New Jersey Assembly Bill A5394

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/23
• Refer: 5/8/23

Caption

Requires law enforcement develop protocol for social media in certain circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, A5394 would create a binding obligation on both the New Jersey State Police and local police departments, compelling them to establish clear operational guidelines for their social media practices concerning sensitive information. This legislative change is aimed at enhancing public safety by mitigating the risks of innocent individuals facing undue scrutiny from residual social media posts, thereby protecting their civil liberties and opportunities for employment or social reintegration.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5394 proposes a legislative requirement for law enforcement agencies in New Jersey to develop and implement protocols for posting and subsequently removing information related to missing and wanted persons on social media platforms. This bill is introduced with the intent to ensure that outdated information, which can lead to potential harm for individuals who are no longer wanted or missing, is expeditiously addressed. The protocols must include a timeline for removing such postings, specifically within six months once the cases are resolved, either by the person being found or charges being dismissed.

Contention

The bill aims to address a gap in current legislation, where there is no existing requirement for law enforcement to delete or update social media alerts once individuals are no longer wanted or missing. While the overall intent of the bill is broadly supported in the context of safeguarding individual rights, discussions may arise regarding the manner in which these protocols are implemented, including concerns over timely removal and accuracy of posts during ongoing investigations.