SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 691

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 13, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 691.

      This bill grants duly appointed probation officers Statewide police powers.

      Under the provisions of the bill, probation officers who are appointed in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.2A:168-5 and who successfully complete a police training program approved by the Police Training Commission are empowered to act as officers for the detection, apprehension, arrest and conviction of offenders against the law and shall have full power of arrest for any crime committed in their presence anywhere within the State.

      The bill also authorizes duly appointed and trained probation officers to carry a firearm while in the actual performance of their duties. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, the probation officer is required to complete a basic police training course administered by the Police Training Commission. The officer also must qualify annually in the use of a revolver or similar weapon.