The Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force has a mandate from the Prosecutor to identify, investigate and apprehend violators of New Jersey’s Narcotic, Gambling and Racketeering laws. The Task Force utilizes a variety of investigative techniques to accomplish its mission. Some of these techniques include undercover and surface interventions physical and electronic surveillance; search warrant executions; and numerous information gathering strategies.

The Task Force consists of full-time detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office as well as police officers assigned by municipal departments and County Sheriff on a rotating basis. The Task Force also has two experienced Assistant Prosecutors assigned as full-time legal advisors.

The Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force works collaboratively with all law enforcement agencies in Somerset County. Task Force personnel assist municipal police departments in numerous areas include the installation and monitoring of sophisticated equipment and prepare expert reports to support specific narcotic charges, to name a few. The Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force also works closely with other law enforcement agencies such as the State Police and Division of Criminal Justice, and participates on Federal Task Forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service. The ongoing communication and cooperation between the Task Force and these agencies have resulted in many large-scale collaborative investigations.

In addition to their investigative responsibilities, Task Force personnel also provide instruction to other law enforcement officers at the Somerset County Police Academy and the Division of Criminal Justice Academy. Task Force personnel also conduct presentations for local government agencies, civic organizations and school districts.