Bill > S3844

This bill requires county prosecutors to take a more active role in investigating law enforcement misconduct across municipal, county, and higher education police agencies. Specifically, the bill mandates that when any person files a complaint of officer misconduct, the law enforcement agency must immediately transfer that complaint to the county prosecutor, who will then initiate an investigation. Similarly, if a petition for an extreme risk protection order is filed against a law enforcement officer, the officer's agency must transfer the petition to the county prosecutor, who will launch an internal affairs investigation. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to adopt internal affairs guidelines consistent with state standards and ensures that law enforcement officers are not terminated during the investigation process. By centralizing these investigative responsibilities with county prosecutors, the bill aims to create a more standardized and potentially more impartial approach to handling complaints and potential misconduct within law enforcement agencies. The bill will take effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment, allowing time for agencies to prepare for the new requirements.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3844