NJ A4197

State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies in New Jersey must establish pregnancy policies for female officers who have completed entry-level probation requirements.

Pregnant officers may continue full-duty work until they and their physician determine otherwise; agencies cannot force maternity duty assignments or leave without compelling medical or public safety reasons.

Maternity duty assignments include nonhazardous work such as report writing, radio operation, and clerical functions, while prohibiting patrol duties, defensive tactics training, standing over 30-minute intervals, lifting over 25 pounds, and contact with inmates.

Pregnant officers are exempt from mandatory handgun qualification requirements and must surrender department-issued firearms if beyond the qualification period until re-qualified after returning to full-duty status.

Officers returning from pregnancy-related absences of 30+ days must complete reintegration procedures including medical fitness documentation, meetings with commanding officers, and individualized reorientation programs that may include lactation accommodations.