$7 Million in Grants Awarded to 20 New Jersey Law Enforcement Agencies for Gun Violence Combat Technology

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that 20 law enforcement agencies across the state will receive a total of $7 million in grants to acquire and expand technologies to combat gun violence. The funds, provided by the Murphy Administration using federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, will be used to purchase gunshot detection technology aimed at improving first responder reaction times and reducing instances of retaliatory violence.

The grants, ranging from $20,000 to nearly $2 million, will be awarded to law enforcement agencies in 13 counties, as well as the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). The technology made available through these grants is expected to enhance intelligence-led policing and prosecution strategies, allowing law enforcement and first responders to quickly react and deploy to shooting events.

Governor Murphy emphasized that combating gun violence remains a top priority for his administration, and these grants are a testament to their persistent efforts. Attorney General Platkin echoed his sentiments, stating that the investment in cutting-edge technology will make communities safer and save lives.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, expressed his gratitude for the allocation of the grant, highlighting how gunshot detection technology offers law enforcement additional resources to pinpoint the location of gun violence and identify violent offenders.

The grants were awarded through a competitive process open to all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey serving communities with an increase in violent crime, gun violence, and/or auto theft. The funds will be used to purchase or enhance a fully integrated network of three distinct systems: acoustic detectors, video management technology, and automatic license plate readers. These systems will help first responders render lifesaving medical aid to victims of gun violence and assist law enforcement in identifying shooters more quickly.

Among the grant recipients are the City of Atlantic City, Atlantic County, which will receive $333,700; Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Bergen County, receiving $336,500; and the City of Newark Department of Public Safety, Essex County, receiving the highest grant amount of $1,019,418. The New Jersey State Police will also receive a substantial grant of $1,985,671.

All eligible grant applications were fully funded, with projects ranging in scope from enhancing existing gunshot detection technology to purchasing new systems. Recipients will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in compliance with the grant terms.

The federal ARP grants were made available to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. Violent crime is recognized as a public health challenge that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2022, Governor Murphy announced his intention to invest ARP funding in gunshot technology grants. Attorney General Platkin subsequently opened the grant application process to eligible law enforcement agencies in September.

The full eligibility and application requirements, as well as the Notices of Available Funds (NOAFs) and Application Guidelines/Instructions for this grant program, can be found online at www.njoag.gov/resources/grant-opportunities/notices-of-available-funds/.

The following is a list of grant recipients and the amount of funding they will receive: