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Panel advances bill requiring AG to review use‑of‑force policy every two years after robust testimony
Summary
A4175, requiring the attorney general to review statewide use‑of‑force policy biennially, hold public hearings, publish reporting procedures and require training, was released with committee amendments after union and advocacy testimony over implementation timelines and oversight.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee released A4175 with committee amendments after a lengthy hearing that included testimony from law‑enforcement representatives and civil‑rights advocates.
Peter Guzzo, speaking for the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police, said the FOP supports the bill’s intent but pressed for a realistic implementation timeline and suggested an appropriation may be necessary for training requirements. "We have no problem with the bill in terms of its intent, but we do have some questions or concerns regarding its implementation," Guzzo told the committee, urging language that recognizes the time needed for the Police Training Commission to develop new curricula.
Advocates urged passage. Amber Reid, president of AAPI New Jersey, described the recent Fort Lee shooting that resulted in the death of Victoria Lee and argued stronger policy codification and training could save lives. "The stronger we can make this policy, the more lives will be saved," Reid said. Raquel Romans Henry of Salvation and Social Justice highlighted racial disparities in use‑of‑force incidents and called the bill “a critical step” toward consistent statewide guidance.
The bill’s committee amendments add an explicit requirement that changes be in furtherance of enumerated core principles, require public hearings during AG review, subject use‑of‑force data to the Open Public Records Act, and require specified training including guidance on barricaded individuals. Committee members discussed oversight and implementation; several members stressed the need for meaningful follow‑through rather than a paper policy.
On the motion to release with committee amendments, multiple members voted yes and several made statements underscoring implementation concerns; the committee released A4175 to move forward in the legislative process.
