New Jersey Senate Bill S775

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

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 posits significant changes to state laws regarding law enforcement practices, particularly emphasizing the importance of training. To carry a CED, officers must complete a training course, which includes a minimum of six hours of instruction, a written examination, tactical training, and recertification each year. This structured training is aimed at ensuring that officers are adequately prepared to use CEDs responsibly and effectively while minimizing risks during their deployment. It reflects a proactive approach to enhancing public safety while addressing concerns about the proper use of force in law enforcement encounters.

Summary

Senate Bill S775 mandates the Attorney General of New Jersey to revise the existing guidelines concerning the use of conducted energy devices (CEDs) by law enforcement officers, which are defined as less-lethal devices deployed in either probe or stun mode. The bill reclassifies these devices from 'enhanced mechanical force'—which necessitated a higher justification for use—to 'mechanical force.' This reclassification alters the threshold for justifying the use of CEDs, now allowing a lower level of justification than previously required for deadly force, potentially broadening the circumstances in which officers can deploy these devices.

Contention

The reclassification of CEDs and the modifications to training requirements could spark discussions around the definitions and applications of force in policing. Some may argue that the reduced justification for deploying mechanical force could lead to over-reliance on CEDs in scenarios where they might not be warranted, potentially escalating encounters with civilians. Furthermore, the removal of the stun gun definition from current law might lead to concerns regarding accountability and oversight in the use of these devices, especially in light of historical instances of misuse or excessive force by law enforcement officers.