Acting Governor Scutari signs legislation expanding PFRS purchase credit to include class two special law enforcement service

NEW JERSEY – Acting Governor Nick Scutari Thursday 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,” Scutari said. “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.

“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.”