New Jersey § 47:1a-3

§ 47:1a-3.

a. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1963, c. 73 ( C.47:1A-1 et seq. ) as amended and supplemented , where it shall appear that the record or records which are sought to be inspected, copied, or examined shall pertain to an investigation in progress by any public agency, the right of access provided for in P.L.1963, c. 73 ( C.47:1A-1 et seq. ) as amended and supplemented may be denied if the inspection, copying or examination of such record or records shall be inimical to the public interest; provided, however,

that this provision shall not be construed to allow any public agency to prohibit access to a record of that agency that was open

for public inspection, examination, or copying before the investigation commenced . Whenever a public agency, during the course of an investigation, obtains from another

public agency a government record that was open for public inspection, examination

or copying before the investigation commenced, the investigating agency shall provide

the other agency with sufficient access to the record to allow the other agency to

comply with requests made pursuant to P.L.1963, c. 73 ( C.47:1A-1 et seq. ). b. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1963, c. 73 ( C.47:1A-1 et seq. ), as amended and supplemented, the following information concerning a criminal investigation

shall be available to the public within 24 hours or as soon as practicable, of a request

for such information: where a crime has been reported but no arrest yet made, information as to the type

of crime, time, location and type of weapon, if any; if an arrest has been made, information as to the name, address and age of any victims

unless there has not been sufficient opportunity for notification of next of kin of

any victims of injury and/or death to any such victim or where the release of the

names of any victim would be contrary to existing law or court rule. In deciding on the release of information as to the identity of a victim, the safety

of the victim and the victim's family, and the integrity of any ongoing investigation,

shall be considered; if an arrest has been made, information as to the defendant's name, age, residence,

occupation, marital status and similar background information and, the identity of

the complaining party unless the release of such information is contrary to existing

law or court rule; information as to the text of any charges such as the complaint, accusation and indictment

unless sealed by the court or unless the release of such information is contrary to

existing law or court rule; information as to the identity of the investigating and arresting personnel and agency

and the length of the investigation; information of the circumstances immediately surrounding the arrest, including but

not limited to the time and place of the arrest, resistance, if any, pursuit, possession

and nature and use of weapons and ammunition by the suspect and by the police; and information as to circumstances surrounding bail, whether it was posted and the amount

thereof. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, where it shall appear that

the information requested or to be examined will jeopardize the safety of any person

or jeopardize any investigation in progress or may be otherwise inappropriate to release,

such information may be withheld. This exception shall be narrowly construed to prevent disclosure of information

that would be harmful to a bona fide law enforcement purpose or the public safety. Whenever a law enforcement official determines that it is necessary to withhold

information, the official shall issue a brief statement explaining the decision.