Codifies AG directive concerning criminal investigations of law enforcement use-of-force and in-custody deaths.

This bill standardizes how New Jersey investigates police use-of-force incidents and in-custody deaths by requiring independent investigators not affiliated with the officer’s department. It designates the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) as the default investigator for serious cases - such as deaths, serious injuries, or civilian deaths during encounters - and county prosecutors for less severe force incidents, while mandating conflict checks to ensure impartiality. Law enforcement agencies must immediately report incidents to county prosecutors, who then notify OPIA, and the bill defines key terms like "law enforcement incident" to clarify coverage. The law directly affects police departments, OPIA, county prosecutors, and civilians involved in such incidents by establishing a consistent, transparent investigative process.