Those accused of these assaults would face second-degree charges, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $150,000. The legislation bars pleas to lesser charges. Those assaults that currently result in bodily harm to officers are third-degree crimes, carrying a five-year maximum sentence and $15,000 fine. Assaults where no bodily harm results are fourth-degree crimes, with fines of $10,000 and 18-month prison sentences.

The new law also requires those using body fluids to attack officers must submit to communicable disease testing. Assault victims would have access to those results.

“Not only have attacks on law enforcement officers been increasing, attackers have been resorting to spitting, biting, and other depraved actions that put these men and women at risk for disease,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “Would-be attackers need to know that such violence will not be tolerated.”

Officials from both the State Troopers Fraternal Association (STFA) and New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 105, which represent state troopers and correctional and parole officers, said assaults have increased exponentially over the last several years. The Department of Corrections reported in 2022 attacks on personnel jumped from 200 the previous year to 424. Nearly half of those involved body fluids. More than 10% of its 4,500-member workforce was out on leave due to assaults that year.

The law covers attacks on law enforcement officers, correctional and probation staff, paid or volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical workers. 

It is backed by numerous law enforcement and firefighter organizations, including the State Troopers Fraternal Association, NJ State PBA, PBA Local 105, Professional Firefighters Association of NJ, State Troopers Superior Officers and NCO Associations, the Fraternal Order of Police, NJ Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, Newark Superior Officers Association and National Police Association.

“Law enforcement and other emergency workers are exposed to dangers most of us can’t even imagine simply because of their line of work,” Sauickie said. “They are targets for vile attacks because of who they are and what they do. They need to know that justice will be sought if they are attacked on the job.”