New licensing regulations set to take effect in 2024 will require police officers in New Jersey to provide access to their social media accounts and disclose any organizational affiliations, according to Attorney General Matt Platkin who announced the new rules on Monday.
The purpose of the disclosure is to identify officers with bigoted views or those who pose a threat of attempting to overthrow the government. In a statement, Platkin expressed his belief that the proposed rules will help rebuild public trust in law enforcement.
Also, in order to renew their licenses, officers will be required to undergo psychological evaluations and participate in training courses. Veteran officers who are currently in good standing will receive temporary licenses automatically when the new regulations are implemented, but they will need to adhere to the guidelines to have their license renewed.
Until recently, New Jersey was among the few states in the U.S. without a police licensing system. However, in 2022, Governor Phil Murphy signed the “Police Licensure Act,” which mandates that all law enforcement officers in New Jersey must obtain a license. The act established the Police Training Commission (PTC), which is responsible for creating and enforcing the regulations. The final approval of the new rules is currently pending.