The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at helping law enforcement address large and unruly gatherings. The bill, sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), seeks to improve the ability of police to manage disruptive events, particularly in areas such as the Jersey shore.
“Far too often, we’ve witnessed stories about local law enforcement being overwhelmed by chaotic large-scale gatherings, especially in areas along the Jersey shore,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “This legislation would ensure public safety by giving law enforcement the resources, training, and backup needed to respond to, and quickly quell, disruptive gatherings.”
Senate Bill S-3506/A-4653 would require the Attorney General to set up a crowd management training program for police officers in regions that have experienced more than one pop-up party or flash mob within the past year. The legislation also calls for additional support for law enforcement, including enhanced social media monitoring and deployment of mobile command units to help manage these types of incidents.
The full text of the bill is available online.
