Out of Work Cops Might Get Some Help

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee has approved a bill that would exempt police officers who were laid-off for budget or efficiency reasons from retaking the basic police training course, if they’re rehired by their former agency or find a job with a new agency within five years from the date their employment was terminated. Under the current Police Training Commission policy, a police officer who has a break in service of more than three years is required to retake the basic training course.

“This bill would make the job hunting process easier for these police officers,” says Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen), one of the measure’s sponsors. “Given the current economic times, our police officers should not have to worry about taking a course they have already gone through, in addition to finding a job.”