What is a Special Civil Part Officer?

A Special Civil Part Officer (SCPO) is a civil officer of the court appointed to serve and execute court-issued process in Special Civil Part matters, most commonly in landlord/tenant cases and certain post-judgment enforcement actions. SCPO’s are private contactors and not employees of the judiciary.

What a SCPO IS NOT:

·         A SPECIAL CIVIL PART OFFICER IS A CIVILIAN AND IS NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. 

·       Although some SCPO’s are retired law enforcement, most are not and none have any law enforcement authority.  Although we are issued a badge from the court, a SCPO is a civilian and cannot enforce criminal laws.  Furthermore, SCPO’s are restricted from carrying a firearm during the commission of their court duties, even if they possess a personal concealed carry permit.

SCPOs are neutral court officers. We are not attorneys, do not represent any party, and cannot provide legal advice. All actions are performed strictly pursuant to court orders, statutes, court rules, and Judiciary directives.

WHAT WE DO:
• Serve summonses and complaints in landlord/tenant matters
• Serve and execute warrants for removal (evictions) when issued by the court
• Serve certain post-judgment enforcement process as authorized by the court
• Perform court-directed duties in compliance with New Jersey law

WHAT WE DO NOT DO:
• Enforce criminal laws or act as law enforcement
• Represent landlords, tenants, creditors, or debtors
• Change, delay, or stop court orders
• Act without court authority