Vineland - Special Law Enforcement Officer - Class II (SLEO)

40A:14-146.14. Special law enforcement officers, appointment, term, regulations - https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2009/title-40a/40a-14/40a-14-146-14 

Candidates must possess SLEO certification, must successfully pass the SLEO training course approved by the Police Training Commission or be a retired New Jersey Police Officer with a valid PTC certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• The Special Law Enforcement Officer is a part time member of the Vineland Police Department. SLEO's may be assigned for not more than twenty (20) hours per week. 
• SLEO II Officers are issued firearms as well as any/all equipment provided to a full-time Officer
• SLEO II Officers can be assigned to various units within the agency such as:
  • Crime Scene Unit
  • Juvenile Unit
  • Municipal Court
  • City Hall
  • Recruiting Unit
  • Operations Section
  • Community Policing
  • Police Athletic League
  • Training Unit
• Part Time Hours Vary Between Days, Evenings & Weekends depending on the assignment.

VPD's strengths lie in its forward-thinking tech adoption, specialized units, and resident-focused initiatives.

• Tech-Driven Accessibility and Efficiency
  • Online Reporting Portal: Launched recently, this self-service tool allows residents to file non-emergency reports (e.g., thefts, vandalism) directly online, reducing wait times and freeing officers for urgent calls. It's a proactive step toward modernizing services in a sprawling rural-urban mix, where response times can vary widely.
• Proactive, Specialized Investigations
  • VPD's Investigations Bureau stands out for its targeted focus on serious threats: narcotics, gang activity, illegal guns, and violent crimes. This is critical in Cumberland County, NJ where opioid overdoses and property crimes are elevated. The department's structure—divided into Uniform Patrol (24/7 response), Investigations, and Services—enables specialized units like K-9 and Detectives to tackle these head-on.
• Robust Community Engagement and Trust-Building
  • In a city with deep immigrant roots, VPD excels at cultural outreach: Annual events like National Night Out draws thousands for block parties and fireworks, Family Fun Night at Vineland High School, and Youth Fishing Derbies foster officer-resident bonds, especially with youth in our community.

Qualifications for Special Law Enforcement Officer - Class II

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required;
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be a United States Citizen and New Jersey resident;
• Have the ability to read, write and speak the English language clearly and intelligently;
  Hold a valid New Jersey driver’s license;
• Be sound in body and of good health and be able to perform the physical functions of the duties assigned;
• Have and demonstrate good moral character and have not been convicted of any crime constituting an indictable offense or any offense involving moral turpitude; verified by a background investigation;
• Has not been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty or which would make him/her unfit to perform the duties of his office;
• Successfully pass an oral interview, psychological examination, medical examination and drug screening;
• Meet all qualifications of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146 et seq.

PAY SCALE:

• SLEO II - $25.00 - $30.00 per hour if less than 25 years of law enforcement experience 
• SLEO II - $40.00 - $45.00 per hour if 25 years or more of law enforcement experience   

BENEFITS & INCENTIVES:

• SLEO personnel shall be appointed for a term not to exceed one year, re-appointments occur yearly
• SLEO personnel can work no more than 20 hours per week
• Additional administrative hours can be attained by attending agency in-service training days.

CHARACTERISTICS LIKELY TO DISQUALIFY APPLICANTS:

• Convicted of an indictable offense or is presently under an indictment.
• Convicted of any offense involving domestic violence.
• Convicted of two or more offenses of driving while intoxicated as defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 or was convicted of driving while intoxicated as defined under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 within the last five years.
• Currently on probation or has been on probation at any time within the last 12 months.
• Has been dishonorably discharged from any branch of military service or law enforcement agency.
• Adjudicated by a court or found by an employer to have violated any person's civil rights.
• Convicted of an offense involving or touching on previous public office, position or employment. See N.J.S.A. 2C:51-2(d).
• Subject to a restraining order for harassing, stalking, or threatening, or a restraining order for any domestic violence related offense.
• Sold, manufactured or distributed any illegal controlled substance in his or her life.
• Engaged in the unauthorized usage of any illegal drug while employed in a position of public trust.
• Inappropriate Social Media Posts
• Other Non - Discretionary Factors governed by the NJ Civil Service Commission

Hiring Process:

1. Initial Application
2. Orientation
3. Background Investigation
4. Oral Board Interview
5. Drug Screening
6. Psychological Exam
7. PTC Certified Police Academy if Not Already Certified