The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at improving law enforcement’s ability to manage large and unruly gatherings. The bill, sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), seeks to address incidents where local police have struggled with chaotic crowds, particularly in coastal communities.
“Far too often, we’ve witnessed stories about local law enforcement being overwhelmed by chaotic large-scale gatherings, especially in areas along the Jersey shore,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “This legislation would ensure public safety by giving law enforcement the resources, training, and backup needed to respond to, and quickly quell, disruptive gatherings.”
The proposed measure—identified as S-3506/A-4653—would mandate that the Attorney General create a crowd management training program for police officers in locations that have experienced more than one pop-up party or flash mob within the past year.
Additionally, the bill provides for extra resources so law enforcement can better monitor social media activity and deploy mobile command units to respond proactively to potential disturbances.
The full text of the bill is available online.
