TRENTON, NJ – Officials in New Jersey emphasize the importance of public vigilance and awareness due to potential security threats during the upcoming mass gatherings of the upcoming holiday season. Laurie Doran, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), highlighted the absence of specific threats but stressed the need for heightened caution at malls, houses of worship, and parades.
At this time, the state also acknowledges that no specific or credible threats exist in New Jersey.
Doran underscored the dual nature of the holiday season as a time for celebration and caution. She noted that holidays could present opportunities for threat actors, particularly at vulnerable spots. The NJOHSP advocates for an educated public capable of identifying and reporting suspicious activities. This approach is vital for the effectiveness of the agency’s 24/7 Counterterrorism Watch Desk and its collaboration with various law enforcement partners.
The “See Something, Say Something” campaign is a crucial element in NJOHSP’s strategy to prevent potential incidents. This initiative encourages the public to report any suspicious activities or signs of targeted violence.
Recent increases in reports of suspicious activities at New Jersey’s houses of worship have prompted NJOHSP to advise faith-based communities to stay alert during holiday observances. Recommendations include informing congregants about reporting procedures, preparing emergency plans, and conducting facility vulnerability assessments.
NJOHSP’s website offers extensive resources, such as the 15 signs of terrorist-related suspicious activity, details about the New Jersey Suspicious Activity Reporting System, and educational materials.
Deputy Director Dan Engelhardt emphasized the role of intuition in security. He urged the public to report anything that seems unusual, reassuring that every tip would be followed up.
Engelhardt highlighted that hesitation could be costly in their field, advocating for prompt reporting.
Suspicious activity reports can be made to local police or directly to NJOHSP’s Counterterrorism Watch Desk. The public is encouraged to remain alert and proactive in contributing to the collective security effort during the holiday season.