Panel advances Bucco bill Helping counties fill sheriff and correction officer openings with diverse, trained candidates

NEW JERSEY – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would allow the Civil Service Commission to exempt entry-level sheriff’s officer and correctional police officer positions from civil service examinations was cleared by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Under the bill, S-4099, a candidate who has successfully completed a full Basic Course for Police Officers training at a school authorized by the New Jersey Police Training Commission would be exempt from testing.

“This would make it easier and faster to fill these career-oriented positions with well-trained, prepared and diversified candidates,” Bucco (R-25) said. “Our county sheriff’s and correction officers should reflect the communities they serve, and if enacted, this bill will help fill vacancies with qualified officers of various backgrounds and cultures without the long delays associated with civil service testing.”

Earlier in the legislative session, a similar bill (S-3220) was approved and signed into law that allowed the same Civil Service exemption for law enforcement officers who had completed the Basic Course for Police Officers as well.

This bill expands the intent of the earlier measure, emphasizing the inclusion of county sheriff’s officers and correctional police.