The New Jersey Supreme Court on Tuesday handed down a split ruling to two former police officers seeking enhanced benefits after being involved in traumatic events on the job, and in the process urged lawmakers to take a new look at the relevant statute and case law.

In a unanimous decision in two consolidated cases, the court ruled that a police officer who watched passengers burn in a multi-car crash could be entitled to enhanced retirement benefits. At the same time, the court said another officer, a hostage negotiator whose target was shot and killed during negotiations, was not entitled to enhanced benefits.