General Info
+ How can I compliment or report an issue with a Officer?
The Mahwah Police Department has a long-standing tradition of prompt and professional service. We look forward to hearing from those we serve about the performance of law enforcement services by our employees. If you feel the circumstances warrant, please click here. Thank you for taking time to make positive comments about the service you received or observed.
If you have had an issue with an officer, and you would like to report it, please click here and we will contact you. Complaints are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can also be done in person, by mail, or even fax, at 201.831.2069. Complaints can be anonymous, but that could slow the investigation without being able to ask additional information if needed.
Thank You for taking the time to report one of our officers.
+ How can I get directions to Police Headquarters?
The Police Department is located at 221 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah NJ, 07430 Franklin Turnpike is located off of Route 17 North or South.
+ How do I become a Police Officer in Mahwah?
The Mahwah Police Department has a competitive selection process administered by and within the Police Department. We are not a Civil Service town, and we do not administer a "Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Chief's Test." Tests are offered on an as needed basis and the list is good for a definitive time period. Our testing procedure consists of the following phases: Pre-App, Written Exam, Physical Agility, Formal Application, Oral Interview, Background Investigation, Second Interview, Psychological Exam, Medical Exam and a Conditional Letter of Employment. There is a fee to take an exam.
+ What is the Job Description for a Mahwah Police Officer?
Position Title: Police Officer/Patrol
Department: Police
Reports To: Police Sergeant/Patrol Tour Commander
Purpose of Position
Under the direct supervision of the Police Tour Commander, a police officer patrols a designated area, insuring compliance with all applicable state laws and city ordinances; answers calls when a crime is suspected or an emergency exists; take such actions as are necessary to prevent crime, to apprehend a criminal, to maintain safety, to assist citizens in a wide range of emergency and non-emergency situations; and performs other related duties, tasks, and assignments as required and directed by a Superior Officer. The duties and assignments of a Patrol Officer are quite varied in nature and include a variety of assignments. This position includes the protection of persons, property, and preserving the public peace and order through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. In addition, the Police Officer prevents and detects criminal activity while in the performance of their duties. This position must be ready to respond in the capacity of a Law Enforcement Officer and make decisions in critical incidents.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Patrols assigned area in police vehicle to enforce laws and ordinances; responds to citizen complaints; interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects; apprehends and arrests persons in violation of laws and ordinances; acts as peace officer in disturbances; directs traffic flow and enforces traffic laws; observes and apprehends violators of traffic laws and issues written citations and warnings; and serves warrants
Investigates complaints; conducts criminal and crash investigations; makes inquiries; records information.
Conducts or assists with investigations and responds to criminal and civil complaints (e.g., interviews witnesses, suspects, complainants, victims, etc.); watches for and makes investigations of wanted or missing persons and property. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data received at the crime scene, and collects and preserves evidence of a crime scene (e.g., photographs, fingerprints, reconstructs crime, etc.).
Secures crime scenes and evidence; watches for stolen property or wanted and/or missing persons; transports suspects and witnesses to the Police Department, jail, court, etc.; appears in court and testifies; completes and maintains records and prepares timely reports.
Performs security functions at special events; makes emergency runs in patrol car; assists other law enforcement agencies; maintains order in crowds, attends parades, funerals, and other public gatherings; provides assistance concerning laws, ordinances, and general information to the public; escorts, protects, and assists visitors; performs other special service functions as needed or assigned.
Attends follow-up training classes to learn newer revised policies, procedures, and regulations; reviews changes in laws and/or regulations; utilizes law enforcement equipment to perform job duties.
Drives patrol car, pursue suspects on foot (e.g., run short and long distances, requires physical exertion) and observes and prevents violations of law; investigates automobile crashes; physically restrains/subdue suspects as required; makes arrests as required by law; and processes prisoners (e.g., fingerprinting, photographing, etc.)
Make security checks on businesses and residential units.
Assist mentally ill or suicidal subjects in seeking treatment, etc.
Operates law enforcement equipment and instruments (e.g., patrol car computer, radio, firearms, speed measuring devices, breathalyzer, related police tools, etc.); properly utilizes and maintains equipment (e.g., firearms, gear, police car, computer, etc.).
Interviews and counsels parties in domestic disputes; interviews persons with complaints and inquiries.
Testifies in court through speech and demonstration.
Receives, assists, and transmits emergency calls by radio or telephone.
Administers first aid and/or CPR at the scenes of medical emergencies; and assists the Fire Department in emergency situations and gives medical attention when certified to do so.
Performs civic functions by providing public education on crime prevention through various programs.
Checks for stray animals, care for or dispose of injured animals.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
Performs other related essential duties as assigned by a supervisor.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Duties and Responsibilities
In accordance with Mahwah Township Ordinance 2-16.
Special Requirements
New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer Certification and a valid New Jersey driver’s license are required.
Maintains New Jersey Firearms Training and Proficiency Requirements by the State of New Jersey.
Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Physical Requirements
- Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines including typewriter, calculator, copier, computer, telephone system, etc.
- Ability to utilize departmental equipment and tools including police vehicles, firearms, radios, rescue equipment, surveillance equipment, radar, evidence collection equipment, etc.
- Ability to exert physical effort in moderate to rigorous/heavy work involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; ability to climb and balance; ability to engage in prolonged visual concentration as well as to stand/walk for extended periods of time; ability to perform work requiring overall physical fitness.
- Ability to utilize various levels of “Use of Force” which are reasonable and prudent for the particular situation.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Not applicable.
Mathematical Ability
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, use statistical information, and measure data.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
- Ability to comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents including case reports, narratives, arrest reports, accident reports, incident reports, radar reports, warrant reports, criminal charge affidavits, various logs, auxiliary reports, and many other reports and records; ability to prepare job related documents using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
- Ability to comprehend a variety of reference books and manuals including Policy and Procedure Manual, federal/state/local laws and ordinances, Township geography (maps), etc.
- Ability to accurately gather, record and deliver information, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality of restricted information.
- Ability to use and interpret criminal law terminology and language.
- Ability to perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, tastes, textures, odors, and shapes.
- Ability to use independent judgment, common sense, and principles of influence in the performance of tasks; ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action; must possess excellent planning and problem solving abilities in completion of daily duties.
- Ability to work under extremely stressful conditions, to respond immediately to crisis situations, and to balance priorities within and between personnel, offices, and departments; ability to take charge in crisis situations and direct the activities of personnel and citizens.
- Ability to maintain personal composure and tactfully handle difficult situations and interpret questions correctly.
Ability to persuade, convince, influence and train others, including the ability to act in a lead worker capacity when required; ability to advise and interpret on the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards.
Ability to communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, subordinates, medical personnel, Court personnel, attorneys, judges, victims, suspects, other Township personnel, and the general public verbally and in writing.
Ability to subordinate personal preferences to orders of management.
Ability to get along well with others.
Environmental Adaptability
- Ability to work effectively in an office, accident, crime scene, and outdoor environment being exposed to the hazards and perils inherit in law enforcement work including but not limited to heat, cold, toxic agents/chemicals, disease, violence, smoke, extreme weather conditions, and explosives.
+ How do I get fingerprinted?
Fingerprints may be obtained by coming to Mahwah Police Headquarters at 221 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah NJ, 07430. Franklin Turnpike is located off of Route 17 North or South. seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Please contact the Police Department, after normal business hours at 201.529.1000, to see if an officer is available to fingerprint you. If not we will make arrangements for you to come in when it is convenient to you.
There is no fee for fingerprints and you must provide the fingerprint card.
The organization or agency requiring the fingerprints should provide you with the card.
This service is limited to Mahwah residents or Businesses located within the Township.
+ How can I find the Courthouse?
The Township's Court is located at the Town Hall, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah NJ, 07430. Corporate Drive is located off of Route 17 southbound or off of MacArthur Boulevard. To Contact the Court, please call 201.529.2862, at the prompt hit "0"
+ How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
Copies of reports are available through the internet or the Police Department. Please E-mail your request to records@mahwahpd.org or call the Records Bureau at 201.529.1000, extension 235. Certain requests require an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Form completed prior to the report being released.
ALL Accident Report are requested and delivered on-line by clicking here.
To Register for a Commercial Account and have accident reports delivered, click here.
To obtain an investigative report click here.
+ How do I find out how much a traffic ticket will cost?
Call the Municipal Court at 201.529.2862 during business hours on weekdays.