N.J. attorney general releases nation’s first guidance to boost law enforcement, community violence intervention coordination
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on Friday announced the release of groundbreaking guidance to strengthen coordination between law enforcement and community-based violence intervention programs. The announcement was made during the third annual Attorney General’s Gun and Community Violence Prevention and Response Symposium, hosted by the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA).
The guidance and accompanying report stem from the work of the Attorney General’s Multidisciplinary Public Safety Innovation Working Group, established in 2023 following the state’s oversight of the Paterson Police Department. The 18-member group includes representatives from law enforcement, community organizations, grassroots violence prevention programs, and state officials. Its mission was to identify best practices for collaboration between law enforcement and community violence intervention (CVI) efforts.
Platkin emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader statewide strategy to reduce gun violence, which has contributed to historic declines in shootings. Since 2022, New Jersey has recorded a 25 percent drop in shooting victims, followed by another 13 percent decline in 2023. In total, the number of shooting victims is down nearly 50 percent compared to 2012.
“This is another groundbreaking step that demonstrates New Jersey’s collaborative spirit and commitment to preventing cycles of violence,” Platkin said. “Law enforcement and CBVI groups share the same goal: stopping violence.”
The CBVI program was launched by Governor Phil Murphy and the Attorney General’s Office in 2021 and supports nonprofit service providers with deep community ties. The initiative focuses on de-escalating conflicts and preventing violence through trusted relationships, rather than relying solely on traditional policing.
Governor Murphy praised the coordinated approach, noting that it has played a key role in reducing gun violence to historic lows in 2024.
“Since day one of our administration, we’ve been committed to addressing violence in our communities,” Murphy said. “Thanks to programs like CBVI, we’ve made meaningful progress.”
As part of the new measures, Platkin also unveiled the New Jersey Shooting Data Dashboard, a public-facing data tool that maps gun violence victimization by municipality. The dashboard, developed with the New Jersey State Police and Office of Justice Data, provides transparency and helps local stakeholders advocate for solutions.
The report outlines best practices to guide CVI providers and law enforcement agencies in building and maintaining local partnerships. It also sets a standard of practice to institutionalize collaboration and align their shared goals.
“New Jersey’s reduction in community violence is proof that our communities are strengthened when partners work together,” said Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of VIVA. “This blueprint will help continue that momentum.”
The symposium is part of a four-part series focused on addressing different forms of violence, including human trafficking, sexual violence, domestic violence, and community violence.
