NJ moves to regulate acquisition of military items
Municipal police departments seeking surplus military equipment from the Pentagon would have to get approval from their local governments under a bill moving through New Jersey’s Legislature.A state Senate panel approved the legislation Thursday. It also approved a related bill that would have the state attorney general oversee the program.
The measures stem from the demonstrations after the August fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, when police there used former military equipment during patrols.
New Jersey has received $50 million worth of military equipment through the Defense Department program, according to lawmakers. Local governments currently don’t have to approve acquisitions through that program.
The bill gives the public a voice in deciding whether police departments should have weapons such as M14s or M16s, said state Sen. Nia Gill, D-Essex.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Atlantic City mayor: I’m committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges
In his first public comments since prosecutors on Monday charged him and his wife, Mayor Marty Small said he would not be distracted from his duties.
15 hours ago
The council president says an investigation led by the township solicitor began about three months ago.
16 hours ago
64-year-old Ray Pinney, of Boonton, is raising money for the Dylan’s Wings of Change charity, which helps student leaders.
22 hours ago