event approval is given, a
written contract shall be prepared on a form approved by the City
Attorney's office. Upon signing such agreement, the authorized
governmental entity can use the shooting range in accordance with
the terms of the contract.
C.
Fees. The City shall require authorized governmental entities which
want to use the City's shooting ranges to pay a per-person fee
of up to $25, as determined by the Chief of Police.
D.
Staffing. The Chief of Police may designate a member of sufficient
rank to be responsible for all administrative responsibilities for
governmental entities contracting for use of the shooting range.
