NJ Police Licensing Program Awaiting Murphy’s Signature

NEW JERSEY - A bill that aims to license law enforcement officers in the Garden State passed through both legislative houses Wednesday with overwhelming support.

The measure, proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this year to help build public trust in law enforcement, would require all law enforcement officers to meet certain professional and ethical standards to become, or continue to be, an active law enforcement officer in the state.

The bill, passed in the Senate 40-0 and 70-8 in the Assembly, now awaits Murphy’s signature.

“The statewide licensure of our law enforcement officers is a crucial next step in strengthening community-police relationships,” Acting Attorney General Platkin said during the bill’s announcement in May. “This proposed legislation consolidates best practices from around the country to create a true national model—a licensing program that will ensure the continued excellence of our dedicated law enforcement professionals.”

Under the measure, police misconduct would result in an officer’s decertification. New Jersey is only one of just a few states to lack a police licensing process. Professional licensing is used in other fields and occupations for teachers, doctors, electricians, and counselors, among others, with licensing requirements that standardize professionalism and accountability.

The police licensing legislation calls for the disqualification of:

• Those convicted of a crime in the U.S., including domestic violence
• Those having two or more DWI or reckless driving tickets
• Those convicted of a disorderly persons offense involving fraud, dishonesty or lack of good moral character
• Those named in a domestic violence restraining order or extreme protection order
• Those with membership or social media support of a hate group or group that promotes governmental overthrow at the local, state or federal level
• Police officers who engage in misleading or deceptive practices
• Police officers who engage in unethical or unprofessional conduct causing public harm

The bill also requires current and upcoming officers to pass a psychological examination; maintain post-academy ongoing professional training requirements outlined by the Police Training Commission and adhering to proper social media standards.

In 2020, the New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC), which establishes statewide law enforcement standards, voted unanimously to create a statewide police licensing program. Read more: NJ Police To Get Licensed, Overhauled Training Programs

Several important civil rights advocacy groups and police associations, such as the New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, National Wildlife Federation, the State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey, the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Coalition of Latino Officers have voiced support for the landmark bill.

“This licensing program will provide transparency to the communities we serve and will hold our officers accountable in order to maintain a high professional standard and provide the due process they deserve. When our badges are tarnished by bad actors in our profession, it makes us all look bad,” said Patrick Colligan, President, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

“New Jersey’s Black residents are three times more likely to have force used against us than our white counterparts and excessive force claims cost New Jersey taxpayers millions each year. This proposed legislation is not only timely but a critical step in the right direction,” added Reverend Charles Boyer, Pastor, Greater Mount Zion Bethel AME Church and Executive Director, Salvation & Social Justice, United Black Agenda. “We applaud Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin on their leadership and look forward to working with the legislature to ensure what passes heightens the standard around police conduct in the state and effectively hold officers who fail to meet that standard accountable.”