University police officers are commissioned under the State of New Jersey Title 18A:6-4.2 and, in accordance with state laws, have “all powers of police and constables in criminal cases and offenses against the laws” as well as the authority to enforce New Jersey motor vehicle laws, local ordinances, and University rules and regulations. University police are also armed. They are fully trained at state-approved police academies and receive the same training as municipal police officers.
Police officers respond to all on-campus calls, and investigate and document all incidents. Additionally, the police departments of West Long Branch, the Township of Ocean, and Long Branch have full police authority on areas of the campus, since parts of the University campus fall within their respective jurisdictions. Those departments respond to matters on campus only upon request. In addition, the Monmouth University Police Department maintains an excellent working relationship with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, the New Jersey State Police, and the FBI, all of which offer investigative assistance when requested and will provide a regional advisor for legal aid.
Law Enforcement Relationships
It is the University’s policy to work cooperatively with all state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as local police agencies and emergency management organizations. The University is mandated to notify the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office when a serious crime or death occurs on campus. The county either assumes responsibility or delegates its authority to the University Police Department to investigate criminal matters and determine what action should be taken. The University maintains a close working relationship with county investigators and legal counsel.
The University has a written Memorandum of Agreement with the Monmouth/Ocean County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT). In addition, the University has reciprocal mutual aid agreements with the surrounding local police agencies.
Local police agencies monitor and record criminal activity engaged in by students at off-campus locations and provide this information to the Monmouth University Police Department. The information is then forwarded to the Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement for possible University sanctions. When deemed necessary, the Monmouth University Police Department in conjunction with the Long Branch Police Department jointly patrol areas in which students live and frequent off campus.
All individuals, whether they are members of the University community or visitors, are subject to all federal, state, and local laws while on campus and, therefore, may be subject to criminal charges when applicable, even for first offenses.