New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
reliable, independent, third-party sources. (May 2022) ) |
New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | |
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Abbreviation | NJSPCA |
Agency overview | |
Formed | 1868 |
Jurisdictional structure | |
Operations jurisdiction | New Jersey, USA |
Operational structure | |
Overseen by | Board of Trustees |
Headquarters | New Brunswick, NJ |
Agency executive |
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The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (colloquially, "NJSPCA Humane Police") is a
History
The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) was created in 1868 to prevent animal cruelty and investigate cases of animal cruelty in New Jersey. The agents of the NJSPCA were established as law enforcement officers in charge of investigating and prosecuting all persons involved in animal abuse and neglect. The NJSPCA is the second oldest SPCA in the country, behind the
Law Enforcement Operations
From 1868 until 2018 The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals focused on humane law enforcement and investigations of animal cruelty throughout New Jersey. Law Enforcement operations ceased on July 31, 2018. The agency was one of just a few law enforcement agencies in the state that have statewide authority. The agency use to hire both sworn officers that carry firearms, as well as unarmed investigators.[2]
Humane Law Enforcement Officers
Humane law enforcement officers (abbreviated as "HLEOs", and also known as humane police officers) are armed and have full law enforcement powers and authority in New Jersey. Officers gain their law enforcement authority through Title 4 of New Jersey statutes, and are permitted and authorized under law to enforce any law or ordinance enacted for the protection of animals. In addition, HLEOs carry and use
Training
Humane law enforcement officers and agents are required to complete basic police training as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) at an accredited NJ police academy. Agents and Officers receive training in Title 4 law, self-defense tactics, usage of baton and pepper spray, investigations, seizing animals, emergency vehicle operations, and report writing. Humane law enforcement officers also receive training in handcuffing techniques and firearms. Training is provided by the NJSPCA, the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and various police academies in the state.[4]
Vehicles and equipment
The NJSPCA uses various vehicles in its fleet including Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Chevrolet Express vans, a trailer converted into a mobile command center, and a former army truck.[5] Their vehicles are equipped with poles and cages for seizures and catches.
Rank structure
There are eight titles (referred to as ranks) in the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
Title | Insignia |
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Colonel / Superintendent | |
Major / Deputy Chief | |
Captain | |
Lieutenant | |
Sergeant | |
Corporal | |
Humane Law Enforcement Officer
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Humane Law Enforcement Investigator
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Humane Law Enforcement Agent
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See also
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- List of law enforcement agencies in New Jersey