New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2690

Introduced
5/19/22  

Caption

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

Impact

The enactment of S2690 is poised to have significant implications for state law enforcement practices in educational settings. By broadening the responsibilities of Class Three officers to include four-year institutions, the bill aims to bolster security measures in colleges, particularly in response to safety concerns on campuses. This change reflects a growing recognition of the need for specialized security at higher education institutions, which may not have previously been covered under existing law.

Summary

Senate Bill S2690 authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security services at public and private colleges in New Jersey. This bill expands the scope of security personnel previously limited to K-12 schools and county colleges, thereby allowing qualified retired police officers to serve in a more diverse range of educational environments. Class Three officers are defined as part-time law enforcement who fulfill specific training and certification requirements to ensure they are adequately prepared for the job.

Contention

While supporters argue that allowing Class Three officers at colleges will enhance safety and provide a robust response capability in emergency situations, there may be concerns regarding the suitability of such officers for the unique environment of higher education. Critics may question whether retired police officers possess the necessary training and skills to effectively manage the challenges faced on college campuses, including mental health crises and student interactions. This tension between maintaining safety and ensuring the appropriateness of law enforcement presence in educational settings is likely to generate discussions as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

NJ A278

Same As Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

Previously Filed As

NJ S166

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ A105

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ A278

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ S2114

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; requires nonpublic security aid be used for Class Three officers upon request of nonpublic school.

NJ S851

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; requires nonpublic security aid be used for Class Three officers upon request of nonpublic school.

NJ A1677

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

NJ A2429

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

NJ S3562

Establishes certain benefits for Class Two special law enforcement officers; allows arson investigators to carry a firearm at all times.

NJ S712

Establishes certain benefits for Class Two special law enforcement officers; allows arson investigators to carry a firearm at all times.

NJ A4735

Permits certain special law enforcement officers and auxiliary police officers to carry firearms on duty.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

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TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.