New Jersey Assembly Bill A2916

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Permits members of Community Emergency Response Teams to perform traffic duties under certain circumstances.

Impact

The implementation of A2916 could significantly enhance emergency response capabilities in New Jersey. By allowing CERT members to direct traffic during critical times, local law enforcement can focus on higher-priority tasks while ensuring public safety remains a top priority. The bill aims to create a more organized approach to traffic management during emergencies, potentially reducing congestion and improving response times for emergency services.

Summary

Bill A2916, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, permits members of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to perform traffic duties during emergencies and disasters. The bill outlines that a volunteer team may appoint qualified members to serve as traffic officers for a term of up to five years. To qualify, members must pass a physical examination, complete a basic training course approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission, and take an oath of service. This structured qualification process ensures that members can effectively manage traffic in emergency situations while awaiting the arrival of authorized law enforcement officers.

Contention

While many may view A2916 as a step forward in enhancing community safety, there might also be concerns regarding the training and authority of CERT members. Opponents may argue that permitting volunteers to manage traffic could lead to inconsistencies in execution or misunderstandings of their authority, particularly when managing situations where law enforcement presence is crucial. The bill explicitly states that CERT traffic officers do not supersede legal authority during their duties, which is a critical point to ensure clarity on their roles and responsibilities.