(A) The Township Committee may appoint from time to time special law enforcement officers in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146 et seq., for terms not exceeding one year. Such special law enforcement officers shall possess and exercise all the powers and duties provided by these statutes during their term in office, but shall not be members of the Police Department and shall not be entitled to tenure. The Chief of Police may authorize special law enforcement officers when on duty to exercise the same powers and authority as regular members of the Police Department, including the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest. Any such appointment of special law enforcement officers shall be revoked at any time without cause and without hearing, if the original appointment was for four months or less, otherwise, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.14, with cause and after a hearing.
(B) There shall be two classifications of special officers. The New Jersey State Police Training Commission shall prescribe by rule or regulation the training standards to be established for each classification. The classifications shall be based on the duties to be performed by the special law enforcement officer, as follows:
(1) Class One. Officers of this class shall be authorized to perform routine traffic detail, spectator control and similar duties. Class One officers shall have the power to issue summonses for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, violations of Township ordinances and violations of N.J.S.A. Title 39. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be strictly prohibited. No Class One officer shall be assigned any duties which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(2) Class Two. Officers of this class shall be authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class may be authorized only after the officer has been fully certified as successfully completing training as prescribed by the New Jersey State Police Training Commission.
(C) No person may be appointed as a special law enforcement officer unless the person:
(1) Is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and has a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(2) Is sound in body and of good health;
(3) Is of good moral character;
(4) Has not been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty or which would make him unfit to perform the duties of his or her office; and
(5) Has successfully undergone the same psychological testing that is required of all full-time police officers in the Township.
(Ord. 860-98, passed 2-9-98; Am. Ord. 933-99, passed 4-26-99)