TRENTON, NJ – The Police Training Commission (PTC) in New Jersey has proposed new rules under the Police Licensing Act regarding the review of law enforcement officers’ social media usage.
These rules aim to address illegal, improper, or unprofessional conduct on social media, including biased, discriminatory, or extremist behaviors.
The proposed guidelines require law enforcement officer applicants to disclose and provide access to their social media accounts as part of background checks.
Existing officers will only need to provide access if there is probable cause of violation.
In addition to social media guidelines, the proposed rules clarify pre-employment qualifications, appeal jurisdiction, medical examination standards, and the handling of confidential records. These clarifications are in response to feedback received during prior rulemaking.