RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE
T.OWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH POLICE DEPARTMENT
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Woolwich,
in the County of Gloucester and State of New Jersey, that it hereby adopts the attached
rules and regulations for the governing of the Police Department of the Township of
Woolwich and for its operation and for the conduct of the members of the department.
Said rules and regulations shall take effect immediately.

Joseph Chila, Mayor
Dated:

ATTEST:

•

Jane DiBella, Township Clerk
•

CERTIFICATION
I, Jane DiBella hereby certify the above to be a true and exact copy of a
Resolution adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Woolwich at a
meeting held on the
, 2004. ·
day of
•

Jane DiBella, Township Clerk

•

FOREWORD
These rules an9 regulations are the second phase in a three part approach to a system
under which the Woolwich Township Police Department functions. The first phase is the
ordinance establishing the Township Committee as the Appropriate Authority. The rules
and regulations are guidelines outlining the acceptable and unacceptable behavior of
personnel and are typically broad in nature. The third phase consists of the standard
operating procedures, (SOP's) which are detailed statements of procedures covering
various aspects of day-to-day police operations. The rules and regulations provide the
framework for the effective management of the police department; policies and
procedures provide the details for all manner of police operations.
The success of a police department in the performance of its duties is measured largely by
the degree of support and cooperation it receives from the people of the community,
which it serves. It is of paramount importance that we secure the confidence, respect,
approval of the public be obtained. Gaining of such desirable esteem is dependent upon
performance of duty by all the members and employees of the Police Department.
A professional responsibility no less important than that of other administrators of the law
is imposed upon members and employees of the Police Department. Professionalization
of police officers is gaining general recognition, but can win universal acclaim and
permanent status only if the actions of the members and employees of the police
department are reflected in intelligent, sincere, efficient, and courteous service. The
police profession must embody the highest attributes of every other profession. Neither
private profit, nor personal reward, but the service of the community is the hallmark of a
member or emP.loyee of the professional police department.
These rules and regulations have been developed to guide and assist members and
employees in reaching the goals of the Woolwich Township Police Department.
Adherence to the principles and guidelines found herein by all members and employees of
the Police Department will eliminate the need for disciplinary action and will ensure
acceptance of the Police Department by the community as a truly professional
organization.
•

•

•

2

....

WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
·
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.
POLICE DEPARTMENT AUTHORITY.
A. Police Department Established.
The Police Department of the Township of Woolwich is established pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40A:14-118 and the Municipal Ordinance #68-2. The Police Department shall hereinafter
be referred to as the Department''
B. Department Rules and Regulations Established.
The Township Committee of the Township of Woolwich hereby adopts and promulgates
the Woolwich Township Police Department Rules and Regulations, hereinafter referred
to as the ''Rules''.
1. Right to Amend of Revoke. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the
Township Committee of the Township of Woolwich reserves the right to amend
or to revoke any of the Rules contained herein.
2. Previous Rules, Polices & Procedures. All Rules, policies and procedures that
are contrary to the Rules contained herein, are hereby revoked. All other policies
and procedures shall remain in force.
3. Application. These Rules are applicable to all police officers of the
Department and to all civilian employees of the Department where appropriate.
4. Distribution. One copy of these Rules shall be distributed to each member and
to certain civilian employees of the Department.
5. Responsibility for Maintenance. Members and employees assigned a copy of
the manual shall be responsible for maintaining a current copy of the Rules,
including all additions, revisions, and amendments as issued.
•

6. Familiarization. Members and employees shall thoroughly familiarize
themselves with the provisions of the Rules. Ignorance of any provision of these
Rules will not be a defense to a charge of a violation of these Rules. Failure to be
familiar with the provisions of this manual may be considered a neglect of duty.

•

•

4

•

4.

RULES OF CONDUCT CONT.

b. Unlawful Orders.
No supervisor shall knowingly issue any order, which is in violation of
any law or ordinance.
c. Improper Orders.
No supervisor shall knowingly issue any order, which is in violation of
_any Department Rules, policy or procedure.

C.
Receiving Orders.
This section will define the manner in which an employee receives orders.
1.

Question Regarding Orders.
Employees in doubt as to the nature or detail of any order shall seek
clarification from their supervisors by going through the chain of command.
•

D.

2.

Obedience to Unlawful Orders.
Employees are not required to obey any order which is contrary to any law or
ordinance. Responsibility for refusal to obey rests with the employee, who
will be required to justify the refusal to obey.

3.

Obedience to Improper Orders.
Employees who are given any order which is contrary to Department Rule,
policy, or procedure must first obey the order to the best of their ability, and
then report the improper order as provided.

4.

Conflicting Orders.
Upon receipt of any order conflicting with any previous order, the employee
affected will advise the person issuing the second order of this fact.
Responsibility for countermanding the original order rests with the individual
issuing the second order. If so directed, the latter order shall be obeyed first.
Orders will be countermanded, or conflicting orders will be issued, only
when reasonably necessary for the good of the Department.

5.

Reports of Unlawful or Improper Orders.
An employee receiving an unlawful or improper order shall, at first
opportunity, report in writing to the next ranking supervisor above the
supervisor who issued the unlawful or improper order. Action regarding such
a report shall be conducted by the Chief of Police.

Police Records and Information.
1.

Release of Information.
Employees shall not release any information nor reveal any confidential
business of the Department to the public or the press except as provided in
Department policy and procedure;

13