NJ Pumps Millions Into ‘Gunshot Detection Tech’ To Ease Violence

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy and Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck recently announced a $7 million investment in gunshot detection technology and other law enforcement equipment that aims to reduce gun violence.

The new wave of funding will tap into federal American Rescue Plan funds, the governor’s office stated.

According to Murphy’s office, New Jersey is investing $7 million in “technology-driven violence reduction” to allow communities across New Jersey to acquire and enhance gunshot detection technology and related infrastructure improvements. This will make it easier for first responders and law enforcement to respond to gun violence incidents.

Murphy’s office continued:

“The funding will allow recipients to acquire a fully integrated network of three distinct systems, including an acoustic detection system, a video management system, and a system of automatic license plate readers. When combined, these systems allow first responders to more quickly render lifesaving medical aid to victims of gun violence and assist law enforcement in identifying shooters, leading to faster apprehension and reduced instances of retaliatory violence.”

The technology will also help prosecutors to obtain the kind of evidence necessary to meet their “burden of proof,” Murphy’s office said.

• See related article: Third Wave Of Gun Control Laws Possible In NJ Package

COMMUNITY-BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION

In addition to the above funding, 25 nonprofit organizations in 15 municipalities will get $8.2 million in grant funding for community-based violence intervention (CBVI) programming, the largest such investment in New Jersey’s history.

The funds will support intervention strategies that provide “alternatives to violence” and embody a “community-based public safety model,” the governor’s office said.

“The NJVIP community advocates have worked tirelessly to advocate for investment for community based public safety organizations to get meaningful investment for the lifesaving boot-on-the-ground work we have been doing in our communities to end gun violence,” said Liza Chowdhury of Reimagining Justice.

“This investment today will help our organizations address the pain people face in communities most impacted by violence, provide desperately needed resources that help communities thrive and do the important prevention work that is needed so we don’t have to wait for someone to be the next gunshot victim,” Chowdhury said.

The list of grant recipients receiving funding under the CBVI program includes:

1. Juvenile Education and Awareness Project, Passaic ($47,087)

2. Reimagining Justice, Inc., Paterson ($500,000)

3. Newark Community Street Team, Inc., Newark ($499,996)

4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ, Asbury Park ($93,416)

5. Mighty Writers, Camden ($500,000)

6. Advocacy Foundation, Inc., Atlantic County ($365,758)

7. HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune ($499,957)

8. Hope and Future, Inc., West New York ($250,000)

9. James R Halsey Foundation of the Arts, Trenton ($50,000)

10. After School All Stars New Jersey, Newark ($118,950)

11. Salvation and Social Justice, Trenton ($500,000)

12. Center For Family Services, Inc., Camden ($245,008)

13. United Community Corporation, Newark ($500,000)

14. Life Worth Living, Inc., Bridgeton ($430,885)

15. Elizabeth Youth Theatre Ensemble, Elizabeth ($380,240)

16. Prevention Education, Inc. T/A PEI Kids, Lawrence ($348,990)

17. United Advocacy Group, Inc., Bridgeton ($261,310)

18. The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families, Inc., Galloway ($52,545)

19. Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, Jersey City ($500,000)

20. Nicholas Luciano Safe Way Out A NJ Nonprofit, Mount Laurel ($200,000)

21. Inside Outside Circle Foundation, Newark ($181,153)

22. The HUBB Arts & Trauma Center (FP YouthOutCry Foundation, Inc.), Newark ($487,343)

23. Hear My Cries A NJ Nonprofit Organization, Newark ($498,000)

24. REFAL, INC., Newark ($500,000)

25. Weequahic Park Environmental Authority, Newark ($227,000)

“Combating gun violence is a multi-faceted problem that requires a multi-faceted approach,” Murphy said. “The funding announced today will provide resources to both law enforcement agencies and community partners, equipping them with much-needed resources as we continue to fight the epidemic of gun violence.”

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