Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) establish the policies and guidelines that govern the daily operations of the Montclair State University Police Department. These procedures promote professionalism, accountability, transparency and consistency while ensuring officers provide fair, effective and lawful law enforcement services to the University community.
The policies and resources below reflect our commitment to public trust, best practices and continuous improvement.
Body-Worn Cameras
The Montclair State University Police Department utilizes body-worn cameras (BWCs) to promote transparency, accountability and public trust while documenting law enforcement interactions. Body-worn cameras provide an objective record of incidents, support evidence collection and investigations, enhance officer safety and serve as a valuable training resource.
All body-worn cameras are used and managed in accordance with department policy, New Jersey Attorney General directives and applicable state laws. Officers are required to use this technology responsibly and are held accountable for complying with established policies and procedures.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Body Worn Camera Policy.
A body-worn camera (BWC) is a small audio and video recording device worn on an officer's uniform. It records interactions between officers and the public to accurately document law enforcement activities.
Body-worn cameras help increase transparency, accountability and public trust while providing an accurate record of police interactions. They also support evidence collection, investigations and court proceedings.
Officers activate their body-worn cameras when responding to calls for service or during law enforcement activities, such as investigations, arrests, searches, traffic stops, use of force incidents and other situations required by department policy and New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.
No. Officers do not record casual conversations or informal interactions with members of the campus community. Cameras are activated only when required by law, department policy or the circumstances of an incident.
Body-worn cameras are visible on an officer's uniform. If an officer is taking law enforcement action, you can generally assume the camera is recording. You may also ask the officer whether their camera has been activated.
Yes. Officers generally do not record in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, locker rooms or medical treatment areas, unless permitted by law or necessary as part of a criminal investigation. Certain sensitive situations may also allow officers to exercise discretion in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.
You may request that recording stop in certain sensitive situations, such as during a medical emergency. However, officers are required to follow New Jersey Attorney General guidelines and may not be able to stop recording, particularly during arrests, use of force incidents or other situations where recording is required.
While there is generally no expectation of privacy in public spaces, the release of body-worn camera recordings is governed by state law and department policy to help protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and others involved in an incident.
Recordings are uploaded securely after each shift and retained according to New Jersey record retention requirements. Routine recordings are kept for at least 90 days, while recordings related to criminal investigations may be retained longer.
Requests for body-worn camera recordings must comply with the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and applicable New Jersey laws. Depending on the circumstances, approval by the Chief of Police, Prosecutor or a court may be required before a recording can be released.
No. Body-worn cameras record only what is within the camera's field of view and should be considered one part of a complete investigation. Factors such as camera angle, lighting and events occurring outside the frame may affect what is captured.
Early Warning System
The Montclair State University Police Department maintains an Early Warning System to support accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement. In accordance with New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2018-3, the system helps identify performance trends that may indicate an officer could benefit from additional training, guidance or other appropriate intervention.
The Early Warning System also recognizes and promotes professional conduct while providing a proactive approach to supporting officers and maintaining the highest standards of service to the University community.
Interacting with the Immigrant Community
The Montclair State University Police Department is committed to serving all members of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect, regardless of immigration status. In accordance with New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2018-6, officers focus on enforcing state criminal laws and investigating crimes while helping build trust with the communities they serve.
The department recognizes that strong relationships between law enforcement and the community encourage individuals to report crimes, seek assistance and cooperate with investigations, making our campus safer for everyone.
Law Enforcement Drug Testing
The Montclair State University Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and public trust. In accordance with New Jersey Attorney General policies and directives, the department conducts random and reasonable suspicion drug testing for sworn officers to ensure they remain fit to serve the University community.
The department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the illegal use of drugs, including unregulated marijuana. Officers who violate the state's Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy are subject to disciplinary action, including termination, as required by law.
Office of Professional Standards (Internal Affairs)
The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for promoting accountability, professionalism and public trust within the Montclair State University Police Department. In accordance with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines, the office oversees the review and investigation of complaints involving department personnel to ensure they are handled fairly, thoroughly and impartially.
The department accepts complaints from any individual, including anonymous complainants, and is committed to conducting objective investigations while protecting the rights of both community members and employees. This process helps strengthen public confidence, supports professional conduct and ensures accountability throughout the department.
Use of Force
The Montclair State University Police Department is committed to protecting the dignity, rights and safety of every individual. Officers are trained to use de-escalation techniques whenever possible and to rely on the minimum amount of force necessary to safely resolve a situation.
When force is required, officers may use only the level of force that is reasonable, necessary and proportional to the circumstances, in accordance with New Jersey law and Attorney General directives. The department also expects officers to intervene when they witness the unlawful or inappropriate use of force and holds all personnel accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and conduct.