The New Jersey Police Chief - NJSACOP 2009 WEB.pdf · The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine JUNE...

The New Jersey The New Jersey

Police Chief Police Chief

The Official Publication of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of PoliceThe Official Publication of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police

Vol. 15, No. 6 Vol. 15, No. 6 •• June 2009 June 2009

JUNE 2009 The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine

contents New Jersey State Association

of Chiefs of Police Board of Officers

2008—2009

President Chief Michael J. Hayden Berlin Township Police Department

Immediate Past President Chief Robert J. Kugler Saddle Brook Police Department

1st Vice President Chief Robert A. Coulton

Ewing Township Police Department

2nd Vice President Chief Eric G. Mason Cranford Police Department

3rd Vice President Chief William A. Nally

Lacey Township Police Department

4th Vice President Chief Ray Hayducka South Brunswick Police Department

Vice President At-Large Chief Robert Tovo

Mountain Lakes Police Department

Treasurer Chief R. Brett Matheis Clinton Police Department

Executive Director Mitchell C. Sklar

The New Jersey Police Chief, the official magazine of The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, is published ten times during the year to serve the police leadership in New Jersey. The Association members receive The New Jersey Police Chief as a benefit of membership. The New Jersey Police Chief is published by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, New Jersey, 08053. It is the policy of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police that all articles reflect only the views of the author and that publication of articles or advertisements within The New Jersey Police Chief does not constitute endorsement by the Association or its agents of products, services, or views expressed herein. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and the publication is printed sub-ject to errors and omissions. Editorial contributions to The New Jersey Police Chief are always welcome. Contributions should be sent to the Managing Editor and are subject to review and accep-tance by the Association. Editorial contributions will be handled with reasonable care; however, the publisher assumes no responsi-bility for the safety of artwork, photographs, or manuscripts. Un-authorized reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Vol. 15, No. 6, June 2009

features 3 President’s Message Chief Michael J. Hayden 4 Executive Director’s Report Mitchell C. Sklar 5 News 7 Around the State 8 Sustained Enforcement: Continuing the Fight Against Impaired Driving Chief Terry Milam 9 NJ Law Enforcement Challenge Awards 11 Sorry, You Did Not Make Probation! Chief Robert A. Verry, Ret. 12 NJ Revolutionary War Staff Ride for Law Enforcement—Battle of Monmouth Courthouse 15 IACP New Police Chief Mentoring Project 18 Association Business


All readers and other interested parties are encouraged to submit articles, opinion pieces, letters, columns, or other material for consideration for publication in The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine. Deadline: 1st of the For more information Month for inclusion contact the Editor at In upcoming edition. [email protected].

The National Conference Center/Holiday Inn

East Windsor, NJ

From the NJ Turnpike North or South Take Exit 8, bear right after the toll to-

wards Freehold/Twin Rivers (Rt. 33 East). Immediately get into the left lane and make left turn at first traffic light

(Woodside Avenue). The left turn is less than 1/4 miles from the exit ramp, the hotel will be directly in front of you.

399 Monmouth Street

East Windsor, NJ

Executive Director

Mitchell C. Sklar, Esq., CAE

Office Manager Melissa J. Gaines

Programs & Publications Manager

Jennifer Conover

Examination Coordinator Chief William D. Fury, Ret.

Accreditation Program Manager

Lloyd E. Nippins, III

Law Enforcement Liaison Chief John J. Coyle, Ret.

Mitchell C. Sklar/Executive Director/Editor

Jennifer Conover/Layout Melissa J. Gaines/Proofreader

Copyright ©2009, by the New Jersey State Associa-tion of Chiefs of Police, Inc. Reproduction of any part of this publication with express written permission is strictly prohibited. The New Jersey Police Chief is published monthly by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., One Greentree Centre, Suite 201, Marlton, NJ, 08053; phone: (856) 988-5880, fax: (856) 810-0223. the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc. is a non-government, not-for-profit organization.

NJSACOP Executive Staff

Write for the “NJ Police Chief”

June 4th Chiefs Briefing will be held at

The New Jersey Police Chief is a publication of the New Jersey State

Association of Chiefs of Police


On May 19th we honored three courageous police officers who gave their lives in service to the citizens of New Jersey. Those three officers, Christopher Zerby, Thomas Raji and Ken-neth Santucci, lost their lives in traffic accidents. Every year more police officers in the United States are killed in traffic acci-dents than by guns or knives. Tragically, some of these deaths could have been prevented. The important safety practices that officers rely on to protect them in armed confrontation are also important while operating

police vehicles. The use of safety equipment, situational awareness and careful obser-vations can save lives when dealing with an armed suspect or when pursuing someone in a stolen car. The New Jersey Police Chiefs Foundation will be unveiling a campaign to raise awareness among our officers about the dangers they face on the highway. Next month this campaign begins with a poster that can be displayed in your squad room. The poster sends a simple but important message “Be Smart. Be Safe.” In the months to follow the Foundation will be providing other items, all intended to remind our of-ficers that they face more danger on the street from vehicles than they do weapons. The first poster will be available at our Chief’s Briefing on June 4th. I encourage you to take one back to your department and to display it prominently in your squad room. Mike Hayden

From the President’s Desk June 2009

Chief Michael J. Hayden

-3-

NJSACOP Foundation Program


Executive Director’s Report Mitchell C. Sklar

NJSACOP

Friends in All the Right Places—Take 2 In last month’s Executive Director’s Report I spoke at length about the relationships that the NJSACOP has built with colleagues in other states and other countries. We are, of course, pleased and proud to have built such friendships with colleagues beyond the borders of New Jersey. Of course, these relationships are important. But I think it also important to highlight the close working relationships the NJSACOP has established right here at home in New Jersey. For years—decades in fact—we have partnered with agencies and organizations throughout the state to help meet our mission and enhance law enforcement in New Jersey. This tradition continues in many ways. Both the NJ State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice play a key role in the annual New Police Chief Orientation program that the NJSACOP presents each year. For this year’s NJSACOP Police Executive Institute, the FBI—Newark Division, the ATF—New Jer-sey Division and the DEA—New Jersey Division, all provided instructors. Additionally, as noted in NJSACOP President Mike Hayden’s recent col-umn in the Magazine, the state Supreme Court has reached out to the Asso-ciation on multiple occasions to serve on various panels convened by Chief Justice Rabner. The Association also has representatives (by way of legisla-tive mandate or invitation) serving on committees and panels such as the NJ Counter-Terrorism Planning Group, the NJ Domestic Violence Working Group, NJ Citizen’s Corps Council, the Police Training Commission, De-partment of Personnel Advisory Committee, NJ Human Relations Commit-tee, the E911 Committee, and the Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. The NJSACOP has also established liaison committees with both the NJ County Prosecutors Association and the New Jersey Sheriffs Association. Our charitable NJ Police Chiefs Foundation has partnered with NOBLE—Northern NJ to sponsor careers in law enforcement events and will continue to work with this important organization. By mentioning the above, I do not mean to short change all of the other en-tities with whom we have in the past and continue to work with on a regular basis. Suffice it to say that our working relationships with so many agencies and organizations right here in New Jersey are at the core of our efforts to support our members, the law enforcement community, and the best inter-ests of the people of our great home state.

-4-


Violent Crimes Down; Non-Violent Crimes Increase in First Half of Year Crime statistics from the first six months of 2008 showed a statewide decrease in violent crimes and an increase in nonviolent crimes over the same period in 2007. There were 13,405 violent crimes reported from January through June of 2008 compared with 13,854 the year before, according to figures released by the state Attorney General’s Office. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and ag-gravated assault. Nonviolent crimes increased from 88,904 reported from January to June 2007 to 94,299 reported during the same period last year. Nonviolent crimes include burglary, larceny-thefts and motor ve-hicle theft. The Uniform Crime Report is prepared by the New Jersey State Police based on information provided by municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies. Megan’s Law Trumps Local Bans on Sex Offenders Towns and cities cannot make their own laws to de-cide where sex offenders can live within their borders because Megan’s Law already makes that call, the state Supreme Court has ruled. In the decision, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner wrote that municipalities cannot ban sex offenders from “living within a designated distance of any school, park, playground, public li-brary, or daycare center.” The decision was a unani-mous ruling. The decision upholds a lower court’s ruling that state law already takes care of protecting children from sexual predators by providing communities with infor-mation about offenders and where they live. If towns want to change the “stark language of Megan’s Law” which keeps them from making their own rules, they should not look to the court for “guidance,” Rabner wrote for the court. At least 118 municipalities that previously prevented offenders from living near schools and daycare cen-ters, will have to take those ordinances off the books.

State v. Chun Ruled to be Prospective Only The N.J. Appellate Division has ruled that the Supreme Court’s order in State v. Chun, requiring recalibration of Alcotests by the State Police every six months, was in-tended by the Justices to be prospective only [State v. Pollock, May 2009]. Prior to the publication of Chun last year, State Police procedure included a recalibration of all Alcotest instruments in use in the state on a yearly basis. In Chun, the Supreme Court directed that the recalibra-tion procedure occur every six months. Six-months cali-brations are now the current practice by the State Police. The Pollock decision by the Appellate Division is the first time a published decision has interpreted one of the open legal questions raised in the Chun decision. In addition, by its very nature, the decision in Pollock deals with a problem that will eventually disappear simply by the pas-sage of time as the older Alcotest cases that came on line prior to the decision in Chun are resolved in court. $1.5 Million Grant From the Verizon Foundation to Fund Innovative Education and Technology Programs at National Law Enforcement Museum The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has announced recently that it received $1.5 million grant from the Verizon Foundation to develop educational and interactive technology programs at the planned National Law Enforcement Museum. The facility, to be located in Judiciary Square in Washington, DC, will be the world’s most comprehensive museum focusing on law enforce-ment. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the fall of 2010. “This grant will fund the development of interactive learning tools and educational programs that will enhance the museum experience and meet national standards of learning in history, civics, science and math,” said Craig W. Floyd, chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which is leading the museum effort. The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Veri-zon Communications, supports the advancement of liter-acy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and preven-tion of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Founda-tion awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contri-butions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Ver-izon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000.

-5-

News Report

JUNE 2009 The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine -6-


Marlboro Names Building After First Chief The building that houses the Marlboro Police Department has been named after the agency’s first chief. The building has been dubbed the “Chief Joseph R. Walker Justice Center” at a recent ceremony. In 1962 Chief Walker became one of only three officers in the department. The radio communication sys-tem was housed in his home. He became Chief in 1968 and retired in 1995. Chief Walker helped lead the design and construction of the police building. New signs were paid for by officers in the local police unions, who had pushed for the name change, and local businesses. Chief Walker is still a township resi-dent and 57-year Marlboro Fire Company volunteer. US Attorney General Holder Announces Recovery Act Grant to Save or Create Justice Related New Jersey Jobs U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has announced that more than $29.7 million in Recovery Act Funds will go to the State of New Hampshire to maintain or increase public safety in the state, while creating or retaining jobs within the law enforcement community. These Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assis-tance Grant (JAG) Program funds are part of more than $4 billion in Justice Department Recovery Act funds available to assist state, local and tribal law enforcement and for other criminal justice activities that help to prevent crime and improve the criminal justice system in the United States while supporting the creation of jobs and much needed resources for states and local communities. As submitted in their application, the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety plans to support the state’s Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Program focusing on law enforcement, prevention, and reen-try; including multilevel task forces targeting violent gangs, guns, and narcotics; workforce readiness skills programs; job placement; education and youth development; expanding intervention and preven-tion programs; reducing recidivism; enhancing discharge planning for juvenile and offenders with men-tal health needs; and establishing a pilot program for intervention counselors to address technical parole violators. New Jersey is required to provide a portion of the $29.7 million to the local jurisdictions. The procedure for allocating JAG grants is based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share of funding. Sixty percent of the allocation is awarded directly to a state and 40 percent is set aside for units of local government. States are required to sub-grant a portion of the funds to local units of government, such as a city, county, township or town. Faith-based and other community organizations are also eligible to receive pass-through funding from the state, as are Tribal governments. Local Recov-ery Act JAG awards will be announced at a later date. The deadline for local units of government to sub-mit their Recovery Act applications to the Department of Justice was May 18, 2009. The JAG Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdic-tions and is managed by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. Projects may address crime through the provision of services di-rectly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures. For more details on the JAG Program or to track the use of Recovery Act funds, visit www.ojp.gov/recovery. For more details on how to apply for the state man-aged, pass-through funding, visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm.

Around the State


Sadly, impaired driving continues to be one of our nation’s greatest and most persistent threats to public safety. In 2007, there were 410,059 traffic related fatalities. While the number of fatalities has been reduced from the level in 2006, alcohol is still a factor in approximately 37% of those fa-talities. Regrettably, that percentage remains con-stant from 2006. The epidemic continues, and our call to combat impaired driving must continue unabated, as well. The Division of State Associations of Chiefs of Police (SACOP) of the International Chiefs of Police (IACP) has fully supported and advocated strong leadership among law enforcement execu-tives to ensure that committed traffic enforcement is successful. Sustained enforcement of impaired driving laws demonstrates an agency’s commit-ment to the safety of the citizens they serve. It is critical that law enforcement leaders implement and prioritize activities aimed at reducing inci-dents of impaired driving and related crashes that can result in fatalities and disabling injuries. A clear and consistent message of support and en-couragement for strengthened enforcement initia-tives is required. SACOP is engaged in partnership with the Na-tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to bring you the information you need to implement effective, consistent, sustained en-forcement in combating impaired driving. The Division publishes the Sustained Impaired Driv-ing Enforcement newsletter which can assist you in this task, with many resources and initiatives for your consideration. This newsletter can be found on the IACP Web Site at http://www.theiacp.org. And, through NHTSA, we have also been able to provide your state association with funds to promote the implementation of con-sistent enforcement. Please check with your asso-ciation’s executive director for more information on that assistance and planned activities.

As we approach one of the deadliest holiday peri-ods for motor vehicle drivers and passengers, the leadership of our police chiefs and sheriffs be-comes even more pressing. The Fourth of July holi-day and the summer months are particularly dan-gerous times on the roads because of increased in-cidents of impaired driving. The 4th of July—Independence Day Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign is designed to help you implement high visibility enforcement. The campaign runs from June 21—July 5, 2009. We also encourage all law enforcement agencies to participate in the Impaired Driving National En-forcement Crackdown campaign from August 21—September 7. This campaign covers the Labor Day weekend, another deadly time on our nation’s high-ways and byways. There is a great deal of material available for both campaigns at http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/planners/July4th09/. Plan now for stepped-up enforcement and begin getting the word out that impaired drivers will be arrested to make your roadway safer. New Jersey has experienced some success in reduc-ing fatality numbers in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. From 2006-2007, the state experienced a 8.7% decrease in these fatalities. The decrease clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of consistent leadership and outreach efforts among the state’s law enforcement leaders. Clear and consistent leadership is key to increasing our efforts to eliminate impaired driving. As law enforcement leaders, we must deliver a strong mes-sage of support and encouragement for strength-ened enforcement initiatives. We must ensure that traffic law enforcement is viewed among both the law enforcement community and the public as “real police work.” As we deal with increased demands at the same time we are faced with staffing and funding challenges, we must continually motivate our officers through clear direction of the need to prioritize traffic law enforcement.

Continued on page 14

Sustained Enforcement: Continuing the Fight Against Impaired Driving By Chief Terry Milam, St. John Police Department, Missouri General Chair, Division of State Associations of Chiefs of Police


The fourth annual Law Enforcement Challenge Luncheon was held on May 11, 2009, at the Na-tional Conference Center, East Windsor, New Jer-sey. The keynote speaker for the event was Direc-tor Pamela Fischer, Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. During the luncheon, traffic safety awards were presented to 7 New Jersey Police Departments and 2 New Jer-sey State Police Troops. The participating agen-cies were required to provide an overview of its traffic safety initiatives and programs during the previous year as well as statistics and examples of its activities. The applications were judged in ar-eas of concentration which include efforts to en-force laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding. Addi-tionally, the applications are also judged on the agency’s efforts and effectiveness in these areas. The agency applications were also submitted to the International Chiefs of Police Association for consideration in the National Challenge Awards program.

AGENCY WINNERS AND AWARDS

New Jersey State Police

Troop Competition Category

First Place Award—Troop D (traveling Trophy also awarded) Second Place Award—Troop A

Municipal Category

Level 6 46-65 Officer Category

First Place—Cranford Twp. PD Second Place—Ocean City PD


First Place—Hamilton Twp. PD

Second Place—South Brunswick PD Third Place—Egg Harbor Twp. PD


First Place—Toms River PD


First Place—Atlantic City PD

Special Recognition Category

Speed Awareness—Egg Harbor Twp. PD

Pedestrian Safety Award—Atlantic City PD

In addition to a plaque, several departments re-ceived prizes which included radar units from MPH, Applied Concepts (Stalker) and Laser Tech-nology, Hand Held Breathalyzer from Drager Safety Diagnosis, Speed Dolly from Decatur Elec-tronics, LED Dash Lights from Whelen Engineer-ing and Interior Mini LED Lights from Kal-Dor Emergency Lighting. NJSACOP President, Executive Director and the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police awarded the plaques and prizes to the participating agen-cies. Additionally, rep-resentatives from the National Highway Traffic Safety Admini-stration and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety were on hand to congratulate the winners. NJSACOP thanks all of those agencies that partici-pated in the Challenge and looks forward to their participation next year.

New Jersey Chiefs Law Enforcement Challenge Awards By Chief John J. Coyle, Retired NHTSA Law Enforcement Liaison


COPY OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION MUST ACCOM-PANY THIS APPLICATION ALONG WITH FEE OF $25. PLEASE CHECK ONE: CHECK ___ VOUCHER ___ CREDIT CARD: MC ___ VISA ___ AMEX ___ CREDIT CARD #: ________________________________________ EXP. DATE: __________________ CC BILLING ADDRESS: ______________________ ________________________________________ SIGNATURE: ________________________________________

CAR SHIELDS CAN BE PICKED UP AT NJSACOP

MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETINGS OR ADD $4 TO

ABOVE FEE FOR MAILING COSTS.

MAILING ADDRESS: NJSACOP ONE GREENTREE CENTRE, SUITE 201

MARLTON, NJ 08053

FAX: 856.810.0223

NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE CAR SHIELD APPLICATION

(SHIELDS ARE FOR ACTIVE & RETIRED STATUS MEMBERS ONLY)

CAR SHIELDS ARE THE PROPERTY OF NJSACOP AND ARE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE FOR ABUSE OR MISUSE.

NAME: ____________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________ _________________________________________________ VEHICLE MAKE: ____________________________________ YEAR: __________ REGISTRATION#: ___________________ DEPARTMENT: ______________________________________

NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE BADGE APPLICATION

TITLE: ______________________________ NAME: ___________________________________________ DEPARTMENT: _____________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________ _________________________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________ COST: $40.00 PLEASE CHECK ONE STATUS: ___ ACTIVE ___ RETIRED ___ RETIRED LIFE OR ___ ASSOCIATE ___ CORPORATE ___ PRIVATE SECURITY

NJSACOP Office Use Only Received: ______________ Approved: Yes ___ No ___ Shield # _______________ Committee Chairperson: ________________________________

PLEASE CHECK ONE: CHECK ___ VOUCHER ___ CREDIT CARD: MC ___ VISA ___ AMEX ___ CREDIT CARD#: ________________________________________ EXP. DATE: _________________ CC BILLING ADDRESS: _____________________ ________________________________________ SIGNATURE: ________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS: NJSACOP

ONE GREENTREE CENTRE, SUITE 201 MARLTON, NJ 08053

FAX: 856.810.0223


Talking with a colleague today it was apparent there appears to be some confusion as to whether or not a probationary officer (“officer”) can be let go without a reason. In-other-words, the officer did not make probation. Categorically, there’s a difference between having a valid reason for let-ting the officer go versus sharing those reasons with the individual officer. Accordingly, it is my long standing, non-legal, opinion that a reason is needed before letting an officer go, but if the de-partment documented and discussed the concerns throughout the officer’s time, there’s no need to provide the officer with those reasons. Before you ponder whether or not the officer should be let go, review the officer’s file and ask yourself: What facts do I possess that lead me to conclude the officer did not make probation and should be let go? If the answer is “nothing,” it would be difficult to justify this officer’s depar-ture during an Order to Show Cause hearing be-fore a Judge. On-the-other-hand, if the file con-tains consistent negative employee evaluations, descriptive supervisor notes, and etcetera the labor attorney should have firm grounds to defend the actions of the Chief and municipality. The answer to this will be apparent as the Chief prepares his/her presentation to the Appropriate Authority and labor attorney as to why the municipality should take official action denying this officer an ap-pointment to “regular” status. Obviously, if no reason or documents can be pro-duced that point one to the logical conclusion that the officer’s departure was warranted; eventually someone from a higher authority may ask why the Chief would let an officer go who has an unblem-ished record. For that reason, the Chief should not only encourage the field training officer and su-pervisors to document their experiences—both positive and negative—with the officer, but also the exact discipline (i.e., training) with results the officer received throughout his/her time with the department. In most cases if properly done, the officer understands and internally accepts his fate long before the Chief makes the formal notifica-tion that s/he did not make probation. It is for these reasons; the Chief is under no obligation to

-11-

inform the officer as to the detailed collective rea-sons why this decision is being carried out. How-ever, if not properly done, when an officer does not receive the reason(s) s/he will seek the assistance of an attorney who may allege the reason(s) are anything but just. Unquestionably, as unpleasant as letting go an officer that didn’t make probation, it is more unpleasant keeping an incompetent officer on the department for, at minimum, an additional nineteen (19) years. It is my recommendation to not wait until the twelfth (12th) month if it is evident from the record that this officer is not acting in ac-cordance with the philosophy of the Chief and or-ganization. Along these lines, swift personnel movement should be taken once determined this officer’s continued employment with the organiza-tion is not in the best interest of all parties in-volved. In closing, while a Chief is under no obligation to inform an officer of the reasons why they’re being let go while on probation, if not procedurally de-signed to keep the officer informed of his/her pro-gress throughout, the reason(s) the officer is being let go will be unclear to him/her. If unclear, the officer’s attorney may allege unjustified (e.g., Title VII—Discrimination) reasons; therefore, to ensure success maintain efficient and effective supervi-sion, keep adequate records, and discipline when appropriate. ******************************************** Chief Verry is NOT an attorney and nothing contained herein including, but not limited to, material, thoughts, interpretations, and etcetera should be considered a legal opinion or advice.

IF YOU’RE SEEKING A LEGAL OPINION, PLEASE CONSULT WITH AN ATTRONEY.

Sorry, You Did Not Make Probation! By Chief Robert A. Verry, CPM, M.A. Retired, South Bound Brook Police Department


New Jersey Revolutionary War Staff Ride for Law Enforcement The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse

On May 14, 2009, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) hosted a Revolu-tionary War Staff Ride for over 40 senior law enforcement personnel, including 13 Chiefs of Police, from the following departments/agencies:

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Bergenfield Police Department

Berlin Township Police Department Essex County Sheriff’s Office

Ewing Township Police Department Hamilton Township Police Department

Hightstown Police Department Manalapan Police Department

Mendham Township Police Department Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office

Netcong Police Department North Wildwood Police Department

Pine Hill Police Department Rockaway Township Police Department Rutgers University Police Department

Ship Bottom Police Department Summit Police Department

Wildwood Police Department

The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, fought on June 28, 1778, was the last big battle of the Revolution fought in the north. It was the longest battle, with the largest artillery duel, during the entire Revolution and affirmed the fact that NJ was a key state during the fight for America’s struggle for independence. The day-long experience, lead by Fairleigh Dickinson University Senior Lecturer, William “Pat” Schu-ber, focused upon the leadership styles practiced by General George Washington against the old world leadership of British Generals, Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Charles Cornwallis. The NJSACOP brings the “Staff Ride” concept to local law enforcement in these exciting programs spe-cifically designed to meet the needs of law enforcement. Contemporary leadership and administrative lessons are explored that today’s police professionals can bring home after studying the dynamics of a Civil War or Revolutionary War Battle. We examine and compare the leadership and management chal-lenges of ‘then and now’ and explore in detail, some of the very striking parallels. Plans are already underway for next year’s one-day staff ride. A September 2009 weekend staff ride to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is filling up quickly. Register Today!


-13-

A UNIQUE, GRADUATE-LEVEL TRAINING AND EDUCATION EXPERIENCE FOR

LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS PRESENTED BY THE NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF

CHIEFS OF POLICE IN COOPERATION WITH FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY


Continued from page 8 More citizens formally encounter law enforcement through traffic stops than by any other means. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported in 2002 that almost 17 million citizens encounter law enforce-ment officers during traffic stops or investigations. This represented approximately 40% of all officer-civilian contacts. By prioritizing traffic law en-forcement, we will not only curtail impaired driv-ing, we will reduce crime overall. Fortunately, this is a strategy that finds great sup-port from our citizens. According to the Gallup Organization NHTSA 2003 survey, nearly 97 per-cent of Americans view impaired driving as a threat to the community. The majority of Ameri-cans consider impaired driving one of our Na-tion’s more important social issues and support increased use of enforcement efforts, such as satu-ration patrols and sobriety checkpoints, to protect innocent victims. But law enforcement, like politics, is local. So, how do we sell sustained impaired enforcement to our officers and communities? Thankfully, it largely sells itself if the target audience is made aware of it. Garnering the support and response of officers and the public requires leadership, which begins with awareness and commitment at the highest level of any organization. Motivating offi-cers to accept and become actively involved with impaired driving enforcement should be one of the focal points of a progressive traffic enforcement program. This motivation begins with the chief, sheriff, or other department head and must be con-veyed from the top down throughout all levels of the organization. We, as the leaders of our agencies, need to revisit our policies and goals regarding impaired driving. We must ensure that sustained enforcement of impaired driving laws is an agency propriety. Whether through low-staffing sobriety check-points, saturation patrols, or participation in crack-down efforts, we must renew our collective efforts to significantly reduce impaired driving. We must provide officers with the time, training, and tools required to perform their jobs as effec-tively as possible. We need to pursue funding sources outside the federal government to support

the training and equipment required to do the job. Civic groups and local companies can be powerful partners in your efforts. Strong support and active participation from vari-ous segments of the private sector are critical to achieving significant reductions in impaired driv-ing and related crashes. We must actively seek their support and participation. Support should be sought from traditional and nontraditional part-ners, including advocacy groups, insurance carri-ers, automotive and motorcycle dealerships, and other local businesses. All of these groups can provide valuable assistance in your efforts. Law enforcement executives who seek public for their enforcement efforts may also compile local statistics of the cost in life and property to their community. When citizens are made aware of the personal costs to them in human life and injury, along with monetary loss through medical ex-penses and property damage, they are likely to support your efforts. There are many strategies that can and should be deployed in the fight against impaired driving, most notably sustained high visibility enforce-ment. Research has shown that strong and effec-tive laws– combined with highly visible enforce-ment—reduce not only impaired driving, but other crimes, too. The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the IACP, and SACOP all stand behind your efforts and can provide you with tools and support to help. By banding together with one voice, we can continue to effect great change and continue to reduce the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities and injuries.


The New Police Chief Mentoring Project is a compo-nent of the International Association of Chiefs of Po-lice, Smaller Police Department Technical Assistance Program, serving police chiefs from smaller and tribal police departments. The focus of the Mentoring Project is to provide newer police chiefs from smaller agencies with transitional support from experienced chiefs to learn how they achieved success and resolved similar challenges. Over the past few years the Mentoring Pro-ject’s growing relationship with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) has en-abled chiefs in New Jersey to access state-specific ser-vices and mentor support. The Mentoring Project Team matches experienced mentor chiefs with newer chiefs for three—six months. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, participants have access to the nationwide network of mentors through our electronic distribution list and complimentary re-sources to help experienced and newer chiefs continue their professional development. You do not have to be an IACP member and there is no cost to participate. Benefits of Mentoring Research indicates that mentored individuals perform better on the job, advance more rapidly, and report more job and career satisfaction. A successful mentor-ing relationship can have far-reaching benefits for both the newer chief and the mentor. New Chiefs • Acquire one-on-one mentoring with experienced

mentor chiefs from similar sized agencies across the country

• Obtain resources tailored to meet individual needs • Build on existing skill set and capacity through a

no-cost professional development experience • Access to individual mentor, nationwide mentoring

network, and Mentoring Project staff Mentors • Improve existing skill set and capacity through a

professional development program at no-cost • Access to Mentoring Project staff and nationwide

mentoring network • Make a difference in law enforcement by sharing

knowledge of unique smaller and/or tribal depart-ment challenges

-15-

No-Cost Professional Development Resource: IACP New Police Chief Mentoring Project

Chiefs in new Jersey have already taken advantage of the free professional development resources available through the Mentoring Project:

Resources: Participants receive several complimentary resources to support their professional development and experience within the Mentoring Project. These resources include the newly released Police Chiefs Desk Reference, Second Edition (PCDR). The PCDR is a collection of proven practices and strategies to assist chiefs in their role as police executives. The PCDR was developed with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. The NJSACOP in partnership with the Mentoring Pro-ject has developed a state specific resource supplement for the PCDR. This supplement contains valuable infor-mation and resources available to chiefs in the state of New Jersey. To view and download a copy of the New Jersey state resource supplement, visit www.PoliceChiefsDeskReference.org.

The Mentoring Project is a resource chiefs can use throughout their tenure. Once a chief joins the Mentor-ing Project, either as a mentor or a newer chief, they remain connected to any new publications and resources

Continued on

“The IACP Mentoring Project is an excellent resource and well worth the investment focusing on the specific needs of smaller agencies. My transition was smoother

by working with an experienced mentor chief, who shared his knowledge and information that helped me in my new role. My mentor was always available and

through this experience I have gained a new friend and professional connection out of state.”

Chief Lawrence Hess, Raritan Borough PD

Complimentary Resources for Participants:

• Police Chiefs Desk Reference, Second Edition (PCDR); a $35 value

• Leaders Helping Leaders, guidebook for mentors providing tips for their role and responsibilities

• Developing Leadership Skills through Mentoring, newer chief guidebook to help them get the most out of the mentoring experience

• Quarterly Big Ideas for Smaller Police Depart-ments e-Newsletter

• Best Practices Guide • One-on-One Mentoring • Nationwide Mentoring Network, accessed through

our Electronic Distribution list


Continued from page 15 that become available. These include: lifetime subscription to the quarterly e-newsletter, Big Ideas for Smaller Po-lice Departments, new Best Practices Guides, and unlimited access to the growing nationwide network of mentors and project participant through the Mentoring Project distribution list, to which participants can submit questions and ideas, as well as responses. How to Become Involved: To participate in the Mentoring Project, either as a mentor or a newer chief, visit www.IACPMentoring.org to download and complete the application form. General guidelines for eligibility include: Newer Chiefs: • Active in first three years of appointment as a chief in a smaller or tribal police department • Serve a population of up to 50,000 Mentors: • Possess 5 years minimum experience as a police chief in a smaller or tribal police department • Serve a population up to 50,000 If you have questions about eligibility guidelines, project resources, or any other aspect of the Mentoring Project, please contact the Mentoring Project Team at 1-800-843-4227, ext 844 or email [email protected].


association business

-18-

NJSACOP Extends their sincere

condolences to the families of the following:

Chief Charles Wall, Retired

Washington Twp. Police Department

Corrie Fasulo Daughter of Chief & Mrs. Joseph Fasulo

of Old Tappan Police Department

Chief Alfred Cormann Retired Life Member

NJSACOP Welcomes the following

new members:

Chief Barry Jenkins East Greenwich Twp. PD

Chief Andre Kedrowitsch

Chester Boro PD

Chief David McClintock DE River Port Authority

Chief John Paton Chatham Twp. PD

Chief Robert Scully

Hawthorne PD

Chief Ricky Smith Westampton PD

Chief Edward Wrixon

Cresskill PD

The New Jersey Police Chief - NJSACOP 2009 WEB.pdf · The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine JUNE...

Documents

Transcript of The New Jersey Police Chief - NJSACOP 2009 WEB.pdf · The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine JUNE...