TRENTON – Acting Governor Nick Scutari on Aug 22nd, signed legislation, A2884/S2070, enabling members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to purchase credit for service as a class two special law enforcement officer in New Jersey.

Currently, PFRS members can purchase up to 10 years of credit for out-of-state public employment, employment with the U.S. Government, or military service, with an additional five years of credit for military service permitted for qualifying members with veteran status. This legislation expands PFRS credit purchase options to also include service as a class two special law enforcement officer with a public employer in New Jersey, prior to becoming a PFRS member.

Existing PFRS members will have one year from the effective date of the bill to apply for a purchase of credit for prior service as a class two special law enforcement officer.

“Every day, New Jersey’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Acting Governor Nick Scutari. “With this legislation, we are ensuring years of service as a class two special law enforcement officer can be counted toward a PFRS member’s pension, enabling members of our state’s law enforcement community to retire with greater financial stability after a career spent protecting New Jersey residents.”

Class two special law enforcement officers are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer. They are required to complete a course approved by the Police Training Commission and are fully trained in physical fitness, criminal law, patrol concepts, firearms, vehicle operation, defensive tactics, handcuffing, and arrest, search, and seizure. 

Sponsors of A2884/S2070 include Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly.

“Class 2 Police Officers perform invaluable service and support municipalities around the state and are often called upon to complement full-line officers to afford departments a greater flexibility during peak demand,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “It is only fair that these officers, who are duly qualified and fully-trained, be allowed to purchase credit for their time spent in the Class 2 officer ranks.”

"I'm pleased this bill has been signed into law," said Senator Vince Polistina. "Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers play an essential role in maintaining the safety of our communities. Providing them with access to PFRS credits is not just the right thing to do, it's our obligation to honor their service and commitment to our State. This is a small but important way to recognize the brave men and women in blue."

"With the signing of this legislation, we ensure that the brave men and women who serve as class two special law enforcement officers receive the recognition and retirement benefits they deserve," said Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli. "By allowing them to purchase credit in the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, we are honoring their service and securing their future."

"Class two special law enforcement officers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this bill provides that their service is acknowledged and valued," said Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak. "They deserve the same opportunity to retire as full-time officers through the PFRS."

"These officers often put their lives on the line without the promise of long-term benefits," said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly. "By giving these officers the ability to purchase credit in PFRS, we recognize their dedication and the sacrifices they make to protect our communities."

“The bill resolves a long existing inequity to ensure all Class 2 special police officers, past, present and future, can apply their service towards their retirement as full time officers,” said New Jersey State PBA President Pete Andreyev. “We are grateful to our sponsors, the Senate President, Speaker and Governor for agreeing with us to make this simple yet very meaningful change.”