Gov. Announces Increased Security

On Friday, in response to a series of coordinated bomb attacks on Madrid’s commuter train system, Governor James E. McGreevey announced increased measures to enhance New Jersey’s emergency preparedness along transportation routes.

“We are working hard everyday to ensure that our communities are safe and secure,” said Governor McGreevey. “My Administration in concert with the New Jersey State Police, the State’s Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force and the Office of Counter-Terrorism, will continue to do everything possible to make certain our residents are protected. I also want to thank the thousands of local law enforcement officers, who are an important part of our coordinated State effort.”

The additional measures include increased presence along New Jersey Transit transportation centers and are coordinated by the newly formed Homeland Security Branch. The new branch, formed last month, increases the state’s capacity to respond to an elevated threat level or any event requiring the concerted efforts of law enforcement, intelligence and emergency response workers. The State continues to monitor all of its critical infrastructures on a daily basis.

“At this point we have no information regarding specific threats to the United States and New Jersey from the attack in Madrid,” said Sidney J. Caspersen, Director of the New Jersey Office of Counter-Terrorism. “Regardless, terrorist organizations have been known to learn from others based on their ‘successes’ and ‘failures.’ Since in the terrorists’ eyes this attack was clearly a success, law enforcement, transportation authorities and citizens must remain vigilant to suspicious activity and individuals with respect to rail and other transportation.”

“The actions taken today are not the result of a heightened alert, however, in light of the bombing in Madrid, I feel it is prudent to take measures to assure the safety of New Jersey’s citizens and their transportation systems,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the State Office of Emergency Management.

“This precautionary response demonstrates exactly why we created the new Homeland Security Branch of State Police,” said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who chairs the State’s Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force, the cabinet-level body that oversees New Jersey’s homeland security policy and coordination efforts. “Working together with the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force and the Office of Counter-Terrorism, State Police’s ability to respond quickly provides added protection for New Jersey's citizens.”

Since fiscal year 2003, Governor McGreevey’s administration has provided nearly $248 million in State funds for homeland security efforts. The amount has increased each year. In his proposed fiscal year 2005 budget, the Governor is calling for $94 million in homeland security funding – including a $33 million cell tower assessment.

That assessment would help pay for the purchase of about 400 new State Police patrol cars; salary and training costs for new State Troopers; and security details at New Jersey’s nuclear power plants.

“This is vitally important funding that will help us keep New Jersey’s families as safe and secure as possible,” the Governor said. “Right now, the Bush Administration is trying to cut homeland security funding to the states by 18 percent – and we estimate New Jersey’s share would drop from $55.4 million to $44 million. With or without the Federal government’s help, the counter-terrorism work New Jersey is doing must and will continue. We will keep developing more and more sophisticated ways to keep our infrastructure and communities safe from terrorist attacks.”

Several of New Jersey’s homeland security accomplishments to date include the development of secure Internet connections that let local and State agencies share security bulletins; the training of hundreds of officers in counter-terrorism intelligence and awareness; the requirement that all local police recruits will be trained in “weapons of mass destruction” emergency response; and the creation of a Pharmaceutical Stockpile Access and Distribution Plan with over 400 sites identified for mass distribution of medicines or vaccinations.

To maintain continued vigilance, citizens are encouraged to contact the New Jersey Office of Counter-Terrorism at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ to report any unusual or suspicious activity. Homeland Security and Preparedness tips can be found online by going to the State’s Homeland Security Web site, www.NJHomelandSecurity.com, or the State Police website at www.njsp.org and clicking on the Office of Emergency Management icon.

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Author: Press Release-Micah Rasmussen