Downtown New Jersey is seeing a blue line spread. It has been seen in parks, on county roads, and in the area between the double yellow lines that run down main streets. It frequently passes a police station directly.

Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet stated, “I see communities start to paint that blue line, and it’s a simple thing,” prior to the township painting one in front of the police station on Wednesday. “It’s a chance for the community to say something about how we value the police department.”

Although townships and boroughs across the state are painting the line to support police, the trend is particularly popular in Bergen County and other communities in North Jersey.

What is meant by the line?

The thin blue line is becoming more and more visible as people nationwide rush to express their support for law enforcement in the wake of shootings that target officers. It’s on flags, T-shirts, and wristbands, and it’s on the paint on the street.

The line has historically stood between law-abiding citizens and the criminal element, symbolizing the function of law enforcement.

However, among other things, the blue line painted in Chestnut Branch Park also represents officer unity and camaraderie, according to Rodney J. Sawyer, police chief of Mantua Township in Gloucester County.

“It stands in support of a profession that in recent months has come under fire and attacked as a symbol of conspiracy, cover ups, and accused of racist behavior,” he wrote in his email. “It represents the solidarity displayed within the profession when a Law Enforcement Officer makes the ultimate sacrifice… It is the thin blue line in the midst of tragedy that rushes in as others rush out.”

Though there are differing opinions on how to assist EMTs and paramedics, some towns have also painted red lines in recognition of firefighters. Dumont chose green paint, while Glen Rock used white in Bergen County.