A bill sponsored by state Senators Angela McKnight (D-31) and Troy Singleton (D-7) that would require the New Jersey attorney general to review the use-of-force policy at least every two years cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee last week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“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,” McKnight said in a statement.
“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.”
Bill S-2348 would require the AG to review the statewide use of force policy at least every two years, though if deemed necessary by the AG, it would be permitted to be reviewed in a shorter timeframe.
The attorney heneral would be required to consider the sanctity of human life, prioritize de-escalation prior to use of force, and promote the use of only reasonable, necessary, and proportional force.
“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,” Singleton 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.”
The bill advanced out of committee by a 3-1 vote on Thursday, with McKnight, along with state Senators Linda Greenstein (D-14) and Paul Moriariy (D-4) voting yes. State Senator Henry Owen (R-12) voted no, while state Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) did not vote.
