New Police Licensing Rules Proposed by NJ Attorney General and Police Training Commission

Aimed at enhancing accountability and professionalism in law enforcement, the rules govern granting, renewal, and revocation of police licenses.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Police Training Commission (PTC) have proposed new police licensing rules to govern the granting, renewal, and revocation of licenses for New Jersey law enforcement officers. The proposed regulations align with the Police Licensure Act, signed by Governor Murphy in July 2022, which requires all officers to hold valid, active licenses issued by the PTC.

The objective is to improve officer development and safety and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the public by making policing a licensed profession. AG Platkin said the rules "represent a critical step forward, ensuring that those who are unfit or unable to serve as police officers can't move from one agency to the next to evade a problematic disciplinary history."

If approved, the draft regulations would take effect on January 1, 2024. Licenses would be in effect for three years before requiring renewal. The new rules would also require law enforcement agencies to terminate, suspend, or refuse employment to individuals whose licenses have been denied, revoked, or suspended by the PTC.

The public will have 60 days from April 24, 2023, to submit comments regarding this regulatory proposal. Comments can be sent via mail or email to the Regulatory Practice Officer at the Police Training Commission.

Mail to: Regulatory Practice Officer, Police Training Commission, Division of Criminal Justice, Attention: Public Comments – PTC Police Licensing Regulations, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, P.O. Box 085, Trenton, NJ 08625-0085 

Or electronically at: PTC@njdcj.org