New Jersey Mandates Uniform Active Shooter Response Policies Across All Law Enforcement Agencies
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey is taking a major step to ensure every town and county is equally prepared for the unimaginable.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today issued a critical, statewide directive—Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2025-2—mandating that all New Jersey law enforcement agencies develop and maintain an Active Violent Events Policy that meets a consistent, high standard.
While many police departments already have their own procedures, this new mandate closes any gaps, guaranteeing that every agency in the state is equally prepared with rigorous training, coordinated protocols, and detailed response plans.
Why the New Statewide Standard is Critical
In high-stakes emergencies like an active shooter or other violent event, standardized preparation and immediate action are the keys to saving lives.
“Lack of planning and delays during an active shooter response can be disastrous and result in the unnecessary loss of innocent lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This directive seeks to ensure agencies have proper training, policies, and plans in place. It is our greatest responsibility to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents.”
Effective immediately, Directive 2025-2 requires all agencies to submit their new, compliant policies to their respective county prosecutor’s office by January 9, 2026.
Key Requirements of the New Active Violent Events Policy
The new directive outlines specific, non-negotiable criteria that every agency’s policy must meet, focusing on a clear chain of action and inter-agency coordination:
1. Prioritized Response and Command Structure
- Three Priorities: Policies must explicitly recognize the core priorities for law enforcement: neutralizing the threat, rescuing victims, and clearing the area.
- Unified Command: Protocols must adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for on-scene coordination, establishing a unified command to manage the emergency effectively.
2. Family Reunification Protocols
- Agencies must establish clear systems for family reunification, including protocols for coordinating with other agencies and a process for selecting and quickly setting up a secure reunification site.
3. Mandatory Training and Annual Drills
- Tactical Training: Officers must undergo a mandatory basic active shooter incident management course and a tactical training course.
- Annual County Exercises: Every county prosecutor’s office is now required to conduct an annual active shooter training exercise. Participation is mandatory for all law enforcement agencies in the county, with encouragement for fire and EMS providers to join.
4. Focus on Critical Locations (Schools, Hospitals, etc.)
The directive places a special emphasis on preparing for incidents at locations with large, vulnerable populations: educational institutions, hospitals, stadiums, and government buildings.
- Immediate Access to Schools: Agencies must develop a joint plan with educational institutions to enable immediate police access to the facilities.
- Ready-Access Maps: Agencies are now required to have a readily accessible map of every educational institution within their jurisdiction. This effort complements Governor Phil Murphy’s 2022 investment of $6.5 million to digitize school blueprints for first responders.
By standardizing preparation and demanding rigorous training, New Jersey aims to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response to any active violent event, thereby maximizing the potential to save lives.
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