Frequently Asked Questions
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By: G.M.R. |
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This section was created more so for new
officers who have questions about the jail and may not know how to go
about getting the right answer. Well, this is your lucky day. |
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How long will it take until I
have weekends off? |
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Days off are determined by your Unit
Manager. More importantly, it's depends on how many officers are in
your unit. Typically they do it by seniority within your unit, but
they don't have to do it by seniority all the time. It's up to their
discretion. What that means is you may get lucky and get a partial
weekend (Thursday/Friday) right out of the academy!
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What should I do if I'm asked
to speak with Internal Affairs? |
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First and foremost, ask for a Union representative to accompany
you. It's your right as a Union paying member and it's your right to
have someone there with you when they question you. No matter what the
reason is, big or small, always ask for a Union representative. They
can never deny you that.
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When do we max out in pay? |
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At our current contract, officers max out in pay after 13 years of
service throughout the course of 12 steps. |
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What / Who is the chain
of command? |
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The chain of command is the line of authority and responsibility
along which orders are passed within a unit and between different
units.
In our jail, the chain of command would be the
following:
1. Captain 2. Lieutenant 3. Sergeant 4. Officer
For the most part, as the officer, your supervisor will more than
likely be a sergeant. |
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Who do I contact if I
get injured? |
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If in the unfortunate event that you get injured while you are at
work, the first thing to do would be to notify your supervisor. They
will then instruct you on what to do next.
If you happen to get
injured outside of work, it is your responsibility to notify
Operations that you will unable to work.
If you know you are going to be out of work for a long period of
time (you broke your ankle or dislocated your shoulder), notify
Operations and get in contact with your Unit Manager as soon as
possible. The Operations officer should have a number for you in order
to get in contact with your Unit Manager.
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How many sick and
vacation days do I get? |
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As a new officer, you will obtain only one
sick day for every month worked up to the end of the first calendar
year. After that, you will start the new calendar year with fifteen
sick days.
Vacation days are the same. You will only obtain one
vacation day for every month worked up to the end of the first
calendar year. After that, you will start the new calendar year with
fifteen vacation days.
However, there is a catch in your first
month. Make sure you read your contract to see what it is.
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How can I get in the
specialized units?
Example -- SOG, K-9, Gang Intel |
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For most, if not all, specialized units, an officer must first
have completed his/her probationary term (first year) and then wait
for a post or position bid to come out for the unit. These bids are
rare and few. There are only a few positions available within these
units and most of the time, one has to wait for an officer within the
unit to retire.
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How do I accumulate sick /
vacation time? |
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Unused sick time is accumulated from year to year without limit.
However, vacation and personal days do not roll over into the next
year. You either use it or lose it. We recommend you use it.
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What is the best shift to
work if I have young kids? |
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Well, everyone has their own opinion on this question. There are
many officers at the jail that are married and others that are single
parents. So it really comes down to what is better for you or you and
your spouse. But the overall census is either the 6-2 shift or 10-6
shift.
The 6-2 shift because while your kids are at school,
you will be at work. Plus you can pick them up after school, since you
get out at 1:45pm.
The 10-6 shift because while you're working,
your kids are sleeping. You can drop off your kids off at school,
since you get out at 5:45am.
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How do I take vacation
and when can I put in for it? |
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In order to take vacation, you have to fill out a Vacation form,
found in Operations. At the beginning of the calendar year, a list in
seniority order will go up saying when you can put in your vacation
picks for the year. Now, you don't have to put them all in at that
very moment, but if you know you want a specific day or week off, make
sure you put it in when your name comes up. |
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Can I request the night
shift if I still go to school? |
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A request is just what it says. A request. And therefore, it can
be denied. Just because you request it, doesn't mean they have to give
it to you, no matter what the reason is.
In order to request a change in shift, normally you have to wait
for a shift bid. However, one of the requirements is an officer must
be done with their probationary period first.
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How can I buy back my
military time? |
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You can buy back your military time by going through the
New Jersey Pension and Benefits Website. There are three different
types of retirement pensions. The one that you are enrolled in is the
Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS). Make sure you read
Fact Sheet #1 and #3 before you start
anything. This website has all the information you need.
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How does overtime work?
(How often, how many hours) |
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Overtime occurs whenever a shift is short-staffed. The Operations
officers are the people who call other officers for overtime. The
hours can vary depending on the shift they are hiring for, but it
GREATLY depends on the amount of sick calls there are. Traditionally,
the summer months are when more overtime is available due to higher
vacation time scheduled for those months.
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Am I allowed to change shifts among co-workers? |
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You are not allowed to change shifts with other officers on a
permanent basis. However, you can do reciprocal days. Recips
are also known as "day-for-a-day". You work a day for me and I work a
day for you. The catch is that both officers must complete their
respected recip days within the same pay period. Most of the time,
you'll end up working a double, but you'll also end up saving a
vacation day in the process. |
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Can I use lifting supplements? |
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Yes you can. But please don't use anything that can considered a
steroid or even remotely close to steroid. Be mindful of what you put
into your body. Remember, this department can and will drug test you
if they feel like it. They don't need a reason. They can just do it.
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Who is my Unit Manager? |
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Unit 1 -- Lieutenant J. Dembowski
Unit 2 -- Captain T. Nalls
Unit 3 -- Lieutenant L. Oyola
Unit 4 -- Lieutenant T.
Monteleone
Unit 5 -- Lieutenant T. Burke
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