Intro of Ordinance 2026-10 Amending Code to add Patrol Officer

TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM
NOTICE OF
INTRODUCTION

ORDINANCE 2026-10

I, Gregory J. LaConte, Township Clerk of the Township of Chatham, do hereby certify that the following ordinance was introduced on first reading at a regular meeting held on May 26, 2026 and said ordinance will be submitted for consideration and final passage at a regular meeting to be held on June 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., which time any person who may be interested therein will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

In addition to in person attendance, the Public can access the meeting and participate in the Public Hearing with the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84306574961

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Dated: May 27, 2026

Gregory J. LaConte
Township Clerk

ORDINANCE 2026-10

ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP CODE CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE III, DEPARTMENTS ESTABLISHED, SECTION 2-11.7, POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

WHEREAS, the Township of Chatham (the “Township”) desires to amend the Township Code, Chapter 2, Administration, Article III, Departments Established, Section 2-11.7, Police Department Personnel, to increase the number of patrol officers in the Township from a maximum of fourteen (14) to a maximum of fifteen (15); and

WHEREAS, the increase of one (1) additional police officer increasing the total number of sworn officers from twenty-two (22) to twenty-three (23) brings the Township’s ratio of number of police offers per number of residents to a number more consistent with surrounding jurisdictions resulting in a strengthened staffing resilience, improved patrol coverage capacity, and continued delivery of high-quality public safety services; and

WHEREAS, the Township understands that maintaining appropriate staffing levels within the Police Department is essential to effective community policing, operational readiness, and long-term strategic planning and therefore desires to amend the Township Code to increase the maximum number of patrol officers to fifteen (15) thereby increasing the total number of sworn officers to twenty-three (23).

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Chatham, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:

            Section 1.        The aforementioned recitals are incorporated herein as though fully set forth at length.

            Section 2.        Township Code Chapter 2, Administration, Article III, Departments Established, Section 2-11.7, Police Department Personnel, is hereby amended to read as follows:

§ 2-11.7           Police Department Personnel.

The Police Department shall consist of a Chief of Police, up to two (2) Lieutenants, up to five (5) Sergeants, and up to fifteen (15) Patrol Officers. In addition, there may be clerical staff as shall be deemed necessary from time to time by the Township Committee.

            Section 3.        If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, division, clause or provisions so adjudicated and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.

Section 4.        All Ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Section 5.        This Ordinance shall take effect according to law.