Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Connie Wagner, Craig J. Coughlin and Elease Evans allowing police officers who have been fired due to economic reasons to avoid retaking the police training course if they are rehired within a certain timeframe is now law.
“This law makes the job hunting process easier for these police officers,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “Given the current economic times, our police officers should not have to worry about taking a course they have already gone through, in addition to finding a job.”
The new law would exempt police officers who were laid-off for economic or efficiency reasons from retaking the basic police training course, if they are rehired by their former agency or find a job with a new agency within five years from the date their employment was terminated.
Previously under the Police Training Commission policy, a police officer who has a break in service of more than three years was required to retake the basic training course.
“We all know how tough it can be to secure a job in the current economic climate,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “This will help police officers focus on the job search, without a timeline hanging over their heads.”
“Many of our police officers have lost their jobs as towns struggle to cut down costs,” said Evans (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This measure will allow our officers to get back to the important job of public safety, without worry of having to retake a course they already took.” TLS.
Sorry. I hope this bill does not get passed. FIVE YEARS is much too long of a time. This job is way too important and we simply cannot allow for any more risk involved. Let’s vote it down!
sounds fair ,really do not see any issue with this
#1 I guess you did not read the headline was already signed into law
TG read the heading— it says it WAS signed in to law which means it was passed
🙁
to TG…A police officer who is laid off and then hired by another agency, is still required to go through other mandatory training. Just because you haven’t work the road in 2, 3 or even 5 years, does not make you forget the basic principals of policing. It’s like riding a bike. You don’t forget. That being said, once an officer is re-hired, there are attorney general guidelines that mandate training for officers. Before returning to the road, an officer must complete firearms training and qualification. They are re-trained in Use of Force, Pursuit polices , Domestic violence just to name a few and this must be done within 2 weeks of an officer being re-hired. This is training that ALL officers receive twice a year to comply with the Attorney General guidelines. Sending a person back to the academy is a waste of time and TAXPAYER money.
Steven – Excellent pntios that reflect my observations and thoughts as well.A FBI agent turned lawyer…what’s the world coming to? Of course, I married an attorney, so I guess I can’t talk!–Richard