This bill mandates that county prosecutors initiate internal affairs investigations for municipal, county, and higher education law enforcement agencies in New Jersey. It amends existing laws to require that any complaints of officer misconduct received by these agencies must be immediately transferred to the county prosecutor for investigation. Additionally, if a petition for a temporary extreme risk protective order is filed against a law enforcement officer, the petition must be transferred to the county prosecutor, who will then initiate an internal affairs investigation. The prosecutor retains the authority to determine whether the matter should be referred to the courts.

The bill also includes specific provisions regarding the handling of petitions for temporary extreme risk protective orders, ensuring that they are processed in an expedited manner and that law enforcement agencies provide necessary assistance to petitioners. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a thorough and impartial investigation process while ensuring that law enforcement officers are not terminated during the investigation. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:58-23, 40A:14-181