New Jersey would give its State Police superintendent colonel rank

The superintendent would hold colonel rank upon Senate confirmation. The superintendent would also be entitled to wear the colonel’s uniform and have State Police members’ powers and privileges. Holding the rank would require graduation from the New Jersey State Police Academy. Anyone without an active law enforcement license would have to obtain an initial or renewed license. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment.

The governor could appoint an eligible State Police pension retiree as superintendent without requiring the person to rejoin the pension system. Eligible retirees could hold colonel rank regardless of age or retirement status. The Senate would have to approve the appointment. The retiree must have graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy, hold an active law enforcement license, and have retired in good standing before appointment. The act would take effect immediately upon enactment, but this option would apply only if the pension system could keep its qualified status under federal law.