All detectives, police officers and civilian
employees shall be responsible and accountable for all provisions
outlined in the Department's policy manuals, as it may pertain to
their specific job assignment.
A.
Authority. Under the direction of the Chief of Police
or the Lieutenant or supervisory officer, whichever the case may be,
the Detective shall be assigned to investigative 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.
B.
Responsibilities. In addition to all responsibilities
of police officer which apply to their assignment, the Detective/Plainclothes
Investigator, under the direction of the Chief of Police shall:
(1)
Investigate each assignment intelligently and thoroughly,
initiating the investigation by prompt contact with the complainant.
(2)
Keep detailed day-to-day records of his investigation,
acquainting supervisors and interested units with information developed.
(3)
Use all legal means at his disposal to detect and
solve crimes and prosecute offenders; thoroughly investigate information
received from any source.
(4)
Study and apply sound investigative techniques and
improve efficiency by attention to use of records and reports, conducting
of interviews, cultivation of informants, development of perceptive
abilities, proper collection, identification, analysis, preservation
and presentation of evidence.
(5)
Prepare all cases in a manner which ensures the best
presentation in court.
(6)
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.
(7)
Provide an immediate response to an emergent or observed
need for police service, notwithstanding his assignment.
(8)
Be governed by all rules pertinent to his regular
assignment and those governing uniformed officers, when he shall,
from time to time, be called upon to serve in a uniformed capacity.
(9)
Report for duty and all other assignment punctually
at specified times, physically fit, neatly and properly groomed and
with prescribed equipment.
A.
Authority. Under the supervision of the appropriate
officer, a police officer, during an assigned tour of duty, on foot,
bicycle or in a patrol car, shall patrol a designated area to prevent
crime, provide protection for persons and property or perform tasks
consistent with a particular or educational expertise.
B.
Responsibilities.
(1)
Patrols designated areas in a police vehicle, bicycle
or on foot to preserve law and peace, to prevent and discover the
commission of crime, and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
(2)
Exercise authority consistent with the obligations
imposed by his oath of office and in conformance with the policies
of the Department.
(3)
Be accountable to his superior officers and be responsible
for obeying all legitimate orders.
(4)
Coordinate his efforts with other members of his shift
and the Department and communicate to his superiors and coworkers
all information necessary to achieve the maximum of Department objectives.
(5)
Report for duty and all other assignments punctually
at specified times, physically fit, neat and property groomed and
with prescribed equipment.
(6)
Familiarize himself with administrative policy and
procedure and, within his area of responsibility, provide service
necessary for the:
(7)
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.
(8)
Maintain all equipment assigned to him in a functional
and presentable condition.
(9)
Familiarize himself with his post or zone; be familiar
with all public businesses and offices and their entrances, exits,
skylights, fire escapes and other means of escape. While making security
checks of doors, he shall familiarize himself with the location of
safes and night-lights. Changes in night-lights will be particularly
noticed.
(10)
Patrol continuously every part of Medford Lakes
Borough, giving attention to and frequently rechecking locations where
the crime hazard is great. As far as possible, he shall not patrol
the Borough according to any fixed route or schedule but shall alternate
frequently and backtrack in order to be at the location least expected.
(11)
Make a thorough investigation and determine,
if possible, whether a burglary or other crime has been committed
when a door or window has been found open under suspicious circumstances,
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 supervisor and, if possible,
the property owner. Under circumstances indicating that an intruder
is still inside a building, the officer discovering the same should
summon assistance and then stand guard. When the assistance arrives,
he may then enter and search the building.
(12)
When the occasion demands it, courteously but
firmly question persons on the public streets as to their names, addresses,
reasons 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.
(13)
Familiarize himself with the Borough of Medford
Lakes, and provide a diligent patrol inspecting public and licensed
properties.
(14)
Give particular attention to places where vice
violators might congregate. He shall use every lawful means to suppress
the illegal activities of such persons, prosecute them and require
all such establishments to be conducted in accordance with municipal
ordinances and state law and shall report all violators.
(15)
As motorized, bicycle and foot police officers,
enforce all provisions of local and state traffic codes. Failure to
take appropriate action in traffic violations cases is considered
neglect of duty.
(16)
Investigate all complaints on or near his posts
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.
(17)
Pay strict attention to all radio transmission
when on patrol. When he fails to hear any radio transmissions 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 dispatcher by telephone.
(18)
Perform his duties promptly, faithfully and
diligently, exercising due care to minimize the risk of danger to
himself and his fellow law enforcement officers in public.
C.
Medical examination. As a prerequisite to appointment,
the police officer may be required to pass a thorough medical examination
(including drug screening) and psychiatric examination. Any psychological,
medical or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient
performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to
be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as
a result of performance of these duties will be cause for rejection.
A complete physical examination may be required every two years at
the expense of Medford Lakes.
D.
Patrolmen grades.
(1)
Patrolman First Class A. In order to attain this grade,
officers must have demonstrated a thorough working knowledge and ability
in all aspects of patrol and investigative responsibilities within
the Borough of Medford Lakes. They must be competent in all technical
and specialized areas of policing. In order to maintain their standing
in this grade, officers must maintain high levels of productivity
and demonstrate a continuing ability to perform their duties consistent
with Department standards, without supervision. The primary prerequisites
for promotion above this classification include recognized potential
in the areas of leadership, supervision, and organization. A patrolman
is eligible to advance to this level after one year of service as
Patrolman First Class B.
(2)
Patrolman First Class B. Officers entering this classification
must have demonstrated a well-rounded and above-average performance
in the basic areas of police service, a desire and ability to learn
technical areas, the ability to be directed and perform as expected,
a concern with timeliness and attention to detail, self-starting,
and perseverance. Additionally, candidates for this classification
must have demonstrated that they accept the goals of the Department
as their own and must have shown the utmost concern for the reputation
of the Department. An officer holding this classification is expected
to maintain an above-average level of productivity, and to expand
his/her abilities in the more advanced and technical areas. A patrolman
is eligible to reach this level after one year of service in the pay
grade of Patrolman Second.
(3)
Patrolman Second. An officer holding this classification
must perform his duties at an average, acceptable level, with only
a moderate degree of supervision and advise. A patrolman is eligible
to reach this level after one year of service in the pay grade of
Patrolman Third.
(4)
Patrolman Third. An officer reaching this pay grade
must have a minimum of one year of experience as a New Jersey Police
Training Commission certified police office, and must have completed
its field training program and be competent to work without constant
monitoring of the Field Training Officer.
(5)
Patrolman Fourth Class. This is an entry level of
patrolman grade. During the first year, these officers will participate
in a field training program.
All civilian employees shall assist Department
police officers in the accomplishment of the police function.
A.
Civilian employees subject to police authority. Civilian
employees shall be subject to the authority of the Chief of Police.
B.
Civilian employee supervisors. Civilian employee supervisors
are employees who, by special designation by the Chief of Police,
may supervise other civilian employees.
C.
Employees bound by Department directives. All departmental
rules, regulations, policies, procedures and orders shall bind all
civilian employees whenever applicable.
D.
Civilian employee responsibility. All civilian employees
shall:
(1)
Take appropriate action to perform the duties of their
positions promptly, faithfully and diligently.
(2)
Exercise authority consistent with the obligations
imposed by their position and in conformance with the policies of
the Department.
(3)
Be accountable and responsible to their supervisors
for obeying all lawful orders.
(4)
Conduct themselves in accordance with high ethical
standards, on and off duty.
(5)
Strive to improve their skills and techniques through
study and training.
(6)
Familiarize themselves with the area of authority
and responsibility for their current assignment.
(7)
Perform all related work as required.
The job duties and responsibilities for any rank listed in Article V or VI of these rules and regulations shall be performed by the next immediate subordinate rank if that rank does not exist.
