Morris County Prosecutor and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Address Morris County League of Municipalities on Law Enforcement Operations During COVID-19

Published on June 18, 2020

June 18, 2020

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury briefed the 55 Morris County League of Municipalities attendees on the impact the COVID-19 public health emergency has had on court operations and criminal justice. The meeting was held virtually on June 17, 2020 by the Morris County League of Municipalities and was moderated by Guy Piserchia, Long Hill Township Councilman. Opening remarks were made by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Senator Anthony M. Bucco.

Prosecutor Knapp said that together with its partner municipal police departments, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office continues to investigate and prosecute offenders, while at the same time, maintaining public safety. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Division has conducted directed patrols of hundreds of public facilities and welfare checks during the pandemic to promote security and safety, keeping an eye out for incidents such as vandalism.

CAP Seabury complimented the agility of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and partner law enforcement agency members to adjust to this ever-changing environment under extremely challenging circumstances.

Since the beginning of social distancing orders in March, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office have participated in the New Jersey Courts virtual environment. Morris County Prosecutor's Office has led the State in moving its dockets before the virtual Courts, appearing on 200 cases per week on average. The Assistant Prosecutors have conducted hundreds of hearings virtually while the courthouse has been closed. This allows for a speedy fair disposition of criminal cases, while remaining open and accessible to the public via web broadcast.

At the same time as the public health emergency, Morris County has experienced at least 25 mass gatherings following the murder of George Floyd. Prosecutor Knapp said these events have fortunately been peaceful but also draw large crowds, and can be stressful on police, EMS and OEM members. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office has supported municipal agencies in ensuring these gatherings are safe and that the rights of all are preserved.

Prosecutor Knapp recognized the increased public attention on the use of force by police. In accordance with an Attorney General Use of Force directive, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office will schedule an upcoming community listening session to discuss updates to statewide policy and the Excellence in Policing initiative.

Prosecutor Knapp remarked New Jersey already set a higher standard and requires more stringent training for its officers compared to other states. Training in New Jersey has included de-escalation, appropriate use of force, implicit bias and many other important requirements. This is thanks to our outstanding police academies and law enforcement leadership.

Prosecutor Knapp noted that the President's recent Executive Order largely promotes funding by way of grants for enhanced training of police officers and law enforcement agencies. It also reinforces support services, recognizing that police officers respond to many different situations. Enhanced training, use of social services, mental health programs and others to support police are embodied within the Executive Order.

CAP Seabury reported Morris County is experiencing a surge in non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses since the start of the COVID-19 emergency. In an effort to continue community engagement and connect individuals suffering from a substance use disorder, the MCPO has teamed with Center for Addiction & Recovery Education & Services (CARES) to provide virtual recovery support. Additionally the MCPO has conducted virtual community programs about the opioid epidemic.

Prosecutor Knapp said, We greatly appreciate the opportunity to address our public officials in this forum. We need to keep them informed as to law enforcement developments during this pandemic and always.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or by phone at 973-829-8159.