N.J. Admin. Code § 13:97-2.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:97-2.5 - Use of force while off-duty

(a) Although N.J.S.A. 52:17B-174(d) authorizes investigators to exercise law enforcement powers, investigators are not required to exercise those powers or to carry firearms during off-duty hours.

(b) Investigators, while off-duty, should not become involved with routine law enforcement duties that are under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement agencies. When an investigator observes what he or she believes to be a violation of the law, he or she should take note of the vehicle description, license plate numbers, identifying characteristics of persons involved and other relevant information, and report such information to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction and to the Director of Investigations. Investigators should avoid stopping or detaining vehicles or persons.

(c) The utmost discretion shall be exercised by the investigator to determine when and under what conditions to use force. Whenever he or she believes that possible criminal action is taking place and that a reasonable alternative to use of force exists, the investigator must take the action which is calculated to be least dangerous or harmful to persons or property.

(d) An investigator shall be deemed to have acted within the scope of his or her employment or in the law enforcement interest of the State of New Jersey if he or she exercises police powers in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and orders promulgated in connection therewith.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:97-2.5