New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S166

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

Impact

The adoption of S166 would modify existing legislation, primarily amending P.L.1985, c.439 concerning special law enforcement officers. This change would enhance security on college campuses, allowing for an additional layer of law enforcement presence, which could lead to improved safety measures for students and faculty members. However, the act sets clear guidelines, stipulating that these officers cannot be dispatched off-campus, thereby maintaining a focus on the designated educational environment.

Summary

Senate Bill S166, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to expand the scope of Class Three special law enforcement officers so that they can provide security at four-year public and private colleges. This follows the introduction of Class Three officers under P.L.2016, c.68, which already allows these part-time officers to secure public and nonpublic schools and county colleges. The bill stipulates that Class Three officers must be retired police officers under the age of 65, ensuring that they are experienced and adequately trained for their duties.

Contention

While proponents, including school administrators and law enforcement advocates, argue that this bill will create safer educational environments through a dedicated security force, opponents raise concerns over implications for local governance and the potential reliance on retired personnel for active policing duties. Critics express apprehension about how this might affect the community relationships that existing officers build with campus populations, fearing that a transient workforce could detract from long-term safety cultures on campuses.

Companion Bills

NJ A105

Same As Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ A278

Carry Over Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ S2690

Carry Over Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2690

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ A105

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ A278

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at public and private colleges.

NJ S851

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; requires nonpublic security aid be used for Class Three officers upon request of nonpublic school.

NJ S2114

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; requires nonpublic security aid be used for Class Three officers upon request of nonpublic school.

NJ A1677

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; makes certain clarifications concerning their use in nonpublic schools.

NJ A2429

Authorizes Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security in places of religious worship; makes certain clarifications concerning their use in nonpublic schools.

NJ S712

Establishes certain benefits for Class Two special law enforcement officers; allows arson investigators to carry a firearm at all times.

NJ S3562

Establishes certain benefits for Class Two special law enforcement officers; allows arson investigators to carry a firearm at all times.

NJ A533

Permits certain special law enforcement officers and auxiliary police officers to carry firearms on duty.

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NJ S3566

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NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

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CA AB3167

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