S2868

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner, which creates the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards within the Department of Law and Public Safety was signed into law today.

“Through the creation of this new office, this law will enable us to keep a closer eye on the progress that is being made to curb racial profiling here in New Jersey,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex, a former Newark detective. “There is still some work left to be done, but we are moving closer to ensuring that all motorists are treated fairly and with dignity when using our roadways.”

“We count on police officers to protect our safety and well-being, but we also expect them to do so in a fair and unbiased fashion,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “This legislation is about ensuring that law enforcement officers follow the proper procedures when conducting routine traffic stops and dealing with the public in general.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner, which would create an Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards within the Department of Law and Public Safety was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

“After hearing from the Advisory Council on Police Standards, as well as State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, it is evident that strides have been made to help curb racial profiling by law enforcement here in New Jersey,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex, a former Newark detective. “The creation of this new office is necessary to help this progress continue.”

“This bill would help to make sure that law enforcement follows all of the proper procedures when conducting routine traffic stops,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “This is about ensuring that old racial profiling practices are a thing of the past. All motorists who choose to use New Jersey’s roadways should be treated fairly and with respect.”