NJSACOP Voices Support for Statewide Police Licensing Program

TRENTON – MAY 18, 2022 – The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) is pleased the state is taking a significant step forward to achieve licensure for all police officers, following support from Gov. Phil Murphy and the two police unions.

It is gratifying to see a shared singular goal for a “best practices” approach towards licensing the state’s nearly 40,000 law enforcement officers. NJSACOP has consistently voiced support for a police licensure program that is robust enough to apply to small and large agencies, alike, with clear and unambiguous standards, a due process component that applies practical measures to encumber licenses, as appropriate, and offers transparency in public notice.

New Jersey is one of a small number of states that does not have a uniform body of standards to support the professional development of each law enforcement officer. Our state has not taken the natural next step – until this moment – to establish the important official licensure.

NJSACOP – one of the state’s premiere law enforcement organizations since 1912 – provides our membership ongoing opportunities to apply “best practices” in leadership, management and operational practices.   The goal: enhance community engagement, trust and confidence.  We believe licensure is another step toward meeting that goal.

NJSACOP fully agrees it is time to move law enforcement in New Jersey to the highest level of professionalism through licensure. We look forward to working with Gov. Phil Murphy and the state Legislature in the development of set standards and a due process component that is fair, equitable and transparent to the public, further strengthening trust and confidence within all communities.