FY22-23 Byrne SCIP Formula

New Jersey proposes to enhance the state’s Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018 (ERPO Act). This Act allows a petitioner to apply for an ERPO against someone who poses a danger of causing bodily harm to self or others by possessing or purchasing a firearm. New Jersey’s proposed initiatives will include, among others, a statewide public awareness campaign to educate the public about the ERPO Programs, as well as educating stakeholders on the availability of ERPOs by collaborating with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the 21 County Prosecutor Offices, the judiciary, and law enforcement leadership across the state to operationalize the strategic use of this life-saving, public safety tool. 

    Moreover, New Jersey has invested significant state resources toward engaging its community partners to ensure that its continuing message of firearm safety is reaching the target audience, especially its most vulnerable population. Maintaining existing relationships with community partners while continuously exploring new ones, is a priority of the New Jersey Attorney General and his administration. To that end, the Byrne SCIP grant will allow New Jersey to leverage its existing initiatives to further expand its message base.
    Through these initiatives, New Jersey aims to prevent crisis by strengthening community safety, protecting the public from crime and evolving threats, and protecting (as opposed to punishing) those with mental health disorders. Furthermore, these initiatives serve to build trust between law enforcement and communities.