New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S562

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Permits municipal police officers to make arrests for any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense outside the territorial limits of their municipality.

Impact

If enacted, S562 would amend existing legislation, P.L. 1977, c. 436, specifically section C.40A:14-152, to expand the enforcement reach of municipal officers across state lines in New Jersey. This modification can potentially improve cross-jurisdictional collaboration among law enforcement agencies and address issues that may not fall neatly within municipal boundaries. The bill is designed to streamline responses to incidents and ensure that officers have the authority they need to maintain order effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 562 (S562) proposes significant changes to the arrest powers of municipal police officers in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill seeks to authorize municipal police officers to make arrests for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses beyond the boundaries of their respective municipalities. This marks a shift from the current legal framework where these officers can only act within their own jurisdiction for such offenses. The aim of this change is to enhance law enforcement capabilities and allow for a more cohesive response to offenses that may occur just outside municipal lines.

Contention

However, S562 may also raise concerns among community members and advocacy groups about the implications of increased police powers. There may be fears regarding the potential for overreach and the impact on civil liberties. Critics might argue that allowing officers to arrest individuals outside their jurisdictions could lead to confusion and inconsistent law enforcement practices. The shift in protocol for police officers to act outside their municipalities may stir discussions about accountability, oversight, and the appropriate limits of police authority.

Companion Bills

NJ S1181

Carry Over Permits municipal police officers to make arrests for any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense outside the territorial limits of their municipality.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1181

Permits municipal police officers to make arrests for any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense outside the territorial limits of their municipality.

NJ S1757

Permits county police department and force to provide police services to municipalities.

NJ S2176

Permits county police department and force to provide police services to municipalities.

NJ S3578

Establishes separate disorderly persons offense for persons who wear masks with purpose to conceal identity while committing another crime or offense.

NJ S573

Creates disorderly persons offense of purporting to be public utility employee to gain access to residence.

NJ S1469

Creates disorderly persons offense of purporting to be public utility employee to gain access to residence.

NJ S212

Establishes disorderly persons offense for dog owner who fails to remain at scene and provide certain information when dog injures a person.

NJ S540

Establishes disorderly persons offense for dog owner who fails to remain at scene and provide certain information when dog injures a person.

NJ A5850

Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.

NJ A2660

Requires persons to report incidents of domestic violence to law enforcement and makes it a disorderly persons offense to fail to report.

Similar Bills

NJ S1181

Permits municipal police officers to make arrests for any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense outside the territorial limits of their municipality.

NJ S254

Permits counties to establish a central municipal drug court.

NJ S1486

Permits counties to establish a central municipal drug court.

NJ A1868

Permits counties to establish a central municipal drug court.

NJ A3077

Provides for reciprocity of certain out-of-State EMT certification; establishes criminal history record background check process.

NJ A1463

Clarifies penalties for certain violations of pretrial release; directs prosecutor to provide written notice of release to victim.

NJ S1810

Clarifies penalties for certain violations of pretrial release; directs prosecutor to provide written notice of release to victim.

NJ S461

Provides for reciprocity of certain out-of-State EMT certification; establishes criminal history record background check process.