Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5037: Permits county sheriffs to appoint special law enforcement officers.

This bill allows county sheriffs in New Jersey to hire special law enforcement officers, a power currently reserved for municipalities and counties with their own police forces. The legislation enables sheriffs to appoint three types of officers: Class One for traffic duties, Class Two for full police powers including arrests, and Class Three for school security. These officers would perform their duties under existing state laws regarding training, equipment, and authority limits.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

AR 140: Urges Attorney General and Department of Education to regularly update "Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1" and "School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines."

This resolution asks the New Jersey Attorney General and Department of Education to regularly update two school safety documents that have not been significantly revised since 2007. The specific guidance includes the "School Safety and Security Manual" for schools and "Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1" for police agencies, both of which cover topics like lockdowns, evacuations, and emergency response. By urging these agencies to review the materials, the bill aims to ensure that school staff and law enforcement have access to the most current best practices for maintaining safety. The measure is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that creates new penalties or mandates.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing School Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5177: Repeals law requiring law enforcement officers to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.

This bill would remove a New Jersey law that currently requires law enforcement officers to show their faces and display identification when interacting with the public or making arrests. Under the proposed change, officers would no longer be legally obligated to reveal their facial identity or present specific forms of ID during these encounters, except in cases involving undercover work, tactical operations, or when safety is a concern. The legislation directly affects police officers and the individuals they interact with by eliminating mandatory transparency rules that were previously in place. By repealing the existing statute, the bill aims to give law enforcement more flexibility in how they identify themselves while performing official duties.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5045: Concerns investigative genetic genealogy; appropriates $500,000.

This New Jersey bill establishes a formal framework for law enforcement agencies to use investigative genetic genealogy in solving violent crimes and identifying human remains. It creates a system where police and medical examiners must work with specialized, accredited centers to analyze DNA samples from crime scenes. The legislation also allocates $500,000 in funding to support these operations and defines specific rules for how DNA testing and data sharing should be conducted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 24, 2026

S 4151: Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; makes certain clarifications concerning their use in nonpublic schools.

This bill expands the authority of Class Three special law enforcement officers in New Jersey to provide security at places of religious worship, such as churches and mosques, in addition to their existing roles at schools. Under the new provisions, these officers would possess full police powers while on duty at religious sites, though they must complete specific training and certification to carry firearms. The legislation also clarifies that school districts hiring these officers for public schools must also provide them for nonpublic schools within the same district. Finally, the act allows current officers to continue their service if they complete the required training and certification within 24 months of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4153: Codifies AG recommendations for issuing Amber Alert when family member abducts child.

This bill codifies the Attorney General's recommendations to establish a formal process for issuing Amber Alerts when a child is abducted by a family member. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, broadcast media, and the public by creating a standardized protocol for emergency notifications. The law requires that an alert be activated only if specific risk factors are present, such as threats of harm, a history of violence, or the presence of weapons, distinguishing these cases from abductions by strangers. Additionally, the bill mandates that participating media broadcast the alert repeatedly for the first three hours and includes instructions for updating the public with new information.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4392: Establishes New Jersey Commission on Stalking Prevention and Response; makes appropriation of $93,500.

This bill creates the New Jersey Commission on Stalking Prevention and Response to address gaps in how the state handles stalking cases. The commission will consist of 25 members, including elected officials, law enforcement leaders, advocates, and survivors, who will meet to evaluate current systems and suggest improvements. To support this work, the bill allocates $93,500 in funding for the commission's operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 5155: Requires expedited compliance with certain search warrants in domestic violence and stalking investigations.

This bill amends New Jersey's existing laws regarding search warrants in domestic violence and stalking cases to require law enforcement to act more quickly when executing them. It specifically updates legal definitions for terms like "wire communication," "electronic communication," and "in-progress trace" to ensure clarity during investigations. The changes aim to streamline the process for police officers and prosecutors who handle these specific types of crimes, while maintaining the legal framework for intercepting communications.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4138: Prohibits State's law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement unless action is premised upon valid judicial warrant.

This New Jersey bill prohibits state law enforcement officers from participating in civil immigration enforcement operations unless a valid judicial warrant is issued. The legislation defines a judicial warrant as one based on probable cause and issued by a federal or state judge, while a law enforcement officer is anyone with the power to arrest or convict offenders. To ensure compliance, the Attorney General must create guidelines that direct how these restrictions are implemented. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5040: Establishes Hope Card Program to provide victims of domestic violence with restraining order quick reference wallet card; makes appropriation.

This bill creates the Hope Card Program in New Jersey to give victims of domestic violence a free, wallet-sized card that summarizes their restraining order details. The card is designed to help victims quickly show law enforcement and other authorities the protections they have when they are in danger. Courts must issue these cards within ten business days of finalizing a restraining order, and the card itself does not replace the legal order but serves as a convenient reference. The legislation also updates the state's central registry rules to allow the Hope Card information to be shared with authorized agencies for safety investigations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

All criminal justice bills