Animal CrueltyHumane Law Enforcement OfficerThe Winfield Police Department has a designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) whose responsibilities are in additional to their normal day to day function as a police officer within the Township of Winfield. The purpose of the position is to enforce laws related to the humane treatment of animals.
They investigate allegations of animal abuse and ensure pets are well cared for and protected. In some cases, HLEOs may take steps to remove abused or endangered animals from homes and owners. They may also file charges against and potentially arrest those accused of cruelty to animals. For more information, please contact Detective Sergeant Jason Dyer, Winfield Police Department's designated Humane Law Enforcement Officer at 908-925-3852 ext. 103 or jdyer@winfield-nj.org, Extreme Risk Protection OrderExtreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)On September 1, 2019, the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (ERPO Act) became effective. What exactly is the ERPO Act? The new law creates a process through which family or household member, or law enforcement officer may apply for an order against a person who presents a significant danger of bodily injury to himself or other by possessing or purchasing a firearm. Issuance of such an order, known as an ERPO, prohibits that individual from possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition and from holding any firearms identification cards or permits. This directive also confirms that the law enforcement officer must seek an ERPO from the Court wherever they have probable cause to believe that a person poses an immediate and present danger of causing bodily injury to self or others by having custody, control of, owning, possessing, purchasing, or receiving a firearm. At the same time, the Extreme Risk Directive confirms that the law enforcement officers have a variety of other important tools to intervene in moments of crisis. These can include the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act, a mental health evaluation referral, a civil commitment, or criminal complaints, investigations, or charges.
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Internal AffairsInternal Affairs DivisionIt is the policy of the Winfield Police Department to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged misconduct or wrongdoing from any person. Following a thorough and impartial examination of the available factual information the case report will include a final disposition. If discipline is in order, it shall be administered according to the degree of misconduct.
In order to facilitate the filing of a complaint against a Township of Winfield Police Officer, we have made our Internal Affairs Complaint Report form available for download. This complaint form may be filled out anonymously and submitted. We treat all complaints equally regardless of whether or not they are filled out anonymously or with a name. However, please keep in mind that we investigate best when we have all available information and have the ability to contact you with further questions, if needed.
Once you complete the form you can either send it electronically to jpanzarino@winfield-nj.org or you can drop it off or mail it to the following address: Winfield Police Department
Attn: Internal Affairs 12 Gulfstream Avenue Winfield, NJ 07036
Annual Report
In order to facilitate a more transparent approach in the complaint process, we have also made our yearly Internal Affairs Summary Report form available for download.
Click Here to Download the 2021 Professional Standards Report |
Immigration Trust
New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-6 Immigration Trust Directive
The Immigration Trust Directive is designed to strengthen trust between New Jersey's law enforcement officer and the state's diverse immigrant communities, thereby ensuring that victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes. The directive is intended to draw a clearer distinction between state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers, who are responsible for enforcing state criminal law and federal immigration authorities, (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE) who enforce federal civil immigration law.
When a Winfield Police Officer makes an arrest for a violent or serious offense (including and crime of the 1st and 2nd degree or any domestic violence indictable offense), the officer will inquire on the defendants citizenship, nationality, and immigration status during the booking process. If there is reasonable belief that the defendant may not be in the United States lawfully, the arresting agency shall notify the Immigration and Customs enforcement and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
When a Winfield Police Officer makes an arrest for a violent or serious offense (including and crime of the 1st and 2nd degree or any domestic violence indictable offense), the officer will inquire on the defendants citizenship, nationality, and immigration status during the booking process. If there is reasonable belief that the defendant may not be in the United States lawfully, the arresting agency shall notify the Immigration and Customs enforcement and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
U and T Visas
Some immigrant victims of crimes may be able to get special visas called U and/or T visas. These visas protect victims of certain crimes who help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes U and T visas provide the following:
U Visas
U nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to crime victims who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime. The U visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity (https://www.uscis.gov/). Additional instruction and forms can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/I-918
T Visas
T nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to victims of trafficking. The T Visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases. Additional instruction and forms can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-914
If a victim feels they may qualify for a U Visa or T Visa, that victim or a representative on the victim’s behalf must complete the USCIS form I-918, Supplement B (U Visa) or Form I-914, Supplement B (T Visa) and submit to the Winfield Police Department. Information on eligibility and applying can be found at the www.uscis.gov
U Visas
U nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to crime victims who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime. The U visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity (https://www.uscis.gov/). Additional instruction and forms can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/I-918
T Visas
T nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to victims of trafficking. The T Visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases. Additional instruction and forms can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-914
If a victim feels they may qualify for a U Visa or T Visa, that victim or a representative on the victim’s behalf must complete the USCIS form I-918, Supplement B (U Visa) or Form I-914, Supplement B (T Visa) and submit to the Winfield Police Department. Information on eligibility and applying can be found at the www.uscis.gov
Professional Standards
Law Enforcement Drug Testing
It shall be the policy of the Winfield Police Department to conduct reasonable suspicion and random drug testing of applicable employees. This written directive is considered an annex to the Rules and Regulations of the Winfield Police Department.
Early Warning System
The purpose of this written directive is to establish a personnel early warning system. It is the policy of the Winfield Police Department to implement an early warning system for tracking and reviewing incidents of risk and provide timely intervention consistent with New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines. This written directive is in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General's Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-3.
Body Worn Cameras (BWC)
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In 2019 the Winfield Police Department has deployed body-worn cameras to its patrol officers. The public should be aware that anything said to an officer equipped with a Body Worn Camera (BWC) could be recorded. It is the policy of the Winfield Police Department to utilize BWC's to assist personnel in the performance of their duties by providing an accurate and unbiased recorded account of an incident and to maintain the necessary safeguards that will ensure the non-discriminating use as well as proper preservation of evidence that may be obtained through use of this technology. BWC's can assist in providing a clear and unbiased recorded account that protect citizens, as well as officers. The BWC will be located in the center of the Officer's chest, on the exterior of his/her uniform. The audio and video of the police-civilian encounter will be accessible for future law enforcement use in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2015-1 regarding the use of BWCs.
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