New Jersey has been one of the leading states in criminal justice reform during Gov. Phil Murphy’s two terms, although advocates haven’t gotten all the policies they have been seeking. The next NJ governor could bring major changes to those initiatives especially if Republican Jack Ciattarelli defeats Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) in Tuesday’s election.
Directives from the state attorney general govern many policing actions. Police officers must use force only when necessary and report all use-of-force incidents to a public database. Internal affairs investigations and major discipline are also made public. These policies, along with restrictions on high-speed pursuits, were key parts of Murphy’s reforms. However, since these are directives rather than laws, the next NJ governor could alter them swiftly through a new attorney general.
While the NJ governor has no control over federal immigration policy, Murphy’s attorney general created the “immigrant trust directive,” limiting local police cooperation with federal agents unless there’s a judicial warrant. Ciattarelli has said ending this directive would be “executive order number one, on day one.”
Marijuana has been legal for adult use since 2021, though home growing remains banned. Police are limited in what actions they can take against minors in possession.
If Ciattarelli becomes NJ governor, he pledges to overhaul many of these reforms. He has vowed to change use-of-force and police pursuit policies and to reduce public reporting of discipline cases. Ciattarelli argues this will help officers focus more on public safety and less on paperwork.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, frames his campaign around being “tough on crime,” saying he will “remove the handcuffs from police.” His critics point to FBI data showing that crime has fallen in most categories, though he cites local increases in assaults and thefts.
In contrast, Sherrill’s campaign emphasizes evidence-based policing. She supports programs like ARRIVE Together, pairing mental health professionals with officers. If elected NJ governor, she says she would fund technology such as license plate readers to reduce auto theft and improve community trust.
Sherrill also supports programs addressing recidivism and improving reentry services for former inmates. She says a future NJ governor must ensure incarcerated individuals gain job skills and mental health care before release.
Ultimately, this election could reshape nearly every criminal justice reform enacted over the past eight years. Whether voters choose Sherrill or Ciattarelli, the next NJ governor will set the tone for New Jersey’s future in policing, incarceration, and justice reform.
