Authorizes protective order for certain witnesses or victims against actor who attempted to prevent or obstruct them from reporting crime to police.

This bill (S 2788) creates a new type of protective order for witnesses or crime victims who were threatened or intimidated to prevent them from reporting a crime to police. It directly affects individuals targeted by someone attempting to obstruct their reporting (violating N.J.S.2C:29-3), including those not eligible for standard domestic violence protective orders. Key mechanisms include allowing immediate emergency court orders (even on weekends/holidays), waiving residency requirements for applications, and requiring police notification of orders. The court can issue orders based on a preponderance of evidence, focusing on past intimidation and future safety risks, without requiring criminal charges to have been filed.