BERNARDSVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) Monday hosted a roundtable to address rising crime in New Jersey with County Sheriffs and Undersheriffs from Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, Morris, Warren, and Sussex.
Crime has increased in New Jersey’s suburbs, including home break-ins, catalytic converter thefts, and local small businesses being robbed.
“Just last week, a carjacking suspect was on the loose along Route 22, putting lives at risk in Union County. Police advised residents to stay indoors and secure their doors,” Kean said. “By addressing and curbing recent crime outbreaks, we are not only safeguarding the well-being of our businesses and children but also creating an environment conducive to business growth. As we celebrate National Police Week, we are reminded of the commitment men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. I thank the Sheriffs and Undersheriffs who attended the roundtable and I look forward to continuing working together so we can keep our communities safe.”
“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Congressman Kean to discuss law enforcement related issues that are affecting the residents of Sussex County,” said Michael Strada, Sussex County Sheriff. “It was an important opportunity to meet with not only Congressman Kean, but with the other Sheriffs and Undersheriffs, to share their respective county’s concerns. I appreciated the time well spent with Congressman Kean and look forward to more discussions in the future.”
“People across the State of New Jersey are being victimized by car thieves, home burglaries, and perpetrators of fraud,” said James M. Gannon, Morris County Sheriff. “I stand united with all my law enforcement colleagues and our State legislators, as we work together to tackle these problems. Our strong partnerships with likeminded, sensible approaches to solutions are what will ultimately improve the lives of all New Jerseyans.”
Congressman Kean hosted a roundtable last year with local officials to address the rising crime rates in the district.
Other key efforts Congressman Kean has taken to fight rising crime rates and to protect law enforcement include:
- Introduced the Fight Against Fentanyl Act, legislation that would amend the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, to allow for the provision of fentanyl test kits and opioid reversal agents by state and local law enforcement agencies.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Rutherford’s Protect and Serve Act of 2023, establishing new criminal penalties for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and attempting to cause serious bodily harm.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Malliotakis’ Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act, requiring certain state and local prosecutors to report data on criminal referrals and outcomes of cases involving murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, or any offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Baird’s Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act (PART), legislation to establish requirements for motor vehicles related to catalytic converters and other motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Buck’s Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023, a bill to expand federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail crime.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Malliotakis’ H.Res 69, a resolution that recognizes and appreciates the dedication and devotion demonstrated by the men and women of law enforcement. It also condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.
- Co-sponsoring Rep. Gottheimer’s Invest to Protect Act of 2023, legislation that would direct the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to award grants to local and tribal governments that employ fewer than 200 law enforcement officers.
