The Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act mandates that law enforcement officers in New Jersey must reveal their facial identities during public interactions while performing their official duties. Officers are prohibited from wearing masks or disguises, with specific exemptions for those engaged in undercover assignments, wearing protective gear, or during emergencies. Additionally, the bill requires officers to present sufficient identification before detaining or arresting individuals, which can include wearing a department-issued uniform, showing a department-issued ID card, displaying a badge, or verbally disclosing their name and agency. However, there are exceptions to this identification requirement if it could compromise an investigation, if stealth is deemed necessary by a supervisor, or if the officer feels their safety is at risk.

The intent of this legislation is to enhance transparency and trust between law enforcement and the public, addressing concerns about masked officers and the potential for impersonation-related crimes. The bill aims to mitigate negative encounters and improve public perception of law enforcement by ensuring officers are identifiable during their interactions with the community. The Attorney General is tasked with issuing guidelines to implement the provisions of this act, which will take effect immediately upon passage.