GENERAL ORDER G.1.08

Subject: Modified Duty

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SOUTH BRUNSWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

GENERAL ORDER / Modified Duty
G.1.8
DATE (s) / AUTHORS ID # / AUTHORITY
Effective: 01/27/2006 / Computer # 37 / Chief Raymond J. Hayducka
Revised: 04/01/2007 / Computer #37 / Chief Raymond J. Hayducka
Revised: / Computer #
Revised: / Computer #
Revised: / Computer #
Accreditation Standard: None
Source(s): CBA
Old Number:1.33 / Appendix: None / Pages: 2

G.1.8.1 PURPOSE:

It is the policy of the South Brunswick Police Department to accommodate all personnel who may be unfit for full duty where possible.

G.1.8.2 PURPOSE:

The purpose of this procedure is to set forth a method by which an employee may be placed on modified duty and to identify which type of duties he/she may participate in or be restricted from.

G.1.8.3 DEFINITIONS:

Modified duty: Modified duty carries with it the implication that the affected employee cannot physically fulfill the essential functions of the position of Police Officer or their regular full time position. Modified duty is that type of assignment that would preclude an officer or employee from aggravating the existing injury. This duty status forbids an employee from working in any capacity other than modified duty. Modified duty is available only to employees who have a temporary disability as determined by the Township Physician.

G.1.8.4PROCEDURE:

A. When an employee is injured on duty the same initial procedures should be followed as outlined in SOP 1.03. Modified duty may also be utilized in cases where the employee is injured in an off-duty incident but cannot perform the essential function of police officer or their regular full time position. In the case of an off-duty injury the employee is not required to obtain clearance from the Township Physician. He/She may receive clearance from their physician to work modified duty. Bills incurred as a result of an off-duty incident are the responsibility of the employee.

B. After being diagnosed and treated by the township physician, the employee may be placed on modified duty after consultation with the Chief of Police or his designee. The Chief’s designee shall be the Administrative Captain.The Township Physician must identify the type of work the employee should be restricted from and give guidance to the Chief of Police as to permissible forms of modified duty.

C. The Township Physician and/or the treating physician shall periodically reevaluate employees throughout their time on modified duty. In no case will modified duty extend beyond one year.

D. The Township Physician shall consult with workman’s compensation carrier and the Chief of Police throughout the process. However, only the Chief of Police, or his designee, maintains the authority to place an employee on modified duty status.

E. Upon return to work in the modified duty status, the employee may be placed in various positions within the Police Department. The Chief of Police or his designee will make that determination on a case by case basis, based on the needs of the Department, the abilities of the employee and the availability of work as well as the availability of proper supervision to oversee the placement.

  1. Depending on the nature of the injury or illness the officer may temporarily have their ability to carry a firearm suspended. The Chief of Police and/or his designee will make this decision. The officer will be prohibited from operating marked police department vehicles. The use of unmarked police department vehicles may only be approved by the Chief of Police or his designee on a case by case basis, based on the needs of the Department, the abilities of the employee,the nature of the injury and the availability of work as well as the availability of proper supervision. Based on the nature of the injury reasonable accommodations may be made for appropriate attire. Otherwise proper business attire (non-casual) will be worn.

G. If upon reevaluation by the Township Physician, the employee is determined to be able to perform the essential functions of Police Officer or their regular assignment, that employee’s status will be changed back to full duty.

H. If the determination is made by the Township Physician that an officer, or other employee, may perform in a modified status and that officer or employee refuses to do so, their Workman’s Compensation status will be suspended. In that event, the officer or employee may elect to use sick time and may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

I. Duty hours for employees placed on modified duty are at the discretion of the Chief of Police or his designee. The Chief of Police or his designee will make that determination on a case by case basis, based on the needs of the Department, the abilities of the employee and the availability of work as well as the availability of proper supervision to oversee the placement. The work schedule shall consist of a 9.25 hour work day with 4 days on followed by 3 days off. Duty hours are based on the following schedules:

8:00a.m. to 5:15p.m.

11:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.

1:45p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The duty hours are determined by township management.