New Jersey Assembly Bill A3204

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Requires responding law enforcement officer to stay with dead body until medical examiner takes charge of body.

Impact

The bill reinforces protocols surrounding medicolegal investigations as outlined in previous laws, particularly those enacted under P.L.2018, c.62. By requiring officers to stay with the deceased, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of death investigations, potentially improving public safety and health outcomes. The requirement seeks to prevent mishandling of bodies and supports thorough examinations by ensuring that crime scenes are preserved for further investigation when necessary.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3204 mandates that law enforcement officers who respond to incidents involving dead bodies must remain with the body until the medical examiner arrives to take charge. This bill amends existing legislation concerning the responsibilities of law enforcement and medical examiners in handling deaths that require investigation. Such changes aim to ensure that the integrity of the incident scene is maintained and that the transition of custody from law enforcement to the medical examiner is orderly and systematic.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote a more structured approach to handling deceased individuals, there may be concerns among law enforcement regarding the implications of extended scene management responsibilities. Critics could argue that the added burden might detract from officers' ability to respond to other emergency calls, given that they would now be required to remain at a scene until the medical examiner arrives, which may not always occur promptly. This could raise questions about resource allocation and emergency response priorities within law enforcement agencies.