Monmouth County, NJ – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli outlined a sweeping public safety agenda at a press conference alongside his running mate, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, pledging to make law enforcement support and crime prevention a top priority when elected.
Ciattarelli said his administration would “put law and order first,” contrasting his approach with that of Democratic rival Mikie Sherrill, whom he accused of “making excuses instead of delivering results.”
The plan emphasizes bolstering police protections, revising bail reform, and restoring benefits for officers across New Jersey.
Key Points
- Jack Ciattarelli and Sheriff Jim Gannon unveiled a law enforcement-focused campaign platform.
- The plan includes restoring police pensions, defending qualified immunity, and revising bail reform.
- Ciattarelli vowed to eliminate civilian review boards and block mandatory non-firearm use-of-force reporting.
Ciattarelli details pro-police platform
During the announcement, Ciattarelli pledged to restore cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retired officers, protect Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) pensions, and appoint what he described as a “pro-police attorney general.” He also vowed to expand community policing programs while reforming Chapter 78, the law governing public employee health benefits contributions.
Gannon, who joined Ciattarelli on stage, emphasized the importance of morale and support within law enforcement ranks, saying that restoring confidence in police would directly improve community safety.
Pledges to roll back oversight measures
Ciattarelli said his administration would eliminate civilian review boards and halt the public release of internal affairs records, arguing that such policies undermine police effectiveness. He also pledged to end mandatory “use of force” reporting in cases where a firearm is not discharged.
Campaign contrast with Sherrill sharpens
The announcement marks a clear effort by Ciattarelli to distinguish his campaign from Sherrill’s on public safety. While Sherrill has focused on criminal justice reform and oversight, Ciattarelli’s message centers on police empowerment and reversing what he calls “anti-cop policies” that have weakened public trust.
With crime and policing emerging as top voter concerns in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, both candidates are using the issue to rally their bases ahead of the final stretch before Election Day.
He was joined by Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and Monmouth County Sheriff Shawn Golden.