8 Can't Wait

There have been many inquiries regarding the Millburn Police Department’s (MPD) approach to several important and impactful policies. New Jersey, in general, is way ahead of the curve compared to many other parts of the nation.

The Millburn Police Department, fully accredited by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (NJLEAP) takes it to the next level with robust policies, training and supervision.  The Millburn Police Department does have all eight of the issues noted on www.8cantwait.org covered by both training and policy. Every use of force incident in Millburn is reviewed by the on duty supervisor, the office of internal affairs and the Chief of Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau.   

It is the policy of the Millburn Police Department that officers hold the highest regard for the dignity and liberty of all persons and place minimal reliance upon the use of force.  This department respects and values the sanctity of human life and the application of deadly force is a measure to be employed only in the most extreme circumstances.

Below we have detailed the Millburn Police Departments current position related to each of the eight policies noted on www.8cantwait.org and we are happy to report that the MPD has been addressing these issues for many years. 

  • Ban Chokeholds & Strangleholds, or other vascular restraint techniques.  These are prohibited by NJ Attorney General Guidelines and Millburn Police Written Directive.  The only exception is if deadly force is authorized.   
  • Require De-escalation: De-escalation isn’t always practical in every situation. Our officers are trained in de-escalation techniques and if practical, required to use them rather than resort to the use of force.  In some circumstances, officers may have to resort to force, but our policies and training direct them to use the minimum force necessary to overcome resistance when an individual is using or threatening to use force unlawfully and bring the situation under control in the safest manner possible.
  • Required Warning Before Shooting: Required by NJ Attorney General Guidelines and Millburn Police Written Directive, if feasible, and doesn’t put innocent persons or officers lives at risk.   
  • Exhaust All Other Means Before Shooting: Addressed by NJ Attorney General Guideline and Millburn Police Written Directive. In determining whether to use force, each officer shall be guided by the principle that the degree of force employed in any situation should be only that, which is reasonably necessary.   It is the policy of the State of New Jersey, and this department, that officers will use only that force that is objectively reasonable and necessary when force is required.
  • Duty to Intervene: NJ Attorney General Guidelines and Millburn Police Written Directive require every officer to intervene to any unlawful use of force. An officer that fails to intervene would likely face criminal charges and administrative discipline. 
  • Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles: Firing a weapon to disable a moving vehicle is prohibited by NJ Attorney General Guidelines and Millburn Police Written Directive. 
  • Require Use of Force Continuum: In determining whether to use force, each officer shall be guided by the principle that the degree of force employed in any situation should be only that, which is reasonably necessary.  It is the policy of the State of New Jersey, and this department, that officers will use only that force that is objectively reasonable and necessary when force is required.
  • Require Comprehensive Reporting: All force is reported on a NJ use of force report and incident reports as directed NJ Attorney General Guidelines and Millburn Police Written Directive.