Bergen Sheriff's Office To 'Combat Gun Violence' With New Tech: AG

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — First responders will soon be able to more quickly render lifesaving medical aid to shooting victims and identify shooters faster, thanks to a new funding award to acquire and expand gunshot detection technology, according to state authorities.

The Bergen County Sheriff's Office is receiving a $336,000 grant to acquire a network of three systems, including acoustic detectors, video management technology, and automatic license plate readers. When combined, these systems allow responders to more quickly render aid and identify shooters, "leading to swifter apprehension and reduced instances of retaliatory violence," the New Jersey Attorney General's office said.

The sheriff's office is one of 20 New Jersey law enforcement agencies set to receive grants totaling $7 million for these systems. Each of the grant recipients serve communities that have demonstrated an increase in gun violence, violent crime and/or auto theft, the AG's office said.

The technology made available through the grants — using American Rescue Plan funds — will "bolster our intelligence-led, precision police and prosecution strategies, and allow law enforcement and first responders to quickly react and deploy to shooting events," AG Matthew Platkin said.

"Simply put," Platkin added, "this technology will save lives."

"Gunshot detection technology provides law enforcement additional eyes and ears on the streets that can pinpoint the location of gun violence the moment a criminal pulls the trigger," said Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police — which is receiving nearly $2 million from the state.

"The allocation of this grant will not only aid our efforts in combating gun violence, but it will also help us in our mission to protect our neighborhoods and keep the citizens of the state safe,” Callahan said. "As we continue to work with our partners, this technology will add a useful tool to our arsenal as we target the most violent offenders in the state and hold them accountable for their actions."

In January 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy announced he would invest ARP funding in technology-driven violence reduction and related infrastructure improvements, and in September, AG Platkin opened the grant application process to eligible law enforcement agencies.

“Our office continues to proactively work to promote an all-inclusive approach to curb violence,” Murphy said. “These grants are a testament to our persistent endeavors and will assist the beneficiary law enforcement agencies in obtaining the essential resources needed to combat crime and provide relief to victims of these crimes.”