New Jersey Seeks Overhaul of Policing Standards to Limit Force, Boost De-escalation

Assembly bill mandates new statewide policy on use of force, reporting, and medical aid requirements for officers

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require the state Attorney General to overhaul the state's law enforcement use-of-force policy for the first time since 2001. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, mandates a full rewrite of the policy to establish uniform statewide standards on when and how officers can apply force, as well as new requirements for de-escalation, intervention, reporting, and medical assistance.

Why it matters

The proposed reforms aim to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve by creating consistent, transparent expectations for police use of force across New Jersey. The measure reflects mounting calls for modernized policing standards and oversight in the state.

The details

Assembly Bill A3280 requires the Attorney General to publish a revised statewide policy detailing the appropriate use of physical and deadly force by law enforcement officers. The new guidelines would prohibit force beyond what is proportional to the threat or offense, mandate de-escalation and crisis intervention tactics when feasible, and establish strict reporting and intervention requirements for officers who witness potential excessive force. The policy would also set standards for providing medical assistance to anyone injured during an incident and expand training on vulnerable populations.

  • The Attorney General must issue the revised statewide policy within eight months of the law's enactment.
  • The bill, pre-filed for the 2024–2025 legislative session, reflects mounting calls for uniform, transparent policing standards and oversight.

The players

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

The sponsor of Assembly Bill A3280, representing parts of Mercer and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey.

New Jersey Attorney General

The state official who would be required to rewrite New Jersey's police use-of-force policy under the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“The measure ensures 'clear, modern, and community-focused' rules that emphasize restraint, accountability, and the preservation of life.”

— Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

What’s next

If enacted, the Attorney General would have seven months to prepare the updated rules and an additional month to publish the full policy publicly. Once issued, the new guidelines would replace the 2001-era standards that currently govern all New Jersey police agencies.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects a broader push in New Jersey to modernize policing standards and increase transparency and accountability, with the goal of rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.