Are South Orange Police Officers required to report incidents where they have used force?


Yes. Per agency policy and the New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines on Use of Force: In all instances when physical, mechanical or deadly force is used, each officer who has employed such force shall complete:

  • Any reports made necessary by the nature of the underlying incident
  • Use of Force Report detailing the type and degree of force used
  • Supervisors shall review all information and evidence available from digital and nondigital sources that are available to them prior to approving and submitting a Use of Force Report.”
  • The South Orange Police Department shall immediately notify the County Prosecutor when the use of physical, mechanical or deadly force results in death or serious bodily injury, or when injury of any degree results from the use of a firearm by a law enforcement officer.
  • The South Orange Police Department shall immediately notify the County Prosecutor whenever the preliminary investigation reveals the possibility of a criminal act on the part of the subject officer.
  • The South Orange Police Department shall immediately notify the County Prosecutor whenever a death occurs in custody.
  • The South Orange Police Department shall immediately notify the County Prosecutor of all excessive force allegations whether made by a citizen, a supervisor or other officer.
  • The South Orange Police Department shall make an immediate phone call to the on-call detective from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) whenever there is any indication that there is an excessive force incident that was recorded by private citizens.
  • The South Orange Police Department shall make any other immediate notifications a may be directed by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office or the County Prosecutor.
  • For all situations involving the use of physical, mechanical or deadly force,The South Orange Police Department shall report at least annually to the County Prosecutor in a manner established by the Prosecutor.

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1. What is the hiring process like to become a South Orange Police Officer?
2. What type of continuing education and or training does a South Orange Police Officer receive during their career?
3. Why is the word PROUD written on the back of all of the department’s police vehicles?
4. Do South Orange Police Officer’s currently wear body worn cameras?
5. What is the Primary function of the Internal Affairs Unit at The South Orange Police Department?
6. Does the South Orange Police Department have an early warning system which identifies problematic behavior or actions prior to them becoming a much larger issue?
7. Can an anonymous person file a complaint against a South Orange Police Officer?
8. Does the South Orange Police Department have a Use of Force policy?
9. Are South Orange Police Officers trained to verbally de-escalate a situation before resorting to using force?
10. Are there any circumstances where a South Orange Police Officer is permitted to use excessive force?
11. Can a South Orange Police Officer shoot at or from a moving vehicle?
12. Are South Orange Police Officers required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force?
13. Are South Orange Police Officers required to report incidents where they have used force?
14. What is the difference between a Use of Force Report and a complaint of excessive force?
15. What use of force options are available to a South Orange Police Officer?
16. Under what circumstances may a South Orange Police Officer use physical or mechanical force?
17. Under what circumstances may a South Orange Police Officer use deadly force?
18. Are South Orange Police Officers permitted to use chokeholds?
19. If a South Orange Police Officer uses force during an encounter, are they trained to administer the necessary medical aid to the subject should it be required?
20. Do the South Orange Police Department’s policies and procedures regarding Use of Force align with the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign?
21. Does the South Orange Police Department have any options in place to redirect juvenile offenders out of the criminal justice system?
22. What is the level of police involvement with youth and in schools (specifically, DARE, LEAD, SROs, and athletics)?
23. Does the South Orange Police Department currently have a civilian review board?
24. What types of calls for service does a South Orange Police Officer respond to? What other resources does South Orange have to reduce the number of calls to the police?
25. Does the racial makeup of the South Orange Police Department reflect the community it serves?
26. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?
27. How do I apply for a firearms ID card and/or a handgun permit?
28. Where I can I learn more about the South Orange Village Digital Video System?