TASER® Blog

New Jersey is the ONLY state in the nation where it is illegal for law enforcement to use TASER devices or other electronic control devices (ECDs) in protecting their communities. Prohibiting those who have sworn to protect and to serve from utilizing this life-saving technology is not only outdated thinking, but it puts both the officers and the communities at risk.  

Electronic weapons and stun guns have been prohibited for use by law enforcement and the general public in New Jersey since 1985 — nine years before TASER International was founded. The only other three states to totally prohibit law enforcement from using stun devices have already changed their laws to allow officers to carry electronic control devices — Massachusetts (2004), Michigan (2002), and Hawaii (2001).  

For more than three years, the Attorney General of New Jersey has considered allowing New Jersey law enforcement officers to use ECDs. Under New Jersey law, the Attorney General can grant permission for law enforcement to use these life-saving devices — yet she refuses.   

Two years ago, Attorney General Ann Milgram formed a committee to review and evaluate alternative law enforcement use of force options, including ECDs and stun guns. While the committee has made recommendations regarding certain “less-lethal” ammunition — such as rubber bullets and bean bag rounds — they have yet to make any recommendations on TASER brand devices or any other ECDs, leaving law enforcement agencies across New Jersey, who know the value of ECDs, wanting and waiting to deploy.

The time for action is now. The lack of movement by the Attorney General on this critical issue is not only endangering the safety of New Jersey officers, it may also have precluded New Jersey communities from taking advantage of the more than $2.8 billion in federal stimulus monies targeted for law enforcement and community policing technologies. The deadline for submitting applications to the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program is soon approaching. Without immediate action from the Attorney General, or the legislature, permitting the use of ECDs by law enforcement in New Jersey, cash-strapped communities will miss an unprecedented opportunity to apply for federal assistance for purchasing this revolutionary technology, without putting undue strain on already tight budgets.

The New Jersey State Senate is also considering the use of ECDs. S-182, a bill to authorize certain law enforcement officers and corrections officers to possess and use stun guns while on duty, has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veteran’s Affairs Committee. However, the Senate has not taken further action on the legislation, citing a need for the Attorney General to finish her report on stun guns and ECDs. It’s time for either the legislature or the Attorney General to step up and be accountable on this important safety issue.

ECDs are saving lives, reducing injuries and saving precious taxpayer dollars in workman’s compensation and litigation in the communities across the United States patrolled by the nearly 14,000 law enforcement agencies that carry TASER devices — except in New Jersey!   

It is time that Attorney General Milgram and Senate President Richard Codey stop ducking the issue and act. Calls from law enforcement and the general public in New Jersey who agree may help persuade them to become leaders for a change. Their numbers are: 

Attorney General Ann Milgram: 609-292-4925

Senate President Richard Codey: 973-731-6770

New Jersey is a distinctive state with a unique beauty, heritage and people. Being the last state to prohibit the use of a technology proven to protect life is not a distinction worthy of this great state. Law enforcement officers in New Jersey deserve to have the benefits of electronic control devices, just like they do in all 49 other states in the nation.