Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.
If enacted, the bill requires law enforcement officers to complete a certified training program annually to possess and use conducted energy devices, thereby establishing standards for their use and contributing to safer police practices. The training includes a minimum of six hours of instruction from certified trainers, passing a written examination, and practical training on the use of these devices. This emphasizes the commitment to ensure that officers are adequately prepared before deploying less-lethal options in the field.
Senate Bill S2996, introduced in the 220th Legislature of New Jersey, mandates the Attorney General to revise the Use of Force Policy to redefine the classification of conducted energy devices used by law enforcement officers. The bill reclassifies these devices from the current definition of 'enhanced mechanical force' to 'mechanical force,' which carries different legal implications regarding their usage. By defining a 'conducted energy device' clearly and outlining what constitutes 'mechanical force,' the legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement officers while interacting with civilians.
Notably, the bill arose in the context of debates concerning the ethical use of force by police, especially concerning non-lethal weapons. Advocates argue that reclassifying conducted energy devices is an essential step toward accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. However, there may be contention regarding the implications of reclassifying these devices and concerns surrounding the regulation of their use, particularly from civil liberties groups who may see this as a step toward broader police authority. Furthermore, with the backdrop of various high-profile incidents involving police use of force, discussions surrounding this bill reflect deeper societal issues regarding police-community relations.