Township council added language to an ordinance that protects police officers during cross-examination in a criminal trial.
Without the addendum, defense lawyers had the ability to argue officers couldn’t follow policy and were not properly using “lawful strategic deception,” a practice that is recognized by the Supreme Court, according to communications director Bridget Palmer.
There are instances when officers need to employ strategic deception during an investigation to deceive a suspect, according to Palmer.
“The clarification is meant to protect our police officers under cross-examination,” Palmer said. “The hope is by adding this language it lets our officers do their job.”
The ordinance states members and employees shall not knowingly, recklessly or negligently convey or provide information which is dishonest, misleading or a misrepresentation, “except as necessary in the course of conducting an investigation” or as authorized by the courts.
“The problem was arising because the code of conduct said ‘don’t lie.’ This language will help,” Palmer said.
In other news:
• The council honored fire department graduates Andrew Gottsch, Jason Macri and Shawn Doran.
“Cherry Hill has a proud tradition of producing first responders who are highly skilled, well trained and who are incredibly passionate about protecting the health and safety of the citizens of this community,” said councilmember Jim Bannar. “Last week, the Cherry Hill Fire Department welcomed three new firefighters into its ranks. These three young men graduated from the fire academy following several weeks of rigorous instruction and more than 300 hours of training.”
“It takes a very special kind of person to devote your life to public safety to be willing to, without any hesitation, put the lives of others before your own well-being,” Bannar said. “Our citizens can rest easy knowing they are in the capable hands of a department staffed with highly skilled and well-trained fire and EMS professionals who are prepared to respond to any situation at a moment’s notice.”
• Council passed a resolution of consent reappointing the emergency management coordinator, Kevin Seta, a police officer, who has held the position for the last three years.
• Council passed a resolution for closure of underground storage tanks, soil, excavation, soil disposal and backfilling at the township owned property at 457 Browning Lane.
• The “Music Under the Stars” program at Croft Farm began on Tuesday, July 9 and will run through July. For more information on the program, visit www.cherryhill-nj.com.
