(TRENTON, NJ) MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2018—Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake’s legislation (A3115) to ensure fairness and impartiality in the investigation of police-involved deaths throughout New Jersey was passed today by the New Jersey General Assembly.

The bill was introduced back in February of this year and would require that the state’s Attorney General lead any investigation, and if necessary, prosecution, in cases of deaths involving on- duty law-enforcement officers. The Attorney General would handle the cases whether the person died in police custody or during an interaction such as a traffic stop. The law would also require that any trials of officers take place outside the county where the incident occurred. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly are also sponsors of the measure, while Assemblywomen Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Angela McKnight are co- sponsors.

“Any loss of life is tragic, but when a civilian dies in an interaction with police, we must take every precaution to ensure a fair, thorough and impartial investigation,” said Timberlake. “This bill is in no way anti-police or prosecutor. Rather this bill is designed to protect all parties as it ensures a more fair, transparent process for the public.”

Under current law, the Attorney General has the discretion to supercede or participate in any investigation, criminal action or proceeding by a county prosecutor. The Attorney General may also initiate such a proceeding. Bill A3115 amends that section of state law so that the Attorney General would automatically supercede county prosecutors in the investigation of a police- involved death, and in presenting a case to a county or state grand jury.

The bill has already passed in the Senate and was originally introduced by Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver when she held the Assembly seat currently held by Assemblywoman Timberlake. Next, the bill moves to the desk of Governor Phil Murphy.