New Jersey § 40a:14-122

§ 40a:14-122.

Except as otherwise provided by law, no person shall be appointed as a member of the

police department and force, unless he: (1) is a citizen of the United States; (2) is sound in body and of good health sufficient to satisfy the board of trustees

of the police and firemen's retirement system of New Jersey as to his eligibility

for membership in the retirement system; (3) is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently; (4) is of good moral character, and has not been convicted of any criminal offense

involving moral turpitude. The appointing body, officer or officers of the municipality when authorized so to

do, may employ such officers and other personnel for said police department and force

as temporary employees in emergencies, or for certain specified parts of the year,

as needed. Except as otherwise provided by law, any permanent member or officer of such police

department and force who shall be absent from duty without just cause or leave of

absence, for a continuous period of 5 days, shall cease to be a member of such police

department and force.