NJ Attorney General Announces Three Public Sessions on Police Use‑of‑Force Policy
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced three public listening sessions to gather community feedback on the state’s police use‑of‑force policy. The meetings will be held in Trenton, Elizabeth and Pleasantville on November 10, 12 and 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Why the sessions are taking place
State law requires the Attorney General to review the Use of Force Policy every two years and to propose changes when needed. The review process includes input from a broad range of stakeholders, such as religious leaders, civil‑rights groups, police officers, youth organizations and victims’ advocates. Their comments will help shape any amendments the AG considers.
Recent updates to the policy
The most recent 2024 revision focused on incidents involving barricaded individuals, especially those experiencing mental‑health, behavioral or substance‑use crises. Officers must now call designated tactical teams equipped with less‑lethal weapons, such as tasers, and wait for those resources unless immediate action is required to prevent serious injury or death.
How the public can take part
Anyone who wants to attend, either as an audience member or a speaker, must pre‑register online at https://www.njoag.gov/force-sessions/. A Spanish version of the site is also available at https://www.njoag.gov/force-sessions-esp. Registrants will receive details about the venue and how to participate.
What this means for ordinary New Jersey residents
The policy governs how police may use force in everyday encounters, from traffic stops to mental‑health crises. Changes could affect how quickly officers intervene, what tools they may use, and how often they must call in specialized teams. Residents who have interacted with police, or who work with vulnerable populations, may see new safeguards aimed at protecting both officers and the public.
When talking to a lawyer may help
Individuals who feel their rights were violated under the current use‑of‑force rules, or who are involved in ongoing investigations, may want to consult a criminal‑defense or civil‑rights attorney to understand how any policy changes could impact their case.
What this means: our conclusions
- Good newsCommunity input can shape police practices
The sessions give ordinary citizens a chance to influence how officers respond to crises, potentially leading to safer outcomes for both police and the public.
- Good newsNew safeguards may limit force use
Requiring tactical teams and less‑lethal weapons before engaging barricaded individuals could reduce unnecessary lethal force.
- What to watchPolice departments will need to adapt
Officers must train on the updated protocols and coordinate with crisis teams and less‑lethal equipment.
- What to doShare your experience now
Submitting comments before the policy is finalized ensures your perspective is considered in any amendments.
- What to doLegal counsel may be useful for past incidents
If you believe you were harmed under the current policy, a lawyer can help assess whether changes affect your rights or claims.
- Office of the Attorney General njoag.gov
- English njoag.gov
- Spanish njoag.gov
- https://www.njoag.gov/force-sessions/ njoag.gov
- https://www.njoag.gov/force-sessions-esp njoag.gov
This article is general information based on New Jersey Attorney General and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 22, 2026.
Source: New Jersey Attorney General
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