MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — One year after New Jersey enacted stricter laws targeting home invasion crimes, Morris County law enforcement leaders are reflecting on the impact of the legislation and the county’s collaborative efforts to keep residents safe.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Sheriff James Gannon, and Florham Park Police Chief and Morris County Police Chiefs Association Vice President Joseph Orlando said the new law has strengthened accountability for offenders and enhanced public safety.
The law, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Oct. 16, 2024, created two new classifications — home invasion burglary and residential burglary. The legislation, supported by Morris County law enforcement and sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco and other bipartisan lawmakers, was introduced after a rise in burglaries that evolved from vehicle thefts to criminals entering occupied homes.
Residential burglary, a second-degree crime, applies when someone enters a residence to commit an offense. Home invasion burglary, a first-degree crime, applies when a person enters a home, commits an offense, and either inflicts bodily injury or is armed with a deadly weapon. Both carry a presumption of incarceration.
Since the law took effect, Morris County has charged suspects in six home invasion burglaries, one conspiracy to commit home invasion, 18 residential burglaries, 18 conspiracies to commit residential burglary, and six attempts to commit residential burglary.
Prosecutor Carroll said the law was developed in response to community concerns about increasingly dangerous burglary patterns.
“Last year, members of the public and our municipal police chiefs shared their concerns with my Office about the dangers posed by home invasion burglars,” Carroll said. “These enhanced penalties not only hold offenders accountable for heinous crimes but also serve to deter career criminals from recruiting juveniles into their criminal organizations. Morris County will not hesitate to aggressively use the new law, when appropriate, to hold those who violate the sanctity of our residents’ homes accountable.”
Carroll credited strong partnerships between county and state law enforcement, including the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, for helping reduce burglary and auto theft rates.
A key component of that effort has been the Morris County Auto Theft Task Force and the regional Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) network. Managed by the county’s Office of Emergency Management, the network received nearly $1 million in federal funding last year to expand coverage.
Auto thefts in Morris County have declined sharply — from 273 in 2022 to 126 in 2024, with only 64 reported between January and September 2025.
Chief Orlando praised the partnership between local, county, and state agencies.
“The members of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, as well as the men and women in law enforcement whom we represent, are tremendously grateful to have a Prosecutor who listens to our concerns and takes decisive action to make Morris County safer,” Orlando said. “This is a perfect example of the positive impact coordinated law enforcement partnerships can have on the lives of our residents.”
