New Jersey Assembly Bill A4436

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/15/22
• Refer: 9/15/22

Caption

Establishes "Law Enforcement Addiction Intervention Pilot Program" in Burlington County; appropriates $75,000.

Impact

One of the core components of A4436 is the creation of a county-wide addiction intervention task force, which will operate under the Attorney General's guidance. This task force is designed to proactively identify individuals at risk of overdose and connect them with addiction services. Law enforcement officers across 15 participating agencies will receive training to better handle interactions with individuals struggling with substance use, emphasizing de-escalation techniques and resources available for treatment.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4436 establishes an 'Law Enforcement Addiction Intervention Pilot Program' in Burlington County, aimed at addressing the needs of nonviolent offenders struggling with substance use disorders. This 18-month pilot program focuses on referring individuals charged with disorderly persons offenses, as well as others addicted to controlled substances, into appropriate treatment programs rather than pursuing traditional arrest processes. The bill appropriates $75,000 from the General Fund to support the program's operations.

Contention

However, the bill has generated discussion and some contention related to public safety and law enforcement's role in managing addiction. Critics argue that by removing the threat of arrest for certain possession offenses, the bill could inadvertently encourage drug use or create a lack of accountability among offenders. Supporters, in contrast, advocate that this program provides a humane and effective pathway to recovery, reducing recidivism rates by treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.