TRENTON, N.J. – A significant development in law enforcement standards has been enacted in New Jersey with the Police Licensure Act, effective as of January 1. This state law, initially signed by Governor Phil Murphy in July 2022, mandates that all of New Jersey’s roughly 40,500 police officers must hold active licenses issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) to serve in their roles.
The law aims to enhance professional standards among law enforcement officers, ensuring they remain in good standing, meet uniform professional criteria, and receive ongoing training in best practices.
This move positions policing as a licensed profession in New Jersey, with objectives to improve officer development, safety, and public trust.
Existing officers have been issued initial licenses valid for one, two, or three years, with renewals staggered to prevent simultaneous renewal of all officers. Renewal requires certification of good moral character, training completion, and absence of conduct that could warrant denial.
The PTC also holds authority to suspend or revoke licenses, thereby addressing issues of accountability and preventing officers with disciplinary problems from evading consequences.