Robeling, NJ– The New Jersey Law Enforcement Officers Association represents the front line supervisors in several state law enforcement departments. One is the New Jersey Department of Corrections.  During these unprecedented times, we have called on the office of the Governor, to enact hazard pay for our members. The fact that the Governor’s limited response stated:

“The Governor’s Office is deeply appreciative of the work performed by all of the law enforcement officers and value the important contributions that they provide during these unprecedented times.  Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation that the state of New Jersey is facing due to the effects of the pandemic, the state is not in a financial position to approve a request for hazard pay.”

Makes it seem our calls have fallen on deaf ears and we have been completely disrespected as essential employees especially since it appears the New Jersey State Police have received 43 million dollars from a federal grant and the State has 2.4 Billion of federal CARES Act funds for COVID-19 related expenses such as hazard pay.  I commend businesses such as Petco and Wawa for example who have respect and admiration for their employees by compensating them for the sacrifices they are making during this pandemic.

Since declaring the National and State Emergency, the Police Sergeants of NJLESA have been on the front lines. They have been fighting COVID-19 in the public and state prisons. Like every other first responder and essential employee, our members are dealing with day to day stress of their job duties; they worry about infecting their spouse, children, sick, or elderly family members.

By providing our Police Sergeants with hazard pay, the State is showing a small gesture of gratitude for the services being performed by its front-line supervisors.

The time to act is NOW. The NJLESA is calling on Governor Murphy to compensate our members and others in the law enforcement community.