Gun Laws And 2a
NJ’s police deadly force policy may get mandatory review
NJ’s police deadly force policy may get mandatory review
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍New Jersey
In the wake of several high-profile police killings of people in mental health crises in recent years, social justice advocates across New Jersey have been pressing for legislation that would aim to prevent these incidents from happening again.
Governor Phil Murphy, now in his final days in office, must decide if he will sign one of those bills into law after it passed the state Senate last week and the state Assembly earlier this year. Murphy’s office has not commented on the matter.
The proposed bill would require the state attorney general to review and potentially revise the policy dictating when police officers can use deadly force. This review must occur every other year, or sooner if circumstances warrant it.
The revision of the policy is expected to take into account a set of “core principles” as outlined in the bill, which includes respecting the sanctity of human life, serving the community, and prioritizing “other reasonable measures,” such as de-escalation practices that must be attempted prior to using any force. It emphasizes that deadly force should be employed “only as a last resort.”
Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-Bergen), a primary sponsor of the bill, stated, “It’s absolutely important and urgent because it just keeps happening every year. We really need a unified, clear directive. This is not just good for the public, but it’s also beneficial for police officers to have clear directives.”
The bill comes after several concerning incidents, including the shooting death of Deborah Terrell, a 68-year-old woman, by a New Brunswick police officer while she was experiencing a mental health crisis. Advocates and residents claim she would likely still be alive if mental health professionals had been involved during the event. Calls for new community-based programs capable of responding to emergency situations have intensified as a result of this tragic incident.
In compliance with a 2019 law requiring the attorney general’s office to investigate police-related deaths and present findings to a grand jury, early investigations have shown a disconcerting trend. According to a recent NJ Spotlight News analysis of hundreds of press releases, officers involved in over 100 incidents resulting in death or serious injury from police action were rarely indicted—only three cases resulted in indictments since January 30, 2019, with one of those later dismissed by a judge.
Further, recent grand jury decisions showcase a lack of action against officers involved in similar crises. For example, in July, no charges were filed against a Fort Lee police officer involved in the shooting of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.
The bill aims to enhance the guidelines and procedures for police interactions, especially regarding barricaded individuals. New protocols would be introduced to help officers differentiate between those in mental health crises versus individuals not experiencing such crises. Negotiation tactics, along with the deployment of mental health professionals, would be prioritized whenever possible.
Amber Reed, co-executive director of AAPI New Jersey, expressed support for the bill, indicating, “We are eager to see this legislation signed, as it represents a commitment to addressing mental health crises adequately rather than resorting to violence.” However, many advocates acknowledge that while the bill moves in the right direction, its shortcomings highlight the need for broader reform in handling civilian complaints and addressing qualified immunity for police.
Additionally, the legislation mandates that all use of force incidents be reported to the state Department of Law and Public Safety, ensuring greater transparency as these reports will be publicly accessible under the Open Public Records Act. The bill also seeks to empower correctional and parole officers with full police powers, which has raised concerns about the implications of such authority.
While the bill's intentions seem aimed at promoting safety and accountability, skepticism remains among community leaders who emphasize systemic changes rather than merely procedural adjustments. Critics point out that the current language in the bill does not sufficiently address community accountability and suggests that authority remains tightly controlled by the police hierarchy.
This discussion reflects an ongoing struggle in New Jersey regarding police practices, accountability, and community safety—all aspects that will require careful navigation as the state seeks substantial reforms.
As New Jersey wrestles with this complex issue, the proposed legislation is a pivotal move towards transparency and accountability in police operations. However, uncertainties linger regarding its actual implementation and the real change it can effect. The ongoing community dialogue and calls for reform underscore the necessity for true accountability mechanisms, bringing a collective vision for public safety that aligns with the needs of community members.