Charges may be preferred against any member of the Department by any
officer of the Department or by any private citizen for the violation of any
provision of this chapter or of the rules and regulations.
Charges shall be prepared, filed and served and the date fixed for trial
in accordance with law. In addition to the procedure provided by law, the
accused shall be notified in writing at the time of service upon him or her
of a copy of the charge or charges, of his or her right to obtain counsel
and to have witnesses appear on his or her behalf at the trial.
Subpoenas for any witnesses for either the Department or the accused
may be issued as provided by law. Subpoenas shall be served by a uniformed
member of the Department, preferably an officer.
The trial shall be conducted by and before the Township Manager or designee.
It shall be conducted in public unless public trial is waived by the accused.
At the trial, the Township Manager shall first read the charge or charges
and shall ask for and record the plea of the accused to each charge. All witnesses
shall be sworn before testifying. A record shall be kept of the names and
addresses of all witnesses.
The decision or sentence of the Township Manager or designee after trial
shall be rendered in writing, in triplicate. One copy shall be delivered to
the accused.
Pending trial on charges, the Chief may suspend the accused member.
He or she shall not be restored to duty pending trial except by order of the
Township Manager.
