A bill that aims to ensure the regular updating of law enforcement "use of force" policies has advanced in the New Jersey Senate. The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee moved the legislation forward in a 3-1 vote.
According to a press release by New Jersey State Democrats, the bill, S-2348, would require the attorney general to review the state’s use of force policy every two years at a minimum. However, the legislation would also allow the attorney general to conduct these reviews more frequently if necessary.
The press release states that the bill would require the attorney general to consider the sanctity of human life, prioritize de-escalation over the use of force, and promote the use of only reasonable, necessary, and proportional force.
"After the Attorney General’s takeover of the Paterson Police Department last year, discipline imposed upon city officers increased significantly. In Paterson and throughout many parts of the nation, reports of police brutality reduce the public’s confidence in those who are meant to serve and protect them, while giving the earnest, dedicated officers who represent the vast majority a bad name," said Sen. Angela McKnight (D-Hudson), who co-sponsored the legislation. "This bill will help ensure that statewide use of force policies are consistent with the principles that ought to guide policing, and in so doing help repair the public’s confidence in policing."
Singleton emphasized: "The regular review of our statewide use of force policy is essential and will help ensure that proper policing is occurring all throughout New Jersey." He added: "Moreover, enshrining the prioritization of de-escalation and the use of only reasonable force into law will help ensure that the use of force policy remains consistently focused on these principles throughout future administrations."
