“In order to maintain public safety, members of law enforcement agencies must have the capacity to engage in thorough criminal investigations,” said Assemblyman Gordon Johnson of Bergen County. “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,” added Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, who represents Bergen and Passaic.
“Expanding its use will help give law enforcement an edge over criminals who take advantage of the anonymity provided by the Internet to victimize innocent individuals," Assemblyman Tim Eustace (Bergen/Passaic) said.
State law currently allows wiretapping during the investigation of certain crimes including, but not limited to: murder, kidnapping, gambling, robbery, bribery and terrorism.
If the state Senate also approves the measure, it would go to Gov. Christie's desk to be signed into law.
The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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