Meritorious Service Award Combat Wounded Chiefs Award
General Information
The Dover Police Department consists of 37 sworn personnel these officers are broken down into two sections. Patrol & Investigative or Detective Bureau. The officers of the police department are trained initially at the Morris County Police and Fire Training Academy. Officers must attend a certified police academy that is recognized by the State of New Jersey Police Training Commission. Officers who attend this training must endure and successfully complete an 18 week compressive course for police officers.
The officers of the Dover Police Department are highly trained in numerous areas. Officers are trained in areas that will enhance the performance of the police department, and allow them to better serve the public. Realizing that the Dover Police Department serves many different groups the police department has attempted to address the public concern through additional training of its officers. A few years ago the Department was the subject of criticism for perceived actions unfair to members of the Hispanic community. As a result of this many officers were sent for training in the Spanish language, while this training was extremely worth wild it is impossible for an officer to master the Spanish language during an "In Service" type of class. The Dover Police Department within its ranks has Hispanic officers at all points in the chain of command.
The Dover police department in 1989 began an awards program to recognize its members and the actions which they have taken during the protection of the public. Below are some of the awards issued by the department to its officers for their actions.
Awards Program
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| Combat Cross Medal of Honor |
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| Exceptional Duty Award Life Saving Award Honorable Service Award |
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Meritorious Service Award Combat Wounded Chiefs Award |
| Combat Cross | This award is issued to an officer who committed an individual act of heroism at imminent personal hazard of life in combat with an armed adversary. |
| Medal of Honor | This is awarded to an officer for an outstanding act in the line on duty at imminent personal hazard of life with full knowledge of the risk involved |
| Exceptional Duty | This is awarded for a highly creditable accomplishment bringing public acclaim to himself or herself the department or police profession. Exceptional training or devotion to duty service or the public |
| Life Saving | This is awarded for an act in the line of duty which results in the saving of a life |
| Honorable Service | This is awarded for an act in the line of duty showing initiative and accomplishment |
| Meritorious Service | This is awarded for an act under adverse conditions with hazard to life and limb to the officer or death or injury to a citizen is prevented |
| Combat Wounded | This is awarded for an injury in the line of duty intentionally inflicted by an armed adversary |
| Chiefs Award | This is awarded for an act of accomplishment bring the department new programs or improvement of efficiency and the police profession |
Weaponry of the Police Department
The Dover Police Department issues to its officers the Glock model 22 Semi-Auto Pistol for their protection while they inturn protect the citizens of dover. The Dover Police began the use of this weapon in approximately 1990 this was in response to performance characteristic of the "New" .40 Caliber cartridge. The Glock "Safe Action Pistol" was evaluated by the department and then it began active service with the department.
Officers of the Department also have for their use a 12 Gauge Remington 870 Shotgun. These weapons are available for the officers in all units used in the police department. These weapons can be used in various situations and with the use of different ammunition are suitable for use for many different incidents.
Officers are tested in the use of these weapons and pursuant to the Attorney Generals Guidelines on the use of force. Officers must qualify semi-annually, and additional training is conducted in pursuit driving and deadly force. Officers are trained in the use and employment of various force options and officers are constantly trained on what force options are appropriate and necessary under certain circumstances. Each officer expends approximately 400 rounds of ammunition during this training.
Other weapons are also available for the officers use. Certain officers of the police department have been trained in the use of special weapons and instruments which under certain circumstances could be employed by the police department.