The bill in Trenton would prohibit such agencies, along with all counties and municipalities, from issuing badges that "may be mistaken as a law enforcement badge to any county elected official who is not elected as a law enforcement officer." | AP Photo New Jersey Senate passes bill eliminating police-style badges for officials

TRENTON — The New Jersey state Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would eliminate law enforcement-style badges for most politicians, a measure inspired by the curse-laden tirade of a former Port Authority commissioner that was caught on tape.

The measure, NJ S2858 (18R), passed by a vote of 38-0. It would bar the badges for Port Authority commissioners, NJ Transit board members and all local and state elected officials, except for county sheriffs. The bill still must pass the Assembly before heading to Gov. Phil Murphy.


“Trained law enforcement officers are the only people who should receive law enforcement badges,” Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) said in a statement. “I am glad we are clarifying this distinction and making sure only proper law enforcement personnel are able to carry and utilize these badges.”

The legislation comes after former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Commissioner Caren Turner flashed her badge and boasted of her position at the agency when she showed up to a March traffic stop in which her daughter was a passenger. Police dash cam video showed Turner berating and insulting the two police officers involved, telling one of the officers, "you may shut the f--- up."

Turner, who led the Port Authority's ethics committee and works in public relations, resigned from the agency in April after its leadership learned of the incident, which was first reported by POLITICO. The video of the incident went viral. The agency has since changed its policy internally, requiring all board members to turn in their badges.

The bill in Trenton would prohibit such agencies, along with all counties and municipalities, from issuing badges that "may be mistaken as a law enforcement badge to any county elected official who is not elected as a law enforcement officer." It defines "law enforcement officer" as a person empowered to act for the detection, apprehension, arrest, conviction, detention or rehabilitation of persons in violation of the law.

“Only individuals with the proper training and credentials should be issued law enforcement badges,” Sen. Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and a sponsor, said in a statement. “This legislation protects both our law enforcement officers and the general public.”