Congressman Kean Convenes Warren County Crime Prevention Roundtable Discussion

(October 31, 2025) WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ - This week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) convened a roundtable at Warren County Community College to address the recent spike in violent crime throughout Warren County and discuss strategies for prevention and mitigation. The roundtable brought together law enforcement leaders and elected officials across Warren County.

"Prioritizing public safety is non-negotiable," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07). "In Warren County, we have seen a troubling spike in violent crime that has shaken families' sense of security and strained local police departments. That is why I brought together law enforcement and public officials at every level of government for this roundtable to collaborate, share ideas, and ensure our officers are properly supported, equipped, and empowered to keep our communities safe. Working together, we can strengthen our neighborhoods and protect the future of our children and grandchildren."

Local elected officials and law enforcement personnel from throughout Warren County shared their thoughts following the discussion:

"Thank you to Congressman Kean for bringing law enforcement, victims, and community leaders to the same table-because keeping New Jersey families safe isn't a talking point, it's a mission," said New Jersey State Senator Doug Steinhardt (NJ-23) "We need tougher penalties for repeat offenders, an end to catch-and-release policies, and a full-court press on the fentanyl pushers and organized car-theft rings driving violence in our towns. I'll keep working with the Congressman and our police to deliver the resources and laws they need to protect our neighborhoods and put criminals on notice."

"Keeping our communities safe must be our top priority - because if we don't have safety, we have nothing," said New Jersey Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (NJ-23). "From the local level to Trenton and Washington, we need to ensure law enforcement has the clarity, resources, and leadership they deserve to do their jobs effectively. It starts at the top. I want to thank Congressman Kean and Senator Steinhardt for bringing leaders together today to discuss how we can better protect our neighborhoods and support the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep Warren County safe."

"Thank you, Congressman Kean, for bringing together such a strong group of stakeholders from every level of law enforcement and government," said Warren County Commissioner James Kern. "Collaboration like this is exactly what public safety requires. Despite Trenton diverting funds away from first responders, Warren County has stepped up. Through partnerships like this, we can identify new opportunities to strengthen emergency response and keep our communities safe."

"Trust and collaboration are the foundation of successful law enforcement," said Warren County Acting Prosecutor Jessica Cardone. "Our Warren County Roundtable brought members of government and law enforcement together for a shared vision; the preservation of safety in our communities. This meeting is a testament to the dedication and commitment for the citizens we serve."

"Rising crime doesn't stop at town lines, and neither should our response," said Phillipsburg Mayor Randy S. Piazza, Jr. "When law enforcement agencies and elected officials work together, we strengthen our shared commitment to public safety. Well-trained and properly equipped police officers are not just valuable, they are essential. Investing in them is how we protect Phillipsburg, protect our county, and protect our future."

"Thank you, Congressman Kean and your team, for showing up and hearing our voices when it matters most," said Phillipsburg Police Chief Anthony Goodell. "We're a small town with big heart and grit. We recently have had big city challenges, but our officers and our community responded with love and strength. Our community, law enforcement partners, and our elected officials stand together united with our mission on making Phillipsburg and Warren County a safer place for everyone. It's an honor to collaborate with your team and we are looking forward on working together in the future."

"The Washington Township Police Department is committed to the safety and well-being of the residents of Washington Township, Washington Borough and Oxford Township, and we will work collaboratively with local, county and state law enforcement for ensuring their betterment," said President of the Police Chiefs Association and Washington Township Police Chief Christopher Jones. "I would like to thank Congressman Kean for taking the time in listening to our concerns and I look forward to working with his office in the interest of our residents."

Congressman Kean has supported numerous pieces of legislation in Congress to promote public safety and support law enforcement officers, including:

• Co-sponsored the Protect and Serve Act (H.R.1551) and the Thin Blue Line Act (H.R.378), legislation that would strengthen criminal penalties for those who target law enforcement officers and other first responders, up to and including the death penalty.
• Voted in favor of the POLICE Act (H.R. 2494), which would make assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder a deportable offense for non-U.S. nationals.
• Co-sponsored the Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act (H.R.27), bringing greater accountability and transparency by requiring reporting on instances where prosecutors fail to charge criminals with committing violent acts.
• Co-sponsored the Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act (H.R.5879), which would establish a pilot research program for the use of non-lethal de-escalation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV or Drones) for law enforcement officers, leading to safer outcomes for officers and the communities they serve.

The roundtable included New Jersey Senator Douglas Steinhardt, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, New Jersey State Parole Board Chief of the Division of Parole Kim Cavanaugh, Warren County Commissioner James Kern, Warren County Acting Prosecutor Jessica Cardone, Warren County Prosecutor's Office Acting Chief of Detectives Brenton Warne, Warren County Sheriff's Office Chief Warrant Officer William Wright, President of the Police Chiefs Association and Washington Township Chief Christopher Jones, Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza, Phillipsburg Police Chief Anthony Goodell, Phillipsburg Council President Peter Marino, Washington Township Mayor Robert Klingel, Blairstown Police Chief Scott Johnsen, Greenwich Police Chief Richard Hummer, Hackettstown Police Chief Aaron Perkins, Independence Police Chief Christopher Prell, Mansfield Police Chief J. Michael MacDonough, Pohatcong Chief Ryan Barsony, New Jersey State Police Capt. Foschetti - Troop B Region Commander, New Jersey State Police Lt. Di Lillio - Strategic Investigations Unit Head, and New Jersey State Police Lt. O'Brien - Washington Station Commander.

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