Bill > S768

Introduced Session

This bill eliminates the position of constable, removes statutory references to the position, and repeals certain sections of law to reflect this change. Under the bill, the salary provisions of a municipal employment contract for a constable which was entered into prior to the effective date of the bill would remain in effect and the person would be compensated in accordance with the provisions of the contract until the contract expires. However, any provisions of the contract which grant powers and impose duties associated with the position of constable would be deemed null and void. The bill implements recommendations set forth in the December 2021 report of the State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation (SCI) entitled, "Abusing the Badge, A report on the SCI's Investigation into Constables in New Jersey." In its report, the SCI deems the position of constable unnecessary and outdated, and calls for the elimination of the position "before someone gets seriously injured or worse." The SCI investigation found that, rather than serve as a beneficial adjunct to police, the role of constable instead far too frequently represents a potential hazard to the constables themselves, the police, and the public at large.

Committee Categories

Gordon Johnson (D)*,  Patrick Diegnan (D), 

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2023, c.250. (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document