New Jersey Introduces SB2656, Bill That Would Expose Police Misconduct

New Jersey is one of 21 states where police disciplinary records are confidential but a new bill may change that.

07.15.20 By Michelle Feldman

New Jersey Introduces SB2656, Bill That Would Expose Police Misconduct

The Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints over his career — yet only ever received two written reprimands — has reignited calls for police discipline and accountability throughout the U.S. Officer Chauvin, like many others, had faced little to no consequences for any wrongdoing in his career. Allowing the public to have access to law enforcement disciplinary histories is the first step in stopping police from brutalizing and wrongfully convicting innocent people.

New Jersey is one of 21 states where police disciplinary records are confidential. That could change with new legislation, Senate Bill 2656, currently being considered by state lawmakers to make information about misconduct available under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act. Here is how the bill could improve the legal system.