On Thursday, July 21, Governor Murphy signed into law S2742/A4194, establishing a statewide police licensing program and appropriating $6 million to establish the program. Governor Murphy highlighted that with this new law New Jersey would join the ranks of 46 other states that have a police licensing program.
The new law establishes the licensure process and qualifications standards for officers and applicants. The Police Training Commission (PTC) is required to establish the processes to acquire a law enforcement license, including the minimum criteria for the initial license. The PTC also holds the power to suspend, revoke, or deny the issuance of a law enforcement license. The law enforcement license must be renewed every three years. A law enforcement official wishing to renew their license must apply through their employing law enforcement agency. If an active license holder commits any action that would result in a suspension of a license, the employing law enforcement agency is to notify the PTC. $6 million has been allocated from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety to implement these new licensing requirements.
The League supports the police licensing program and thanks the sponsors, and Governor Murphy for signing this legislation into law. We recommend reviewing S-2742/A-4194 with your police department, labor attorney, and administration for the impact on your community.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.