New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4698

Introduced
10/3/22  

Caption

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for the training and certification of law enforcement officers in the use of conducted energy devices. Officers will be required to complete a minimum of six hours of instruction annually, pass a written examination, and engage in practical deployment exercises. This initiative is aimed at ensuring officers are adequately prepared to use CEDs safely and effectively, thus potentially reducing the likelihood of excessive force during apprehensions.

Summary

Bill A4698, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the Attorney General to revise the guidelines governing the use of conducted energy devices (CEDs) by law enforcement officers. The legislation reclassifies CEDs, removing them from the definition of 'enhanced mechanical force' and categorizing them as a type of 'mechanical force'. This change aims to clarify the protocols under which law enforcement can deploy such devices during encounters with civilians, thereby enhancing accountability and proper use within police departments.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate regarding law enforcement's approach to managing public safety while minimizing the risk of excessive force. Proponents argue that standardized training could lead to more responsible use of CEDs, contributing to safer interactions between police and civilians. Opponents express concern that altering the classification of CEDs may lead to more frequent use in situations not warranting their deployment, thus raising the risk of unnecessary harm to civilians and escalating confrontations.

Companion Bills

NJ S2996

Same As Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2996

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ S775

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ A1381

Requires Attorney General to establish model duty-to-intervene policy for law enforcement officers; requires entities that employ law enforcement officers to adopt duty-to-intervene policy.

NJ A3281

Requires Attorney General to establish model duty-to-intervene policy for law enforcement officers; requires entities that employ law enforcement officers to adopt duty-to-intervene policy.

NJ SB2317

Tasers; adopt certain guidelines for use, require training by law enforcement officers.

NJ A1375

Requires online portal to report law enforcement officer misconduct; establishes duty to report by law enforcement officers.

NJ A3275

Requires online portal to report law enforcement officer misconduct; establishes duty to report by law enforcement officers.

NJ A4979

Requires law enforcement officers to complete training regarding identification of machine gun conversion devices.

NJ S3898

Requires law enforcement officers to complete training regarding identification of machine gun conversion devices.

NJ S2968

Requires Attorney General to revise law enforcement use of force policy; implements certain reforms.

Similar Bills

NJ S775

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ S2996

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ A4975

Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components.

NJ S3894

Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components.

NJ A1975

Requires DOC to assign transgender inmate to State correctional facility based on inmate's gender identity and use inmate's preferred gender pronoun.

NJ A4890

Prohibits possession and sale of machine gun conversion device and establishes criminal penalties.

NJ A4974

Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices.

NJ S3893

Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices.