Lacey Backs Opposition Of State Sanctuary Law Bills

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Committee voted in favor of a resolution opposing what members described as sanctuary state and anti-law enforcement legislation signed by the governor.

Mayor Steven Kennis introduced "a request to consider model resolution opposing sanctuary state anti-law enforcement legislation enacted by Governor Sherrill." Kennis then asked Assistant Business Administrator George Resetar, a retired police officer, to explain the resolution.

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.According to Resetar, one bill restricts communication between local, state and federal law enforcement officers. He said another places restrictions on the sharing of personal information between local, state and federal law enforcement.

Resetar also said a third bill "restricts and prohibits the law enforcement officers from being allowed to insist or enforce the laws." He said the measure identifies places such as hospitals, schools, courts and shelters, which he described as "our most vulnerable areas."

On another bill, Resetar said it would require officers to reveal their identities and present identification before detaining or arresting someone. He said that raised concerns in undercover cases.

"So there was some confusion about those things specifically where it could be an undercover officer who's working through some type of investigation and come time for arrest that undercover officer knows the lay of land better," Resetar said.

Asked for his view, Resetar said, "I think the committee should move to support the opposition to sanctuary laws. This is not designed to keep us safer, it's designed to potentially put us all at harm."

Committeeman Peter Curatolo agreed and cited Resetar's law enforcement background.

"Anytime you have a a law that says our local officers cannot communicate with federal people, that puts our local officers at risk because they know the lay of the land," Curatolo said.