Midland Park NJ Event Unveils Bill to Protect Police Families
In Midland Park, NJ officials introduced legislation to shield police officers from digital threats while expanding youth athletic programs.
by Admin
Jul 31, 2026
The threat followed them home. Target campaigns put officers' home addresses on social media. Photos of spouses appeared online. Pictures of children spread across digital platforms. Federal leaders stood in Midland Park to confront this dangerous trend. They introduced federal doxxing protection for public servants. Public servants protect American communities every single day.
Bipartisan Action to Stop Doxxing and Support Youth
On May 12, 2026 federal legislation was announced in New Jersey. The announcement marked National Police Week 2026 in New Jersey. U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced two bipartisan bills in Midland Park, NJ. Gottheimer co-chairs the Law Enforcement Caucus. He introduced the Stop the Doxx Act with Congressman Don Bacon and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. He introduced the Stop the Doxx Act to stop doxxing against public servants. The bill makes publishing personal information of law enforcement officers a federal crime. The legislation expands court protection for judges and prosecutors. It also protects their immediate family members. The law applies when data is shared to threaten, intimidate or facilitate violence.
First-time offenders face up to 10 years in prison. Repeat offenders face up to 30 years in prison. Higher penalties apply when conduct results in bodily injury or death. The bill creates a national police training program for online privacy. Gottheimer announced the PAL Act with Congressman John Rutherford. The PAL Act funds local chapters that build trust through youth mentorship. Over 200 PAL chapters operate nationwide. Fifteen chapters operate in New Jersey. These include chapters like the New Jersey Police Athletic League in Northvale, Bergenfield and Vernon Township. Local PAL chapters provide youth development opportunities.
Addressing Growing Digital Threats and Community Needs
Online doxxing campaigns have affected over 11.7 million American adults. The Department of Homeland Security reported a 1000 percent increase in officer assaults. Only 19 states currently have anti-doxxing laws for public officials. Thirty-one states offer zero protection. New Jersey passed Daniels Law in November 2020. Gunman killed 20-year-old Daniel Anderl at his home. He was the son of federal Judge Esther Salas.
Gottheimer highlighted recent federal police funding achievements. Byrne JAG grants increased from 499 million dollars to 964 million dollars. COPS program resources grew from 417 million dollars to 800 million dollars. Funding included 30 million dollars for bulletproof vest equipment. Federal grants provided 30 million dollars for hate crime prevention. Accreditation programs for rural police received 18 million dollars. Federal grants also support small departments. Over 17 million dollars supported New Jersey Fifth District departments. The package secured lifetime resources for the World Trade Center Health program. Federal grants support police equipment upgrades nationwide.
Gottheimer continues leading the Invest to Protect Act for small departments. Over 94 percent of police agencies nationwide employ under 100 officers. He co-leads the Protect and Serve Act. The bill penalizes deliberate attacks on officers. He also co-leads the HELPER Act to establish first responder home loans. New Jersey ranks fifth in the nation for median home prices. Local investments supported the Wyckoff Police Department and Bergenfield Police Department. West Milford Police Department received over 2 million dollars for hiring. The Bergen County Sheriff's Office received over 2 million dollars for technology upgrades. Midland Park NJ police leaders joined elected officials at the event. Bipartisan leaders focused on police safety during the announcement.
Voices of Support from Law Enforcement Leaders
Congressman Gottheimer emphasized the need to protect officer families. “You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer said. “Doxxing isn’t harmless online behavior. It is targeted intimidation against the people who keep our families safe.” Congressman Don Bacon noted, “Those who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law deserve protection from threats, intimidation, and violence.” Congressman John Rutherford stated, “For more than 80 years, this organization has helped build relationships between young Americans and law enforcement that has led to safer, more connected communities.”
New Jersey Police Benevolent Association State President Peter Andreyev supported the bill. “Intentionally releasing a law enforcement officer’s address for the purpose of threatening or murdering them is a heinous violation of the peace,” Peter Andreyev said. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella praised the legislative action. “A national training program to help public servants understand their rights and protect their personal information online would be both practical and proactive,” Mark Musella stated. State Troopers Fraternal Association President Wayne Blanchard welcomed stiff criminal penalties. “This bill will hold those accountable who commit these cowardly threats on troopers and officers by doxxing with stiff criminal penalties,” Wayne Blanchard said. National PAL President Stephen Coan noted the bill connects kids with officers through positive activities.
Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton joined the event. Midland Park Mayor Harry Shortway Jr. attended. Midland Park Police Chief Michael Powderley joined local leaders. Council members Lorraine DeLuca, Mark Braunius, Nancy Cronk Peet and Keith DeBlasio attended. Chris Spittler, John Aheran and Frank Cavallo represented local police organizations. Midland Park was named after the New Jersey Midland Railway.
Strengthening Public Safety Partnerships
Bipartisan collaboration strengthens public safety across local neighborhoods. Communities thrive when law enforcement personnel receive proper resources. Bipartisan action helps protect public servants on duty and at home.
Standing Together for Community Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do federal anti-doxxing laws protect law enforcement officers?
Federal anti-doxxing legislation establishes criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally publish sensitive personal data belonging to officers or court officials. These laws aim to deter digital harassment and safeguard public servants along with their immediate family members from targeted intimidation campaigns across digital platforms.
2. What is the main purpose of a Police Athletic League program?
Police Athletic League initiatives connect young people with law enforcement officers through athletic activities, structured academic support, and community mentorship. These programs build mutual respect and foster long-term community trust while giving youth constructive activities and positive engagement opportunities after school.
3. How do police officers protect their personal information from online exposure?
Law enforcement personnel utilize specialized privacy training and automated data removal tools to monitor online databases and public records. Departments educate officers on digital security practices to reduce privacy risks and prevent unauthorized individuals from locating home addresses or sensitive family details.
4. Why do police departments partner with youth mentorship initiatives?
Youth mentorship programs allow law enforcement officers to interact with children in non-enforcement settings to encourage positive development. These proactive initiatives build open communication, lower juvenile crime rates, and strengthen relationships between officers and local neighborhoods across the nation.