Bill > S3863

Introduced Session

This bill removes the requirement that Class Two and Class Three special law enforcement officers turn in their firearms at the end of their shift. Current law authorizes Class Two and Class Three special law enforcement officers to carry a firearm while on duty. These officers generally are required to return the firearm at the end of the officer's workday to the officer who is in charge of the station house. These officers would no longer be subject to this requirement under the bill. The bill also conforms current law to the provisions of P.L.2013, c.21 that authorizes county sheriffs to appoint special law enforcement officers to perform court security duties. This bill does not alter current statutory law concerning these officers' right to carry a weapon. Class Two officers generally are prohibited from carrying off duty. Class Three retired police officers who are approved by the State Police have the right to carry a weapon while off duty. Special law enforcement officers are police officers appointed temporarily or intermittently to perform duties similar to those performed regularly by members of a municipal police force or to perform county court security duties. They also are authorized to provide assistance to a police force during unusual or emergency circumstances or at individual times or during regular seasonal periods in resort municipalities. Class Two officers are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officers. Class Three officers are retired law enforcement officers who provide security in this State's public and nonpublic schools and county colleges. According to the sponsor, it is both inconvenient and inefficient for Class Two and Class Three special law enforcement officers to turn in their weapons after every shift. These officers are statutorily authorized to enforce the laws of this State and, as such, should be considered capable of safely and reliably transporting their weapons back and forth to work.

Committee Categories

Tony Bucco (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 06/03/2021)

Official Document