Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gary Schaer, Gordon Johnson and Benjie Wimberly to revise the law on wiretapping in New Jersey was released on Thursday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-1046) would expand state statutes to authorize wiretap orders for the investigation of the following offenses or a conspiracy to commit them: luring or enticing a child, identity theft, stalking and cyberharassment.
“Wiretaps provide a critical tool for law enforcement officials to collect evidence and carry out their duties in some of the most difficult cases,” said Schaer (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This legislation will help ensure that investigators can obtain a court order for a wiretap when necessary and do the job of keeping communities across New Jersey safe.”
“In order to maintain public safety, members of law enforcement agencies must have the capacity to engage in thorough criminal investigations,” said Johnson (D-Bergen), former Bergen County sheriff. “Expanding the scope of our wiretap statutes will better enable authorized parties to apprehend perpetrators and protect victims.”
“Within the confines of judicial oversight, wiretapping can be an effective means of keeping the public safe and making sure that those who commit crimes receive the appropriate punishment,” said Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This bill is an important step forward for New Jersey’s criminal justice system.”
Current law permits wiretapping during the investigation of certain crimes, including, but not limited to: murder, kidnapping, gambling, robbery, bribery and terrorism.
The measure was advanced by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, of which Johnson is vice-chair.