Bill
Bill > S278
NJ S278
NJ S278Requires cultural diversity and implicit bias training be included in police basic training curriculum.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Police Training Commission in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety to include cultural diversity and implicit bias training in the basic training course for police officers appointed to a police department or force. Current law requires the Department of Law and Public Safety to develop or identify a uniform cultural diversity and implicit bias training course, including an online tutorial, which includes instruction promoting positive interaction with all members residing in the community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The training course is available to every State, county, municipal, and campus police department or force for in-service training of its officers. This bill would require this cultural diversity and implicit bias training to be administered to police officers during their mandated basic training. The bill defines "implicit bias" as having attitudes towards people or associating stereotypes with them without conscious knowledge. Finally, the bill requires instructors at basic training academies for police officers to receive specialized training in cultural diversity and implicit bias in policing.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that cultural diversity and implicit bias training be incorporated into the basic training curriculum for all police officers appointed to a police department or force, with "implicit bias" defined as unconscious attitudes or stereotypes about people. The Police Training Commission, part of the Department of Law and Public Safety, will be responsible for ensuring this training is included, building upon existing law that made similar training available for in-service officers. Furthermore, the bill requires that instructors at police basic training academies receive specialized training in cultural diversity and implicit bias in policing, aiming to improve interactions between law enforcement and all community members regardless of their background.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S278 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/278_I1.HTM |
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