NJ Terrorism Office Established

(TRENTON) - Continuing his commitment to the safety and security of New Jersey families and communities, Governor James E. McGreevey signed an Executive Order creating the Office of Counter-Terrorism. McGreevey announced that Kathryn Flicker will be named Assistant Attorney General for Counter-Terrorism to lead the new Office.

"Today I am taking an important step in enhancing the security of our citizens," said McGreevey. "I will sign an Executive Order to create the Office of Counter-Terrorism within the Attorney General's Office."

The Office of Counter-Terrorism will be responsible for administering, coordinating and leading New Jersey's counter-terrorism and preparedness efforts.

Flicker, who has served as Director of the Division of Criminal Justice since 2000, will be responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to prevent and mitigate terrorist attacks.

"Kathryn Flicker is a nationally recognized attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience," McGreevey said. "Her extensive legal expertise and professional skills will help protect New Jerseysans from terrorist attacks."

She will work in partnership with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies as well as business and industry leaders to identify and implement security plans and policies. She also will serve as the State's day-to-day liaison with the Federal Homeland Security Council.

"In the aftermath of September 11th, it has become essential to develop plans to protect New Jersey families from a new kind of threat within our Nation's borders," said McGreevey, who has made security one of the top priorities of his administration. "The Domestic Security and Preparedness Task Force, under Ms. Flicker's leadership and direction, will work aggressively to ensure our safety."

Flicker began working at the Division of Criminal Justice in 1971 as a deputy attorney general. From1981-2000, she worked at the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office where she served as First Assistant, Acting Prosecutor and Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor. In 2000, she was appointed by Attorney General John Farmer, Jr. as Director of the Division of Criminal Justice.

Among her many trial accomplishments, Flicker successfully prosecuted several high-profile murder cases as well as numerous cases involving violent crimes. She was the lead attorney in the prosecution of Jesse K.

Timmendequas, a twice-convicted sex-offender who was sentenced to be executed for the brutal murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka of Hamilton. The girl's murder led to the passage of Megan's Law, a series of statutes requiring community notification when certain sex-offenders are released from prison.

McGreevey has made the safety and security of New Jersey's families and communities a top priority since his election. He has met numerous times with law enforcement and public safety officials, and his Security Task Force is developing recommendations on the most effective ways to prevent and fight terrorism, including:

· Strengthening public safety partnerships at all levels - local state and federal.
· Providing the necessary manpower to protect the state's health and safety and economic engines such as airports, roadways, factories, workplaces, power plants and water and sewer facilities;
· Increasing training and standards for intelligence and security personnel and improving law enforcement partnership to enhance the sharing of intelligence information.
· Maximizing financial resources to prevent and fight terrorism, including local, state, federal and private support; and

Creating job opportunities for New Jersey workers, especially communications, safety and security, high-tech and bio-tech.

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Author: Office of Governor McGreevey