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Gov. Christie Announces NJ SAFE Task Force To Study Root Of Violent Crime

By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) - A blue ribbon panel will look into a lot more than just gun control in New Jersey as the state attempts to address security concerns in light of last month's carnage at a Connecticut grade school.

Two former attorneys general of New Jersey will co-chair the New Jersey SAFE task force, and they'll deal with not just guns, but mental health, school security and societal norms.

They'll report back to Governor Chris Christie in 60 days who views this approach as "violence control."

"This is a comprehensive look at not just what common sense measures we can implement to curtail gun violence, but a hard look at the root causes in our state," said Christie.

New Jersey already has one of the toughest gun laws in America, with an assault weapons ban, strict limits on ammunition magazines and required background checks on all gun purchases.

Christie won't say where he stands on a federal assault weapons ban, not yet anyway, since he says he wants to address the state's concerns first. (see related story)

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