Monday, December 16, 2013

Sen. Bucco: On Police Hires, Give Veterans Preference

The New Jersey State Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) to enhance the New Jersey State Police — which is experiencing historic turnover right now — with military veterans.

“The people of New Jersey can be better protected and served if the State Police has a clear path to hire more military veterans,” Bucco said. “With their vast and profound experiences in dangerous, life threatening and fast-paced environments, military veterans become some of the best law enforcement officers. Our heroes and heroines are just what the State Police needs right now to help address historic levels of turnover.”

Senator Bucco’s S2807 requires the State Police to provide a hiring preference to military veterans. Currently at the local levels, veterans who take the Civil Service Commission’s entry level law enforcement exam are eligible for veteran’s preference.

An identical measure in the Assembly is still awaiting a committee hearing.

The Star-Ledger reported on Sunday concerns that the State Police is enduring a historic amount of retirements (220 troopers so far this year).

“I urge the Assembly to work with us in advancing this critical measure to give the State Police more resources in their effort to regenerate a full force,” Bucco concluded.

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