Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3112: Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.

This New Jersey bill (S 3112) prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises during public interactions while performing official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, face shields that don’t hide the face, medical masks with a physician’s written approval, and masks for smoke protection during emergencies. Violating the rule is a disorderly persons offense punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The law applies broadly to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers empowered to enforce laws in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1276: Establishes Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together Program.

S 1276 establishes New Jersey's ARRIVE Together Program within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires law enforcement agencies (including state police, county departments, and municipal forces) to contract with mental health providers to respond to mental health or substance use crises instead of police-only interventions, offering 24/7 services. It mandates confidentiality for all personal information collected during these responses, prohibiting public disclosure except with consent or for legal requirements. The program also creates coordinator roles for law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors to implement the guidelines, making a 2022 pilot program permanent. This directly affects individuals in mental health crises and law enforcement agencies participating in the program.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2653: Provides for reduction in suspended sentence, probation, or parole based on compliance with conditions of sentence; requires report on effect on recidivism.

This bill allows most defendants on suspended sentences, probation, or parole to shorten their supervision period by 30 days for every full month they comply with all conditions (like attending counseling or avoiding drugs). It excludes individuals convicted of serious sex offenses against minors (such as aggravated sexual assault, child endangerment, or child prostitution) from this benefit. Courts must review compliance every six months, and the Administrative Director of the Courts must track recidivism rates to evaluate the program's impact. The changes apply to New Jersey's sentencing laws under Titles 2C and 30.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 1233: Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

This bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to provide stable, ongoing funding for a confidential 24-hour crisis hotline supporting New Jersey law enforcement officers and sheriff's officers. It appropriates $500,000 annually from the General Fund starting in fiscal year 2025 to sustain the existing "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" program, which currently receives $400,000 from Body Armor Replacement Funds. The hotline offers confidential peer support for officers experiencing psychological stress, trauma, or emotional distress related to their work. Operators must be trained in law enforcement-specific mental health issues, and the program ensures caller confidentiality while allowing limited tracking for severe cases. The fund will also accept additional revenues from other sources to support the program's long-term operation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics State Budget Law Enforcement Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1064: Establishes mandatory training program for human resources officers of public employers on handling and responding to reports of domestic violence.

S 1064 requires the Civil Service Commission to create a mandatory training program for human resources officers working at public employers (such as state agencies, counties, schools, and municipalities) on handling domestic violence reports from employees. The training covers topics like the impact of domestic violence, protection orders, the New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act, and community support resources, and must be developed with input from social workers and law enforcement. All human resources officers must complete the training within 90 days of starting their role, and the program must be reviewed and updated every two years. The training is free and available to all public employers, regardless of whether they follow standard civil service rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 379: Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The unit must prosecute trafficking cases, assist counties with investigations, connect victims to support services, and collaborate with state agencies (like Health, Labor, and Homeland Security) and local prosecutors. It also mandates ongoing training for law enforcement on trafficking cases and requires a public awareness campaign to educate about trafficking signs, consequences, and victim support. The unit's coordinator must annually report to the Governor and Legislature on its work and suggest policy improvements.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1038: Establishes separate disorderly persons offense for persons who wear masks with purpose to conceal identity while committing another crime or offense.

S 1038 makes it a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey to wear a mask with the purpose of hiding your identity while committing another crime or offense, specifically when doing so in public with others who are also masked. It only applies if the person is already charged with the underlying crime and was wearing the mask during its commission. The bill includes key exceptions for Halloween, parades, weather protection, religious head coverings, and medical masks. Violating this law carries a penalty of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and cannot be merged with the underlying crime for sentencing purposes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 217: Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras under certain circumstances.

This bill requires correctional police officers in New Jersey state correctional facilities to wear body-worn cameras during specific duties. Officers must wear cameras when assigned to the Special Operations Group, working in close custody units (areas for disciplinary housing), housing units (sleeping areas), providing mobile security, or interacting with the public. The law defines "body-worn camera" as a device recording audio/video during official duties, excluding vehicle-mounted systems or undercover use. The bill takes effect seven months after enactment and directly affects correctional officers performing these specified tasks.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2203: Requires DOC to provide prenatal and post-partum education and services for certain inmates.

S 2203 requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide prenatal and post-partum services to pregnant female inmates under age 60. Upon entry to a correctional facility, all such inmates must be tested for pregnancy, and if confirmed, they would receive mandatory prenatal education, medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and counseling on pregnancy options (including family planning, birth control, and child placement). The bill also mandates ongoing care for those continuing pregnancies, including obstetrical services, maternity clothing, adjusted housing, and reduced work schedules as medically needed. This bill, introduced in January 2026 and pending committee review, directly affects incarcerated pregnant women in New Jersey state facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections Women's Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 475: Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking.

S 475 requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update statewide policies for investigating human trafficking. This affects law enforcement agencies (county/municipal police), county prosecutors, and human trafficking victims by mandating specific policy improvements. Key provisions include evaluating whether audio/video recordings in undercover operations protect investigations and victim treatment, establishing strict rules for sharing such recordings, and ensuring county prosecutors are involved early in investigations to address legal issues. The review must address these points as outlined in the bill, responding to a 2024 state commission report on trafficking in massage therapy businesses. The policy revision must be completed following the Attorney General's review, with no new funding or penalties specified.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Policing

All criminal justice bills