Cryan Law Will Help Protect Against Acts of Bigotry, Threats of Violence

Places of Worship & Public Service Organizations Have Experienced Increase In Bias Incidents

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed into law a bill sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan that will help protect places of worship and non-profit service organizations from threats, intimidation and acts of violence by funding additional security personnel and equipment.

“Churches, synagogues, mosques and social service organizations in our communities are at increased risk of becoming targets of hate and discrimination, including threats of violence,” said Senator Cryan, the former Union County Sherriff. “These incidents are a daily challenge for houses of worship, community centers, family and children services agencies and other non-profit institutions that are most vulnerable. This law will help protect the facilities, their staffs and the people they serve with additional funding to bolster security measures.”

The law, S-2546/A-3443, amends the three-year old “New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program” to permit eligible nonprofit organizations to acquire “target hardening” equipment and to hire permanent or temporary security personnel to reduce vulnerability to threats, attacks and other violent acts. Examples of target hardening equipment are cameras, barriers, and cybersecurity programs.

“We have witnessed a disturbing increase in the number of incidents of hate and bigotry based on race, religion and ethnicity,” said Senator Joe Cryan.  “We can’t ignore these threats and we should not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation. We will not allow any expressions of hate or discrimination to prevail. As Americans, we value our diversity, our freedoms and our security. “

The New Jersey Attorney General reported that, in 2016, bias and hates crimes in New Jersey increased 14 percent over the prior year to 417. In addition, the Anti-Defamation League’s “Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents” highlighted that these incidents rose 32 percent in 2017 in New Jersey and occurred in almost every county. New Jersey had the third highest number of such incidents reported in the nation.

The bill will establish a maximum grant award of $50,000 per target hardening equipment application. Applicants are permitted to apply for either personnel or equipment grants, or both, in each year of the pilot program.

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