[Adopted 11-6-1974 by Ord. No. 992 as Ch. 76 of the 1967 Code]
[Amended 5-19-1976 by Ord. No. 1031; 1-21-1980 by Ord. No. 1144; 1-25-1988 by Ord. No. 1341; 11-13-2000 by Ord. No. 1719]
A. 
Establishment; Composition. The Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield is hereby established to consist of the following officers (listed in line of authority):
(1) 
One Chief of Police.
(2) 
One Deputy Chief of Police.
(3) 
Two Captains.
(4) 
Six Lieutenants.
(5) 
Seven Sergeants.
(6) 
Seven Investigators.
(7) 
Ten patrol officers.
B. 
Term of office. Each police officer shall be appointed to a term of office consistent and in accordance with relevant state statutes, including but not limited to minimum and maximum age of police officers, appointment requirements and/or prerequisites and/or removal from office.
C. 
Compensation.
(1) 
All members of the Ridgefield Police Department shall be compensated at the salary rates established in the collective bargaining agreement between the Borough of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield PBA Local No. 330, as currently in force and as may be amended from time to time.
(2) 
The remuneration paid to an officer shall also include any other monetary compensation established in said collective bargaining agreement (for example: longevity bonus, vacation pay, clothing allowance, etc.).
(3) 
Any and all officers who are not subject to the terms of said collective bargaining agreement shall be compensated for their services pursuant to State Statute or any other regulations and/or ordinances which establish the salaries of police officers who are deemed "outside of the collective bargaining agreement."
D. 
Funding. The Borough shall annually fund a sum which addresses the Borough's financial responsibility under said collective bargaining agreement.
E. 
Duties. All police officers shall be required to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and all statutes, regulations and/or ordinances of the Borough of Ridgefield as they may be promulgated pertaining to police powers and each officer's duties thereunder.
F. 
[1]Severability. If any sentence, section, clause or other portion of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall for any reason be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such orders/judgement shall not affect, impair or repeal the remainder of this section.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F, Current members of the Ridgefield Police Department, was repealed 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2419. Former Subsections G through I were renumbered 2-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2426 as Subsections F through H, respectively.
G. 
Repealer. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
H. 
When effective. This section shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.
[Added 8-14-2000 by Ord. No. 1704]
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 Borough of Ridgefield; direct and control traffic; provide attendance and protection during emergencies; provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement agencies; and provide training for the efficiency of its members and officers. (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-152).
[Added 8-14-2000 by Ord. No. 1704]
The Mayor and Council shall be designated as the "Appropriate Authority" as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. 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.
At the first regular meeting of the Borough Council following the enactment of this article, and at the annual meeting held in each year thereafter, the Mayor shall appoint a Police Committee from the members of the Borough Council. This Police Committee shall consist of three members of the Council, one of whom shall be designated by the Mayor to act as Chairman. The Committee so appointed shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the Borough Council. In the case of the death, resignation or removal from the Borough of any member of the Police Committee, the vacancy thereby created shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term in a like manner as the original appointment.
A. 
The Police Committee may make rules and regulations for the government, discipline, administration and disposition of the Police Department, police force and members thereof and therein provide penalties for the violation thereof; provided, however, that any rules and regulations made in accordance with this subsection shall, before becoming effective, be approved by the Borough Council of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Ridgefield.
B. 
The Borough Council shall hear all charges of a serious nature against members of the Police Department, and if the charge or complaint is sustained, determine the removal, suspension, fine or other punishment to be imposed in such case.
C. 
The Borough Council or its designee shall hear all charges which per the rules and regulations could result in the issuance of the following disciplinary action:
[Added 8-14-2000 by Ord. No. 1704]
(1) 
Suspension without pay (more than five days).
(2) 
Loss of promotion opportunity.
(3) 
Demotion.
(4) 
Dismissal.
[Amended 8-14-2000 by Ord. No. 1704]
A. 
The Chief of Police shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council from the members of the Police Department. The Chief of Police shall be directly responsible to the Mayor and Council for the Department's efficiency and day-to-day operations.
B. 
Pursuant to policies and/or the rules and regulations established by the Mayor and Council, the Chief of Police shall:
(1) 
Be in full control of the police force and the officers thereof and shall arrange and determine the hours of service, assign tours, beats and special details and have complete control of traffic regulations, subject, however, to the control of the Borough Council.
(2) 
Be held responsible for the conduct, appearance and efficiency of the Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield, and all members of said Department, whether superior officers or patrolmen, shall obey his orders and directions.
(3) 
Conduct an educational program for the members of the Police Department and shall instruct them in the proper manner of the enforcement of local ordinance is and shall train and develop the individual members of the police force in their various specific duties.
(4) 
Be held strictly responsible for the preservation of the public peace in the Borough of Ridgefield and to ensure good order shall post the members of the Department in such parts of the Borough as he may deem expedient.
(5) 
Be under the direct supervision of the Borough Council and shall obey and carry out all its instructions and directions.
(6) 
With the assistance of such officers as may be detailed by him for that purpose, keep the police blotter and such other books and records as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield.
(7) 
Audit all bills for supplies, repairs and other items required for the proper conduct of the Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield and shall certify the weekly payroll.
(8) 
Furnish to the Borough Council, during the first week of each month, a detailed statement of the operations of the Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield for the preceding month, together with a statement showing the sources from which all moneys were received by the Department from fines, fees, licenses, etc., during said month, together with a check or cash covering the same.
(9) 
Enforce in the Borough of Ridgefield the laws of the state, ordinances of the Borough and such rules and regulations relating to the Ridgefield Police Department as may be adopted from time to time by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Ridgefield.
(10) 
Be held responsible for the discipline of the Police Department and shall hear all charges of a minor nature against members thereof and, if the charge or complaint is sustained, determine the punishment to be imposed in such case. In case any member of the Department shall be dissatisfied with the finding or punishment of the Chief, he may, within 10 days after such findings or punishment, appeal to the Borough Council by filing with the Clerk a written notice of appeal. The Borough Council shall proceed to fix a time and place for hearing such appeal and shall give notice thereof to the appellant. No new testimony or facts shall be presented upon such appeal, but the appeal shall be decided upon the charges and testimony originally taken before the Chief.
(11) 
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.
(12) 
Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of the Police Department.
(13) 
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all members and officers.
(14) 
Delegate such authority as may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the Police Department to be exercised under the Chief's direction and control.
(15) 
Report at least monthly to the Mayor and Council in such form as shall be prescribed on the operation of the Police Department during the preceding month and make such other reports as may be requested by the Mayor and Council.
(N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118)
[Added 5-19-1976 by Ord. No. 1031]
A. 
There is hereby established the office of Deputy Chief of the Police Department of the Borough of Ridgefield.
B. 
The appointment to the office of the Deputy Chief will be made by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Borough Council, from the members of the Police Department. Said appointee shall continue in his employment during good behavior and shall not be removed from office or employment for political reasons or for any other causes except incapacity, misconduct, incompetence or disobedience of the just rules and regulations relating to his employment.
C. 
The Deputy Chief of Police shall be the second highest ranking officer of the Police Department and shall perform such duties as are assigned to him by the Chief of Police commensurate with his rank.
D. 
In the absence or incapacitation of the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief shall perform and possess all of the rights, duties and obligations of the Chief of Police.
E. 
Compensation of the Deputy Chief of Police shall be prescribed in the annual salary ordinance for all officers and members of the Police Department.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 75-10.
The Captains of Police and the Lieutenants of Police, if authorized by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Ridgefield, shall be appointed by the Borough Council from members of the Police Department.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 75-7, Sergeants, was repealed 8-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2467.
Patrolmen shall be appointed by the Borough Council.
[Amended 12-13-2010 by Ord. No. 2156; 3-14-2011 by Ord. No. 2164; 4-23-2012 by Ord. No. 2202; 2-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2426]
A. 
General qualifications for sworn personnel. The following are the general qualifications for employment within the Borough of Ridgefield Police Department for sworn personnel:
(1) 
Must be a resident of New Jersey and a citizen of the United States.
(2) 
Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
(3) 
Possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree. An associate's degree may be substituted for this education requirement only if the candidate has four years' prior law enforcement or three years' military experience. Service as a special police officer shall count as prior law enforcement experience.
(4) 
Must have the ability to perform all the tasks, duties, and essential job functions of a police officer.
(5) 
Must have no criminal history and possess a good moral character. "Criminal history" shall mean conviction of a criminal offense that is the equivalent of a fourth degree or greater offense as set forth in New Jersey statutes.
B. 
Selection of a sworn officer. All candidates must pass a written, physical, and oral evaluation as determined appropriate by the Chief of Police and/or the appropriate authority.
(1) 
The written exam will be conducted by a professional law enforcement testing agency as selected by the Chief of Police.
(2) 
The physical fitness evaluation will be conducted to measure an applicant's physical agility, strength, and endurance. The physical examination will mirror that which is required by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
(a) 
Exemptions.
[1] 
The Chief of Police, after consulting with the Borough Business Administrator, may opt to forgo the physical agility test for candidates who are New Jersey PTC certified.
(3) 
The oral evaluation will be conducted by a panel of Borough officials. The panel will include the Chief of Police, a Police Department staff member designated by the Chief of Police, the Borough's Police Committee, Mayor, and Business Administrator.
(a) 
Each candidate invited to the oral evaluation will be scored and assigned a value between one (lowest) and 10 (highest) based on each of the following categories:
[1] 
Professional appearance.
[2] 
Presentation and interpersonal skills.
[3] 
Content.
C. 
Medical exam.
(1) 
A medical examination will be conducted on all sworn candidates prior to appointment, but after being given a conditional offer of employment, to certify the general health of each candidate.
(2) 
Drug screening will be conducted on all candidates prior to appointment, but after being given a conditional offer of employment. Drug screening will be conducted in accordance with the directives issued by the New Jersey State Attorney General.
D. 
Psychological exam. A psychological fitness examination of each candidate for a sworn position will be conducted by a qualified professional prior to appointment, but after being given a conditional offer of employment.
E. 
Background investigation. A background investigation will be conducted on all candidates for all positions prior to appointment that will include at least the following aspects:
(1) 
A verification of qualifying credentials.
(2) 
A fingerprint check for the purposes of uncovering any criminal record. All candidates for police officer shall be subject to a criminal history check prior to the selection phase, paying particular attention to acts, including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, or child abuse.
(3) 
A review of all motor vehicle records.
(4) 
The verification of at least three personal references and a review and investigation of the applicant's social status.
(5) 
A review and inquiry of current and past employment.
(6) 
A review of financial history.
(7) 
A review of noncriminal records (i.e., civil actions, judgments, etc.).
(8) 
All candidates for sworn positions shall be checked against the New Jersey Central Drug Registry as well as the Domestic Violence Registry to determine the existence of any active restraining orders and to determine if there is a history of domestic violence.
F. 
Appointment. After taking into account all of the above criteria, the Mayor and Council will make conditional offers of employment and the ultimate appointment of the sworn officer.
G. 
Selection process: nonsworn positions.
(1) 
Vacancies for nonsworn positions will be filled pursuant to Borough policies, procedures, and the approval of the Mayor and Council.
(2) 
There shall be no minimum secondary educational requirement for an applicant in clerical, records, and communications; however, the candidate must possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree (GED).
[Last amended 1-28-2002 by Ord. No. 1774]
A. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A, which set forth the annual salary, wages and compensation of the employees of the Police Department, was repealed 4-25-2011 by Ord. No. 2172.
B. 
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B, which provided for additional compensation for officers designated as “detectives,” was repealed 4-25-2011 by Ord. No. 2172.
C. 
(Reserved)[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, which provided an effective date, was repealed 4-25-2011 by Ord. No. 2172.
D. 
Longevity.
(1) 
In addition to his/her base salary, each employee hired prior to December 31, 2020, shall be entitled to a longevity payment as follows:
[Amended 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2419]
Length of Service
Longevity Payment
After 4 full years
2 1/2%
After 8 full years
5%
After 12 full years
7 1/2%
After 16 full years
10%
After 20 full years
12 1/2%
After 24 full years
15%
(2) 
Longevity increments shall be calculated as a percentage of the annual salaries as set forth above, exclusive of any and all premium payments (such as Detective premium) and exclusive of all allowances. Current payroll practices shall continue. Those police officers receiving a longevity premium in excess of 15% on the effective date of this contract will continue to receive the longevity premium based on the higher percentage for the duration of their employment with the Police Department.
The present members of the Police Department shall continue to serve in said Department without reappointment and as of their present status as to pay and length of service therein and shall be credited with the term of said service prior to the adoption of this article for police pension and other Police Department requirements.
[1]
Editor's Note: The following sections, which immediately preceded this section, were superseded 5-16-1977 by Ord. No. 1061: former § 75-9.1, Longevity pay, added 4-4-1967 by Ord. No. 824, as amended; § 75-9.2 Extra duty pay, added 5-7-1970 by Ord. No. 893, as amended; § 75-9.3, Educational pay, added 5-7-1970 by Ord. No. 893, as amended; § 75-9.4, Court time pay, added 6-19-1973 by Ord. No. 953, as amended; and § 75-9.5, Holiday pay, added 5-20-1975 by Ord. No. 1003. See now § 75-10.
All references herein to the words "he," "him" or "his" shall be deemed to include references to both the male and female genders.
[Added 8-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2467]
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
The appointment, promotion and assignment of personnel shall be made on the basis of qualifications of those items listed below and without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or personal, familial, or political affiliation. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-129, promotion of any officer shall be made from membership of the Ridgefield Police Department.
(2) 
Promotion denotes the vertical movement in the organizational hierarchy from one rank classification or position to another accompanied by increases in salary. These standards are designed to improve the validity of the process and make it more acceptable to employees, while at the same time making the system less susceptible to court challenge. This process will also continue to gradually improve the requirements for promotion and will result in better educated, higher qualified supervisors for the future.
B. 
Policy. It is the policy of the Ridgefield Police Department that a promotion process will be subject to documentation, which will satisfy professional, legal, and administrative requirements designed to assure that validity (job-relatedness), utility (usefulness) and minimum adverse impact (fairness) have been achieved in selecting officers for promotion.
C. 
Procedure.
(1) 
Sergeant: In the event a vacancy for the position of Sergeant is to be filled, it shall be filled on the basis of general qualifications, examinations, and service record review to determine police knowledge, skills, and abilities.
(a) 
Notification.
[1] 
The Borough will allow a minimum of 12 weeks' notice from the date of announcement of the test to the date the written exam is given. Notification shall include the identity of the testing service, the book list and/or study sources. Study guides, if applicable, shall be made available electronically or a hard copy distributed to eligible candidates at a minimum of 12 weeks prior to the test.
[2] 
Notification shall be contained in a written announcement that shall be posted in the roll call room and/or shall be issued to each eligible candidate personally.
[3] 
Eligible officer(s) shall indicate, in writing, to the Chief of Police their intention to take part in the examination process within 30 days from the posting date.
(b) 
Eligibility.
[1] 
Continuous permanent service as a police officer or corporal in the Ridgefield Police Department for six complete years.
[a] 
Such service shall be without interruption except for an approved leave of absence.
[2] 
Officers that are on the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Brady Giglio List will not be eligible for promotion.
(c) 
Examination.
[1] 
The examination process shall consist of three parts: a) written exam, b) service record review, and c) roundtable interview. The roundtable interview will be administered only to eligible candidates once a vacancy becomes available.
[a] 
Written examination. The Borough shall utilize a valid and reliable testing company to supply, administer, and score the written exam:
[i] 
The testing company will provide study guides and/or a book list of sources for study purposes.
[ii] 
The testing company is responsible for all testing materials.
[iii] 
The applicant officer must score a minimum of 70% to pass the written exam.
[iv] 
The police department will notify individual officers of their written scores in writing.
Note: An applicant taking the examination must pass the written exam prior to proceeding to the next phase of the examination, which is the service record review.
[b] 
Service record review.
[i] 
Service record review shall be given a numerical score and scored on a form approved by the Chief of Police.
[ii] 
Each applicant shall receive a copy of his service record review and a copy placed in his/her personnel file.
[iii] 
Service record review will be done for all applicant(s) who have successfully completed the written examination.
[iv] 
Performance evaluations, review of last five years = 20 points.
[A] 
Written reports — Six points maximum.
[B] 
Oral presentation — Six points maximum.
[C] 
Attitude — Four points maximum.
[D] 
Initiative — Four points maximum.
[v] 
Education/military achieved as of the date of the written examination (only for last degree achieved) = 10 points maximum.
[A] 
Associate degree — Two and one-half points.
[B] 
Bachelor's degree or four years of military (honorable discharge) — Five points.
[C] 
Master's degree — Seven and one-half points.
[D] 
Doctorate — 10 points.
[vi] 
Leadership ability = 20 points maximum.
[A] 
Leadership — Four point(s) maximum.
[B] 
Decisionmaking — Four point(s) maximum.
[C] 
Problem solving — Four point(s) maximum.
[D] 
Planning and organizing — Four point(s) maximum.
[E] 
Assigning and delegating tasks responsibilities — Four point(s) maximum.
[vii] 
Commendations = 10 points maximum.
[A] 
One point for each commendation issued up to 10 points.
[B] 
Only commendations from those awarded in accordance with Department Policies shall be counted.
[C] 
Commendations will be considered from those awarded over the last five years prior to date of review.
[viii] 
Discipline = 10 points maximum.
[A] 
Two points to be deducted for each sustained internal affairs complaint requiring a written reprimand of discipline. Five point deduction for each major discipline.
[ix] 
Sick time = 20 points maximum.
[A] 
Four points for each year with four days or less of sick time used over the last five years prior to date of review.
(d) 
Scoring.
[1] 
The written exam shall be pass/fail (70% is passing) — 45%.
[2] 
Service record review shall be scored numerically (no minimum score) — 40%.
[3] 
Seniority - 15%.
(e) 
Ranking.
[1] 
Officers shall be ranked upon completion of the written examination, service record review, and seniority calculation.
[2] 
The seniority calculation formula will be 0.15 times the officers' number of completed years of service. For example, if an officer has 10.5 years of service, the calculation will be as follows: 0.15 times 10 years of service = 1.5 raw points. These points will be added to the final written score and service record review.
(f) 
Roundtable interview. The roundtable interview will be done by the chief and administrative officers, as well as members of the Borough's Police Committee. The Chief of Police shall make the recommendation(s) for promotion to the Mayor, Council, and Borough Business Administrator after all eligible candidates are interviewed.
(g) 
Selection.
[1] 
If one position is available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee and Borough Administrator his selection from a pool of the top three ranked officers.
[2] 
If two positions are available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee and Borough Administrator his two selections from a pool of the top six ranked officers.
[3] 
If three positions are available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the manager his three selections from a pool of the top 10 ranked officers. The first promotion, however, shall be made from the top five ranked officers; and the second and third promotions shall be made from the top 10 ranked officers.
[4] 
The Chief of Police is not bound to make a recommendation based solely on the numerical and/or seniority ranking of the officers who have successfully completed the process.
[5] 
The Mayor and Council shall have the right to select a candidate from the list of the names submitted by the Chief of Police and shall have the final determination on which officer obtains the promotion based on a final oral interview process.
[6] 
All appointments shall be probationary for one year from the date of promotion.
[7] 
After the promotion(s) are made the list will be re-ranked according to final scores.
(h) 
Appeal.
[1] 
An applicant may appeal to the Chief of Police, through the chain of command, each, or any of the following elements of the process by submitting a written appeal:
[a] 
Eligibility.
[b] 
Written exam.
[c] 
Service record review.
[d] 
Roundtable.
[2] 
The Chief of Police or his designee shall review each or all elements with the officer and provide him/her with their results.
[3] 
The appeal must be within 20 calendar days from the results of the specific element.
[4] 
If not satisfied with the Chief's decision, an officer may appeal to the Borough Manager within 20 calendar days of the Chief's decision on the specific element in dispute.
(i) 
Expiration.
[1] 
The list shall expire three years from the date that the list is promulgated.
(2) 
Lieutenant. In the event a vacancy for the position of Lieutenant is to be filled, it shall be filled on the basis of general qualifications, examinations, and service record review to determine police knowledge, skills, and abilities. Procedure for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant shall be as follows:
(a) 
Notification.
[1] 
The Borough shall provide a minimum of 12 weeks' notice from the date of announcement of the test to the date when the oral examination is given.
[2] 
Eligible officer(s) shall indicate, in writing, within 30 days to the Chief of Police their intention to take part in the examination process.
(b) 
Eligibility.
[1] 
Successful completion of any probationary period and continuous permanent service as a Sergeant in the Ridgefield Police Department for at least two years without interruption except for an approved leave of absence. In the event there are no officers within the rank of Sergeant, then the officers at the next lower rank shall be eligible for promotion, therefore skipping a rank, subject to the minimum year requirements, set forth above for eligibility for promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
[2] 
Officers that are on the are on the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Brady Giglio list will not be eligible for promotion.
(c) 
Examination.
[1] 
The examination process shall consist of three parts: a) an oral examination, b) a service record review, and c) an application of service time. A candidate taking the examination shall pass each stage, in the order set forth below, prior to proceeding to the next part of the examination.
(d) 
Oral examination.
[1] 
The Borough shall utilize the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association to supply, administer, and score the oral examination in accordance with its standards and procedures.
[a] 
The testing company is responsible for supplying all testing materials.
[b] 
Eligible officers shall be notified 12 weeks prior to the testing date.
[c] 
The applicant officer must attain a minimum score of 70% to pass the oral examination. Applicants who do not pass the oral examination will not be considered for promotion.
[d] 
The results of the oral examination shall count as 50% of the applicant's overall score.
[e] 
Each applicant shall be notified, in writing, of their score.
(e) 
Service record review. Service record review shall be given a numerical score which shall be calculated as set forth below. The maximum score possible is 100. The service review shall be scored on a form approved by the Chief of Police. Each applicant shall receive a copy of his/her service record review and a copy shall be placed in his/her personnel file. Service record review shall be done for all applicant(s) who have successfully completed the oral examination. The service record review shall count as 50% of the applicant's overall score. No minimum score shall be required.
[1] 
Performance evaluations, a review of the last five Sergeant evaluations = (maximum 20 points).
[a] 
Written reports — Six points maximum.
[b] 
Oral presentation — Six points maximum.
[c] 
Attitude — Four points maximum.
[d] 
Initiative — Four points maximum.
[2] 
Education/military experience as of the date of the written examination (based on highest degree achieved) = (10 points maximum).
[a] 
Associate degree — Two and one-half points.
[b] 
Bachelor's degree and/or four years of military (honorable discharge) — Five points.
[c] 
Master's degree — Seven and one-half points.
[d] 
Doctorate — 10 points.
[3] 
Leadership ability = (20 points maximum).
[a] 
Leadership — Four point(s) maximum.
[b] 
Decisionmaking — Four point(s) maximum.
[c] 
Problem solving — Four point(s) maximum.
[d] 
Planning and organizing — Four point(s) maximum.
[e] 
Assigning and delegating tasks responsibilities — Four point(s) maximum.
[4] 
Commendations = (10 points maximum).
[a] 
One point for each commendation received.
[b] 
Only commendations from those awarded in accordance with Ridgefield Police Department Policies will be counted.
[c] 
Commendations will be considered from those awarded over the last five calendar years prior to date of review.
[5] 
Discipline (10 points maximum).
[a] 
Two points for each year with no disciplinary record (written reprimand or above) during the five years prior to the date of review.
[6] 
Sick time — (20 points maximum).
[a] 
Four points for each year with four sick days or less during five years prior to date of review.
[7] 
Service time.
[a] 
The candidate shall receive a quarter point seniority for each fully completed year of service as a Sergeant on the Ridgefield Police Department.
(f) 
Roundtable interview. The roundtable interview will be done by the chief and administrative officers, as well as members of the Borough's Police Committee. The Chief of Police shall make the recommendation(s) for promotion to the Mayor, Council, and Borough Administrator after all eligible candidates are interviewed.
(g) 
Scoring.
[1] 
The oral examination shall consist of 50% of the final grade.
[2] 
The service record review shall consist of 50% of the final grade.
[3] 
Points awarded for service time shall be added to the final score from Subsection C(2)(g)[1] and [2] above.
(h) 
Ranking.
[1] 
Candidates shall be ranked based on their overall cumulative scores and a list formulated from the highest to lowest total scores.
[2] 
When the overall cumulative scores of two or more candidates applying for the same rank are tied, the tie may be broken in the following order:
[a] 
The candidate that is a Borough resident and a veteran.
[b] 
The candidate that is a Borough resident but a nonveteran.
[c] 
The candidate that is a not a Borough resident but is a veteran.
[d] 
The candidate that is not a veteran and not a Borough resident.
[3] 
If a tie still exists after Subsection C(2)(h)[2] above is applied, the officer candidate with the highest score on the oral examination shall have precedence and used as the tiebreaker.
[4] 
If a tie still exists after Subsection C(2)(h)[3] above is applied, the officer candidate with the highest score on the performance review shall have precedence and used as the tiebreaker.
[5] 
If a tie still exists after Subsection C(2)(h)[4] above is applied, the officer candidate with the earliest date of hire in the Police Department shall have precedence and be used as a tiebreaker.
(i) 
Selection.
[1] 
If one position is available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee and Borough Administrator his selection from a pool of the top three ranked candidates.
[2] 
If two positions are available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee and Borough Administrator his two selections from a pool of the top six ranked candidates.
[3] 
If three positions are available, the Chief of Police shall recommend to the manager his three selections from a pool of the top eight ranked candidates. The first promotion, however, shall be made from the top three ranked candidates; and the second and third promotions shall be made from the top eight ranked officers.
[4] 
The Chief of Police is not bound to make a recommendation based solely on the numerical and/or seniority ranking of the officers who have successfully completed the process.
[5] 
The Mayor and Council shall have the right to select a candidate from the list of the names submitted by the Chief of Police and shall have the final determination on which officer obtains the promotion based on a final oral interview process.
[6] 
All appointments shall be probationary for one year from the date of promotion.
(j) 
Appeal.
[1] 
An officer candidate may appeal to the Chief of Police each or any element of the process by submitting a written appeal challenging any of the following:
[a] 
Eligibility.
[b] 
Oral exam.
[c] 
Service record review.
[d] 
Selection.
[2] 
The Chief of Police or his designee shall review each or all elements with the officer and provide him/her with their results.
[3] 
The appeal must be within 20 calendar days from the results of the specific element.
[4] 
If not satisfied with the Chief's decision, an officer may appeal to the Borough manager within 20 calendar days of the Chief's decision on the specific element in dispute.
(k) 
Expiration.
[1] 
The list shall expire three years from the date that the list is promulgated.
(3) 
Captains. In the event of a vacancy for the position of Captain is to be filled, it shall be filled on the basis of general qualifications and personnel file review to determine the applicant's police knowledge, skills, and abilities. Procedure for promotion to the rank of Captain shall be as follows:
(a) 
Notification.
[1] 
The Chief of Police or his designee will announce a vacancy for the position of Captain.
[2] 
Candidate(s) shall within two weeks of the posting of the vacancy announcement submit, in writing, their interest in applying for the position of Captain to the Chief of Police or his designee.
(b) 
Eligibility.
[1] 
Continuous permanent service as a Lieutenant in the Ridgefield Police Department for at least two years and successful completion of any probationary period, without interruption except for an approved leave of absence.
[2] 
If only two candidates or less are eligible or have applied, the Chief of Police shall be permitted to select a candidate for the position of Captain from the next lower rank provided that such candidate shall have completed continuous permanent service in that rank for more than one year, including any probationary period. Such service shall be without interruption except for an approved leave of absence.
[3] 
Officers that are on the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Brady Giglio list will not be eligible for promotion.
(c) 
Personnel file review.
[1] 
The Chief of Police shall review each eligible candidate's personnel file to determine and assess their level of police knowledge, skills, and abilities.
(d) 
Selection.
[1] 
The Chief of Police shall recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee and Borough Administrator an appropriate candidate to be considered for promotion to the rank of Captain.
[2] 
The Mayor and Council shall have the final determination on which candidate obtains the promotion based on a final oral interview process. If the Mayor and Council disagree with the recommendation made by the Chief of Police, another candidate will be selected at the sole discretion of the Mayor and Council.
[3] 
All appointments shall be probationary for one year from the date of promotion.
(4) 
Deputy Chief.
(a) 
There shall be within the Ridgefield Police Department one Deputy Chief of Police to be appointed by the Mayor and Council.
(b) 
The Chief of Police may recommend to the Mayor, Police Committee, and Borough Business Administrator an individual for appointment to the position of Deputy Chief of Police. The Mayor and Council may reject the Chief's recommendation and make their own selection of an individual for appointment as Deputy Chief of Police.
(c) 
The Deputy Chief shall serve for an indefinite term of office.
(d) 
The Deputy Chief of Police shall, on an emergent basis, assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Police in the Chief's absence or in the event of a vacancy in the position of Chief of Police.
(e) 
In the event the Deputy Chief is unable to perform his duties due to vacation, ill health, leave of absence, suspension or any other reason, the Chief of Police may recommend a Captain as acting Deputy Chief, to be appointed by the Mayor and Council, who shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Chief in his/her absence.
(5) 
Chief of Police.
(a) 
The head of the Police Department shall be the Chief of Police.
(b) 
The Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council and serve for an indefinite term of office.
(c) 
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Chief of Police shall be the head of the Police Department and shall be directly responsible to the appropriate authority for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations thereof. He shall, pursuant to the policies established by the appropriate authority:
[1] 
Administer and enforce rules and regulations and special emergency directives for the disposition and discipline of the force and its officers and personnel;
[2] 
Have, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers, and duties of the force;
[3] 
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel;
[4] 
Delegate such of his authority as he may deem necessary for the efficient operation of the force, to be exercised under his direction and supervision;
[5] 
Report at least 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.
(d) 
In the temporary absence or temporary inability or disability to act by the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief of Police shall carry on the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Police until such time as the Chief is able to return and resume his duties. If there is no Deputy Chief, the Mayor and Council shall appoint someone from the rank of Captain to carry on the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Police until such time as the Chief is able to return and resume his duties.