Bill > A5385

This bill requires county prosecutors to take a more active role in investigating law enforcement misconduct across municipal, county, and higher education police departments. Specifically, when a complaint of officer misconduct is received or an extreme risk protection order is filed against a law enforcement officer, the relevant law enforcement agency must immediately transfer the complaint or petition to the county prosecutor, who will then initiate an internal affairs investigation. For extreme risk protection orders involving law enforcement officers, the prosecutor will have the discretion to decide whether to refer the matter to courts. The bill mandates that these internal affairs investigations must follow guidelines consistent with the Department of Law and Public Safety's existing policies, while also respecting tenure and civil service laws and any existing contractual agreements. The law will take effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment, with the Attorney General authorized to take preparatory administrative actions in the meantime. The goal appears to be increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement internal investigations by involving an independent prosecutorial entity in the process.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5385