Bill Protecting Against Abuse of Power Advances

Legislation sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal and Senate Transportation Chair Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. that would prohibit the New Jersey Transit Corporation from issuing a law enforcement badge to NJ Transit board members, Port Authority Commissioners and local and state elected officials cleared the Senate today.

“Trained law enforcement officers are the only people who should receive law enforcement badges,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “I am glad we are clarifying this distinction and making sure only proper law enforcement personnel are able to carry and utilize these badges.”

“Only individuals with the proper training and credentials should be issued law enforcement badges,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "This legislation protects both our law enforcement officers and the general public.”

The bill, S-2858, would define “law enforcement officer” to mean a person empowered to act for the detection, apprehension, arrest, conviction, detention, or rehabilitation of persons in violation of the law.
The bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 38-0.