FAQ Answers
We own an indoor dog who occasionally barks at a deer, cat or other animal when he is outside. Our neighbor gets annoyed and has complained to us to "control our dog". Are we doing anything wrong?
The local ordinance relating to dogs reads:
"No person
owning, keeping or harboring an animal shall permit, suffer or allow said animal to:
(1) Habitually bark, howl or cry. The habitual barking, howling or crying of
a dog or dogs in the township is hereby declared to be a disturbing noise within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 40:48-1, Subsection 8, and a nuisance."
Ultimately, it is the Municipal Judge who will decide if the barking is "habitual".
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A neighbor's dog excessively barks throughout the night and early morning hours. What does the WTPD suggest to handle such an issue?
Habitual barking is an ordinance violation. Barking loudly enough may additionally be a violation of the noise ordinance. In either case, call the police department at 908.876.3232 and report the incident.
What times am I allowed to park on the street? (From
Survey)
Parking is allowed on all Township streets 24 hours
per day from April 15th to November 1st,
EXCEPT when snow accumulation covers the road surface OR
where emergency no-parking signs are posted when weather
conditions, accidents, fires, public celebrations, etc, require
the avoidance of conditions which interfere with the free
flow of traffic.
Between November 1st
and April 15th there is no parking between midnight and 6AM on any town street.
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Why isn't there better communication between
the Police Department and West Morris Central High with the issue
of the drug problem we have in Long Valley?
Is it true to say that what happens in the school stays in the school and what happens out side the school stays out side the school?
(From Survey)
The Police Department and the schools have a good working
relationship. However, sometimes the school's either
handle the situation themselves, or feel the situation does nor
warrant police involvement.
On the Police Department side, since the majority
of the students are children, (juveniles) information related to
juveniles is privileged and cannot be divulged.
Information sharing is a large part of what the Police
Department does, but directives and statutes govern the information
sharing process. The police Department and the School System
are always looking at the best interest of all the students
and strive to make their time and environment in and out of school
as safe as possible.
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When can I obtain Police Reports?
The records bureau is open Monday through Friday,
8 AM to 4 PM. It is always best to call ahead of time (908.876.3232)
to be sure the report you want is complete and/or
ready.
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What if I can't get to the records bureau during that
time?
You may request police records by mail. Download
the
"Request for
Access to Department Records" form in PDF format,
or come to Police Headquarters to obtain the form. The form
details the cost of requesting reports by mail.
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When can I have my fingerprints taken?
Fingerprinting is done at police headquarters between 5:30 PM
and 6:30 PM every day. Being fingerprinted has become a requirement
for numerous types of applications including firearms purchase,
volunteering, employment, licensing, etc. If you cannot be
fingerprinted during normal times, please call 908.873.3232
to make an appointment.
Officers may occasionally not be available during scheduled
times due to Emergent situations.
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How can I let someone know that an officer
did a good job?
If you feel a member of the Washington Twp. Police Department
has performed a service that deserves recognition and would like
to compliment him/her you may:
- Call the department at 908-876-3232 and speak with
the Shift Supervisor
- Send a letter Chief Bailey at 1 East Springtown Road,
Long Valley, N.J. 07853. This is the best way to
insure the officers receive the appropriate recognition for
their actions.
Please include the date, time and location of incident and the
officer's name and badge number if you know it. Your compliment
will be forwarded to the officer and his or her supervisor.
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What can I do if I have a complaint about an officer?
Complaints regarding police officers or services can be handled
either by coming to Police Headquarters in person or by calling
Police Headquarters at 908.876.3232 and speaking with the Shift
Supervisor.
Citizens who wish to file a complaint against an officer for
misconduct are encouraged to submit their complaints in person
as soon as possible after the incident .
Complaints against Police Officers will be accepted regardless
of the hour of day or day of the week.
If you cannot file the report in person, a representative of
the department may visit you at your home;
place of business or at another location in order to complete
the report.
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If I reported an incident or theft to school staff will you have
the report?
There has been some confusion over the reporting of incidents
within our schools. Some incorrectly believe that reporting an
incident to a school official automatically results in a police
report being filed and then an investigation being initiated.
If you need a report for insurance or other purposes, you
should report the incident to the Police Department as soon
as possible.
The police and schools have long enjoyed a very good working
relationship where most incidents are handled by the schools
themselves. These incidents are usually of a less serious nature
and as such are not routinely reported to the
police department. At times, a police officer assigned as a liaison
officer, will help the school determine what actions are appropriate.
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I would like to help with some of your programs such as Teens
Against Crime (TAC), DARE, Toys for Tots, or Neighborhood Watch.
How do I go about doing that?
The Washington Township Police Department has always had
a very active Community Policing Unit. The officers assigned
to this unit, Sergeant Art Adams or Patrol Officer Rob Oranchak,
can be contacted at 908.876.8309 for information on programs.
Community Links
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I filed a report with a police officer. Do I need to sign a
complaint against someone with the Court? How do I sign a criminal
complaint?
Reporting an incident to the police should not be confused
with filing a complaint against someone in Court.
In the simplest
terms, there are two levels of offenses in New Jersey enforced
by the Police Department. The first level of offense is referred
to as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are broken down into two
categories, disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly
persons offenses. Harassment falls in this category.
Generally, Police Officers cannot arrest someone for
a misdemeanor that did not occur in his/her presence. There
are exceptions to this rule, for example an offense falling
under the domestic violence act, or
shoplifting.
This fact of law means that a victim of an misdemeanor
must sign the complaints against the accused themselves and
act as their own prosecutor in municipal court.
Prior to any complaint being signed, a report must
be filed with the police department in whose jurisdiction the
offense took place. The complainant can then see the court
administrator in the jurisdiction the offense took place. The
court administrator will explain the procedure for swearing
out a criminal complaint.
The second level of
offenses are Crimes, referred to as felonies. Aggravated
assault is an example of a crime . Police Officers can arrest
someone for a crime that did not occur in their presence, but
they must have probable cause before the Municipal Judge will
authorize the complaint .
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