52:27D-43.17i Panel to Study Domestic Violence in the Law Enforcement Community.

9. a. The board shall establish a Panel to Study Domestic Violence in the Law Enforcement Community. The purpose of the panel is to: examine issues associated with incidents of domestic violence perpetrated by law enforcement officials and, as appropriate, specific cases; evaluate the responses of State and local agencies and organizations to incidents of domestic violence perpetrated by law enforcement officials; and develop strategies to prevent domestic violence-related fatalities and near fatalities among law enforcement officials and their families.

The panel shall examine issues, which shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) the education of law enforcement officials on the consequences of committing acts of domestic violence;

(2) the provision of support services to law enforcement officials in high-risk situations, including cases of separation and divorce;

(3) the provision of support services to victims of domestic violence who are the family members of law enforcement officials, including information about and referral to community organizations that provide medical, mental health and legal services to victims of domestic violence; and

(4) the development of Statewide policies and procedures regarding the identification and disposition of cases of domestic violence perpetrated by law enforcement officials.

b. The panel shall be composed of volunteer members, including representatives from the law enforcement community and experts in the field of domestic violence.

c. The members of the panel:

(1) shall not disclose to any person or government official any identifying information about a specific case of domestic violence perpetrated by a law enforcement official with respect to which the panel is provided information; and

(2) shall not make public other information unless authorized by State statute.

d. The panel shall have access to information necessary to carry out its functions. The panel is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available for the purposes of effectuating the provisions of this act.

e. The panel shall prepare and make available to the public and the board, on an annual basis, a report containing a summary of its activities.

f. The panel may receive grants and other funds made available from any governmental, public, private, nonprofit or for-profit agency, including funds made available under any federal or State law, regulation or program.

L.2003,c.225,s.9.