DeAngelo, Greenstein Receive Appreciation Award from New Jersey State Police

(Hamilton, NJ) – The New Jersey State Police presented an appreciation award to Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and Senator Linda Greenstein last week for their work in standing with law enforcement in fighting child exploitation. They received the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Leadership Award at an event in Hamilton Township. The award recognizes the lawmakers’ commitment to law enforcement and the ICAC. 

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the New Jersey State Police, whose members work tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable and pursue those who seek to harm children," said Assemblyman DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). "Standing with law enforcement in the fight against child exploitation is not just a responsibility; it is a commitment to ensuring every child can grow up safe and supported. I will always stand with our State Police as partners in this critical work."

During the last legislative session, Assemblyman DeAngelo and Senator Greenstein were the sponsors of Assembly Bill A5983 and Senate Bill S4879 respectively, which provided a $3 million supplemental appropriation to the New Jersey Division of State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. The increased funding to the ICAC Unit advances its mission of protecting children from offenders who use computers and related technology to exploit them. The funds offset costs for advanced personnel training, equipment, vehicle purchase and outfitting, software licensing, and staff mental health initiatives. Governor Phil Murphy signed this bill into law on January 20, 2026.



"This legislation guarantees funding for the State Police’s ICAC Unit and strengthens its ability to carry out its mission of protecting our children,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “As we face increased threats in the post-pandemic world and look ahead to protecting our residents and visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is vital that law enforcement officials have access to the training and technology they need to keep the public safe. I am proud to have championed this bill as it made its way through the Legislature, and I appreciate Wayne Blanchard and the State Troopers Fraternal Association for their partnership and advocacy on this important bill.”

During his remarks when accepting the award, Assemblyman DeAngelo stressed that the funding ensures investigators have the tools, equipment, training, and critically important aftercare resources needed to confront the traumatic material they encounter daily. He also warned of emerging threats, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence being exploited in child exploitation crimes, stating that proactive investment is essential as technology continues to evolve. 

The ICAC, led by the New Jersey State Police, is a multi-agency initiative dedicated to investigating and preventing the online exploitation of children. As part of the national ICAC network supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, the task force brings together federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners to identify offenders, rescue victims, and educate communities about online safety.