New Jersey Unveils Dashboard and “Gun Free Zone” Decals in Response to Increased Gun Permits
TRENTON, NJ — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Office of Justice Data, has announced the release of a new dashboard summarizing handgun permit applications across New Jersey. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state’s firearms permit landscape, enhancing transparency and public safety.
“As we continue to adjust to the reality we face after the Bruen decision and fight against the consistent attacks from the gun lobby to undermine commonsense gun safety legislation, our mission is to make New Jersey a safer place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The two initiatives announced today are another step forward in our efforts, and I applaud the Office of the Attorney General for its continued partnership with our office and law enforcement entities across our state to implement innovative strategies that expand on New Jersey’s rank as a national leader in gun safety.”
In a parallel move, the Attorney General’s Office has introduced “Gun Free Zone” decals. These decals are offered to New Jersey businesses wishing to explicitly declare their premises as firearm-free areas. Provided free of charge, these decals symbolize the property owners’ commitment to maintaining a gun-free environment.
Governor Phil Murphy expressed support for these measures, emphasizing New Jersey’s dedication to pioneering gun safety regulations. These initiatives serve as a testament to the state’s proactive stance on gun control, especially in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which has led to a significant increase in carry permit applications.
The newly launched dashboard, a direct outcome of Attorney General Directive 2023-02, collates data on permit applications, offering insights into trends and demographics since December 1, 2019. Remarkably, the bulk of these applications have been submitted post-Bruen decision, highlighting a dramatic surge in demand for carry permits.
This development has stirred various reactions. Kris Brown, President of Brady, points to the data as evidence of a concerning rise in public firearms presence. Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer and Pastor John R. Taylor echo the sentiment that increased visibility of guns does not correlate with enhanced public safety.
David Pucino of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence lauds the initiative for empowering business owners and consumers alike, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding gun presence on premises.