New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1789

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires law enforcement agencies to establish review council in internal affairs unit to investigate law enforcement officers who participate in hate groups.

Impact

The implementation of S1789 would require significant changes in the operational protocols of law enforcement agencies across the state. Agencies would need to develop procedures that align with the revised guidelines of the internal affairs policy, which may include training for current officers and additional oversight measures. The law aims to increase accountability and ensure that officers associated with hate groups or engaging in hate speech are held responsible, potentially leading to greater community confidence in policing practices.

Summary

Senate Bill S1789 seeks to amend existing New Jersey law regarding law enforcement agencies by mandating the establishment of an extremist review council within the internal affairs unit of each agency. The purpose of this council is to investigate complaints of official misconduct against law enforcement officers who are either involved with hate groups or who make public expressions of hate, both on and off duty. This bill reflects a growing awareness of the impact that such affiliations can have on police conduct and community trust in law enforcement.

Contention

The discussion around the bill may generate contention primarily around definitions and interpretations of what constitutes a 'hate group' and what activities would fall under the scrutiny of the extremist review council. Critics may argue that the bill could infringe on free speech rights or lead to overreaching investigations based on subjective criteria. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that accountability in law enforcement is crucial to ensuring public safety and upholding the ethical standards expected of police officers.

Companion Bills

NJ A3293

Carry Over Requires law enforcement agencies to establish review council in internal affairs unit to investigate law enforcement officers who participate in hate groups.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3293

Requires law enforcement agencies to establish review council in internal affairs unit to investigate law enforcement officers who participate in hate groups.

NJ S3844

Requires county prosecutor to initiate municipal, county, and higher education law enforcement internal affairs investigations.

NJ A5385

Requires county prosecutor to initiate municipal, county, and higher education law enforcement internal affairs investigations.

NJ S2000

Establishes "Uniform Crash Investigation Protocol Task Force" to establish uniform crash investigation protocol for State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies when investigating certain motor vehicle and vessel crashes.

NJ S1500

Establishes "Uniform Crash Investigation Protocol Task Force" to establish uniform crash investigation protocol for State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies when investigating certain motor vehicle and vessel crashes.

NJ AB2598

Law enforcement agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation: Joint Terrorism Task Force.

NJ SB1194

Law-enforcement agencies and officers; establishing training curriculum on certain arrests.

NJ HB1712

Law-enforcement agencies and officers; establishing training curriculum on certain arrests.

NJ SB00217

An Act Establishing A Hate Crimes Investigative Unit Within The Division Of State Police And Requiring Development Of A Reporting System, Best Practices And A Model Investigation Policy For Law Enforcement Units Regarding Hate Crimes.

NJ SB456

Establishing a law enforcement conduct review committee in the police standards and training council and making an appropriation therefor.

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