New Jersey acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck on Tuesday issued a directive that restricts the use of “no-knock” warrants by police. Citing “dire consequences” for the safety of both law enforcement officers and residents, Bruck said his directive (pdf) seeks to further regulate the “already-rare application” of no-knock warrants in New Jersey, and establish approval and reporting requirements for instances when they are used. “I have determined that no-knock warrants present significant risks to public and officer safety, privacy, and community trust, and should be used only in rare and targeted circumstances,” Bruck said in his directive. “No-knock raids” are where officers barge in without knocking because of fear of violence. Bruck outlined four “broad actions” to regulate the use of no-knock warrants for both residents and commercial premises. It states that the use of no-knock warrants is generally prohibited under the new rules, but that officers may request authorization only …