The Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Personnel chairs six Advisory Boards. In addition to the role as liaison to DOP, the Boards provide recommendations on policies that may affect their day-to-day responsibilities, and provide proposals in areas that need improvement.

Police Advisory Board includes representatives from the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Latino Law Enforcement Society, and Men and Women for Justice. The newly diversified board provides recommendations from rank and file members on policies that affect the day to day responsibilities of the law enforcement community.

Fire Advisory Board includes representatives from the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) and the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters [IAFF]). The Fire Advisory Board also includes representatives from fire chiefs, minority, and women’s fire fighter associations. These Boards receive updates regarding Department of Personnel activities in the areas of testing, Merit System rule changes, and special activities such as the provision of stress counseling to police and fire fighters. Also included are reviews of recent court and Merit System Board decisions that affect firefighters.

Labor Advisory Board consists of representatives from the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and the FOP. Also on the Board are representatives from unions representing non-uniformed county and local government employees. The Board provides critical advice on policies and procedures affecting their members and assists in the development of new initiatives to attract, train and retain a high quality local, county and state workforce.

Local Government Advisory Board is made up of local representatives from County government, Municipal government and authorities/boards that are members of the Merit System. The members provide input on emerging issues and concerns, and provide feedback on DOP proposals, initiatives and operations.

The aim of this Board is to improve relations with our local government customers. This forum gives the Commissioner and her senior staff a formal opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of the impact of our service delivery. It also serves as one of the forums used to assess customer satisfaction.

Personnel and Affirmative Action Advisory Board is comprised of Personnel staff and Affirmative Action representatives from all State agencies. By combining these two groups, DOP is able to gain the input and advice from the entire human resource community and ensure that both populations are equally well informed and able to offer State employees the most reliable information available. It provides an opportunity to introduce new initiatives and programs to human resource professionals and to gain their feedback as well. It also provides a networking and development opportunity for professionals in the field of human resources.

Cop-2-Cop Advisory Board recently convened by Commissioner Castro provides recommendations on the operation of the law enforcement intervention hotline known as Cop-2-Cop. Members of the Advisory Board include all of the major law enforcement unions, University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, University Behavioral Health Care, trained professionals, and volunteers. The critical insight and contributions of the distinguished members of the Board will enable DOP to ensure that the hotline reaches those in need, provides the type and quality of services required, and receives the funding and other essential support required to reach the goals established by the New Jersey Legislature and the Governor.