Measure Would Help NJ Crime Victims [AUDIO]

NEW JERSEY 101.5

If you're a crime victim in New Jersey, when you go to get a copy of the police report of your case, you will have to pay for it.

One New Jersey lawmaker doesn't think that's right.

A measure sponsored by Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) would allow crime victims, and alleged crime victims to get copies of their police reports free of charge.

"Can you imagine you're a victim of a crime and you walk into the police department," he said, "and they say, 'Oh that will be 12 dollars for the report.' You've already been a victim, and now you're a victim again."

Bramnick said he decided to sponsor the legislation after a domestic violence victim came to his office and told him, "Hey look, I'm having a tough time and now they want me to pay for the reports."

He pointed out that it's common sense that a victim of a crime should at least get the police reports at no charge.

"I don't think there's going to be a major effect on taxpayers, and I think it's a bit of humanity that we should show," he said.

Bramnick hopes the measure will quickly be passed by both houses in Trenton, and be signed into law by the governor.