TRENTON — Senator Shirley Turner renewed calls today for passage of her legislation that would make it more difficult for alleged gun offenders to make bail and also thanked Acting Attorney General John Hoffman for committing more resources to combat Trenton’s rising crime.
Turner’s bill, S-561, would add certain gun offenses, such as unlawful possession of a gun, to the list of crimes with bail restrictions. The move, for example, would require these offenders to post full cash bail instead of the lesser 10 percent option granted now.
“We have seen too many people charged with gun crimes leave jail and return to the streets and commit crimes. We need to stop this cycle,” Turner said. “I’ve talked to various law enforcement agencies and they have all expressed support for this bill.”
Hoffman announced on Wednesday that the State Police was joining with county law enforcement and Trenton Police to form three crime suppression units and a warrant unit. The new units would expand previous state intervention in Trenton that targeted guns and gangs. The action came days after a 9-year-old girl was wounded in crossfire and a recent shooting that left three wounded outside a church during the funeral of a gang member.
Turner has made securing additional law enforcement resources for Trenton a top priority and has reached out to Hoffman, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Attorney General for the District of New Jersey Paul Fishman for months asking for greater assistance.
“I want to thank Acting Attorney General John Hoffman for committing more state resources to combat the violence in Trenton,” said Turner (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “Trenton is a great city, but it can not reach its full potential unless its residents feel safe from crime and they can truly enjoy the quality of life the city has to offer.”