SENATE SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1096

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 30, 1996

      The Senate Senior Citizens, Veterans' Affairs and Agriculture Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1096.

      This bill, as amended, directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Crime Prevention Advisory Committee, the county prosecutors, and representatives of the American Association of Retired Persons, to develop and establish a senior citizens crime prevention program.

      The program shall include: (1) informational services and educational awareness programs designed to address issues of special concern to senior citizens, such as personal safety, home security, and the avoidance of scams and swindles; (2) information and training programs relating to the organization and operation of specialized neighborhood watch and crime prevention activities; and (3) programs designed to help local law enforcement departments address the needs of the senior citizens in their communities.

      The committee amended the bill to require the Attorney General, rather than each county prosecutor, to transmit a copy of the program to each county and municipal law enforcement department situated with the State. In addition, the committee made a technical change to clarify that a copy of the program be sent specifically to each county and municipal law enforcement department rather than "local" law enforcement departments.