This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the State Commission of Investigation, which was created by chapter 296 of the laws of 1968, on Sept. 4, 1968, to remain in effect until the end of 1974, and made permanent as embodied in N.J.S.A. 52: 9M-1 et. seq. Two of the four members of the commission are appointed by the governor, and one each by the president of the Senate and speaker of the General Assembly. Three of the four members must be an attorney, but none may hold public office or employment or have been a candidate for elective office within a year of appointment, and no more than two commissioners can belong to the same political party.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:9M-2, the commission conducts investigations into “organized crime and racketeering,” “the conduct of public officers and public employees,” “officers and employees of public corporations and authorities,” and with respect to “[a]ny matter concerning the public peace, public safety and public justice”—a broad mandate to serve as watchdog of government itself. The SCI is also charged with conducting investigations at the direction of the governor or Legislature concerning public entities, and to make recommendations for better enforcement of the laws.
