PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Doctors must have professional licenses to work. So do attorneys. Soon, if Gov, Phil Murphy gets his way, police in New Jersey will have licenses as well.
Murphy and acting Attorney General Matt Platkin have unveiled a legislative proposal to require all law enforcement in the state to get licensed by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
“Policing is perhaps the only skilled profession left in New Jersey that does not provide individuals with a license that shows beyond any doubt that they have been through vigorous training and are not just expected to, but are required to live up to the highest professional standards,” Murphy said Wednesday.
In a statement, the Murphy administration said that the Police Training Commission agreed in 2020 to a statewide police licensing program. They say more than 40 states also have a licensing or decertification process for officers.
The proposed legislation would require law enforcement officers to:
- Pass a psychological examination.
- Continue post-academy professional training as required by the PTC.
- Not engage in conduct or sharing social media that advocates a violent government overthrow.
- Not join a group that discriminates based on classes protected by the Law Against Discrimination.
This legislation is a collaborative effort between police unions and the attorney general’s office, two groups often on opposite ends of legal matters.
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“This is not a bill to be feared,” New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Pat Colligan said. He believes holding police to higher standards will be a positive move for law enforcement, because it will weed out bad cops who tarnish the reputation of police in general.
“Regardless of what union you’re in, when one of those members tarnishes the badge, we are all tarnished,” Colligan said. “It takes a long time to get over that.”
Platkin called the legislation a crucial step in strengthening relations between police and the people they serve.
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“This proposed legislation consolidates best practices from around the country to create a true national model, a licensing program that will ensure the continued excellence of our dedicated law enforcement professionals," said Platkin.
Officers will be required to go through training much like they do now, and will earn a license to work.
“I truly believe that uniform professional standards will help build public trust and ensure that proper policing is occurring across New Jersey,” said state Sen. Troy Singleton, D-Moorestown.
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State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey President Wayne Blanchard said police can be proud of their license and the work that went into earning it.
“The licensing program will also ensure the highest standards of training are attained, and that certifications are met in a uniform manner for police officers in our state,” Blanchard said.
The legislation is not yet a done deal. The proposed legislation still needs to get approval from lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly, and there was no initial word on when it will be up for a vote.
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