Christie wants changes to police diversity training bill

Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a bill that would require every law enforcement agency in New Jersey, including campus police departments, to develop and administer a cultural diversity training course.

In his veto message, Christie says cultural diversity training helps promote interaction between police and the communities they serve.

However, Christie says law enforcement officers currently receive a significant amount of cultural diversity education. The Republican is concerned the bill would create more than 500 potentially inconsistent plans.

Christie also is worried the legislation would be viewed under the constitution as an unfunded mandate.

The governor is proposing lawmakers require the Law and Public Safety Department to create uniform cultural diversity training courses, which the attorney general could require departments to follow.

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