New Jersey

Race based 911 calls are now illegal in New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has now made it illegal to place 911 calls that intimidate people on the basis of race

Published

6 years ago

September 2, 2020

UVM Staff

Photo by Adrienn: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-smartphone-1458283/

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has now made it illegal to place Race based 911 calls.

These calls that are meant to intimidate people on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or gender.

Race based 911 calls legislation

The new legislation, which takes effect immediately, amends one on the books that already deems filing a false police report a crime.

“Using the threat of a 9-1-1 call or police report as an intimidation tactic against people of color is an unacceptable, abhorrent form of discrimination,” Murphy said in a statement.

“This irresponsible misuse of our 9-1-1 system places victims in a potentially dangerous situation and can erode trust between Black and brown New Jerseyans and law enforcement. Individuals who choose to weaponize this form of intimidation should held be accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Murphy added.

Consequences of making the call

Violators face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000, The Hill reported.

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.