Assembly passes bill allowing counties to be reimbursed for oversight of state police departments

TRENTON, N.J. – County prosecutors who are required to oversee state or interstate law enforcement agencies are eligible for reimbursement under a bill approved today by the Assembly.

Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney sponsors the legislation (A4223) requiring the state to pay for investigations or other expenses incurred by counties like Bergen for oversight of the Palisades Parkway Police Department.

“Prosecutor’s offices can spend countless man hours and resources examining procedural problems, scandals or even crimes within police departments,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “They shouldn’t have to worry about finding money within their own budgets to pay for this added burden while investigating possible corruption within local departments. When the work is for the state it should be on the state’s dime.”

Bergen prosecutors spent eight months examining the Palisades department for violations of guidelines for high-speed chases and investigations of officer misconduct. The office also examined deaths of suspects and a scandal involving the police chief.

The measure allows counties to submit documentation to the treasurer seeking retroactive reimbursement.

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