New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin have  announced proposed legislation that would create a statewide police licensing program. If enacted, the bill will require all law enforcement officers to hold valid, active licenses issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in order to be employed as officers.

In June 2020 the PTC, which establishes statewide law enforcement standards, voted unanimously to create a statewide police licensing program. According to the governor’s office, more than 40 states across the country use a form of certification or licensing for law enforcement officers.

The proposed licensing program would require all law enforcement officers to meet certain uniform professional standards to become, or continue to be, an active law enforcement officer in the state. The legislation would grant the PTC the ability to take actions against the licenses of officers who act outside the professional standards or engage in illegal or improper conduct.

“These licenses should be held with honor as they show that these officers have been through rigorous training and have upheld what it means to be a law enforcement officer to the highest professional standards,” says Murphy.

“The statewide licensure of our law enforcement officers is a crucial next step in strengthening community-police relationships,” says Platkin. “This proposed legislation consolidates best practices from around the country to create a true national model—a licensing program that will ensure the continued excellence of our dedicated law enforcement professionals.”

Under the proposed bill, the PTC would establish the licensure process and qualification standards for officers and applicants that include passing a psychological examination, maintaining post academy ongoing professional training requirements set by the PTC, and not engaging in conduct including social media posts or being an active member of a group that advocates for the violent overthrow of the government or for discrimination based on classes protected by the Law Against Discrimination (LAD).

The bill would make law enforcement licenses subject to renewal three years after issuance. Furthermore, the PTC would be authorized to suspend, revoke, place conditions upon, or deny licenses, after a hearing. Governor-appointed public members would be expanded from two to four members of the PTC.

Under the bill, employing law enforcement agencies must also inform the PTC of any separation from employment of a licensed officer, and hiring agencies must request from the PTC the reasons why an applicant was separated from any prior law enforcement employment. For instance, an employing unit must contact the PTC when an officer loses their license due to conviction of a crime, conviction of domestic violence, or conviction of offense for losing a firearm. Combined, these provisions would establish a mechanism for law enforcement agencies to make thorough and effective hiring decisions.

“The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association stands behind Governor Murphy and Acting Attorney General Platkin’s proposed legislation for a police licensing program in our state,” says Patrick Colligan, president, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. “This licensing program will provide transparency to the communities we serve and will hold our officers accountable in order to maintain a high professional standard and provide the due process they deserve. When our badges are tarnished by bad actors in our profession, it makes us all look bad."

“The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police which represents over 14,000 of New Jersey’s Finest supports Governor Murphy’s initiatives to further enhance professionalism within the Law Enforcement community in the State of New Jersey," says Robert Gries, executive vice president, NJFOP. "We look forward to supporting and working with the Governor’s Office on this and all matters that affect and improve the ability of Law Enforcement to perform their important work.”