Kean convenes Warren County law enforcement roundtable to address rise in violent crime
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted a roundtable this week at Warren County Community College to address the recent surge in violent crime across Warren County and discuss strategies for prevention, law enforcement coordination, and community safety.
The discussion brought together law enforcement leaders and elected officials from across the county — including mayors, police chiefs, prosecutors, and state legislators — to share insights and identify collaborative approaches to strengthening public safety.
“Prioritizing public safety is non-negotiable,” said Congressman Kean. “In Warren County, we have seen a troubling spike in violent crime that has shaken families’ sense of security and strained local police departments. That is why I brought together law enforcement and public officials at every level of government to collaborate, share ideas, and ensure our officers are properly supported, equipped, and empowered to keep our communities safe. Working together, we can strengthen our neighborhoods and protect the future of our children and grandchildren.”
Local and state officials echoed Kean’s call for stronger cooperation and renewed focus on law enforcement support.
“We need tougher penalties for repeat offenders, an end to catch-and-release policies, and a full-court press on the fentanyl pushers and organized car-theft rings driving violence in our towns,” said State Senator Doug Steinhardt (NJ-23). “Keeping New Jersey families safe isn’t a talking point, it’s a mission.”
Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (NJ-23) added, “Keeping our communities safe must be our top priority — because if we don’t have safety, we have nothing. From the local level to Trenton and Washington, we need to ensure law enforcement has the clarity, resources, and leadership they deserve to do their jobs effectively.”
Warren County Commissioner James Kern emphasized the importance of partnership, saying, “Collaboration like this is exactly what public safety requires. Despite Trenton diverting funds away from first responders, Warren County has stepped up. Through partnerships like this, we can identify new opportunities to strengthen emergency response and keep our communities safe.”
“Trust and collaboration are the foundation of successful law enforcement,” said Warren County Acting Prosecutor Jessica Cardone. “This meeting is a testament to the dedication and commitment for the citizens we serve.”
Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza, Jr. noted that regional cooperation is essential: “Rising crime doesn’t stop at town lines, and neither should our response.”
Phillipsburg Police Chief Anthony Goodell added, “We’re a small town with big heart and grit. We recently have had big city challenges, but our officers and our community responded with love and strength.”
Washington Township Police Chief Christopher Jones, who also serves as president of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association, said, “The Washington Township Police Department is committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, and we will work collaboratively with local, county, and state law enforcement to ensure their betterment.”
Legislative Efforts to Support Law Enforcement
Kean highlighted several measures he supports in Congress to promote public safety and protect law enforcement officers, including:
- The Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 1551) and Thin Blue Line Act (H.R. 378), which increase penalties for those who target police and first responders.
- The POLICE Act (H.R. 2494), which makes assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder a deportable offense for non-U.S. nationals.
- The Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act (H.R. 27), which increases transparency around cases where prosecutors decline to charge violent offenders.
- The Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act (H.R. 5879), which would establish a research program on the use of non-lethal drones for safer policing outcomes.
The roundtable drew participation from numerous local and state agencies, including the New Jersey State Police, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Phillipsburg, Washington Township, Hackettstown, Mansfield, Blairstown, and other municipalities.
Kean said this week’s discussion marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration aimed at ensuring Warren County’s law enforcement community has the tools and support needed to respond effectively to the rise in violent crime.
