Railway Safety on Track as Law Enforcement Relaunches Full-Scale “Operation NJ CONECT”
HAMILTON, NJ – The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will join Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Federal Air Marshal Service, as well as numerous local law enforcement partners, along the Northeast Corridor Wednesday for Amtrak’s railway safety full-scale exercise “Operation NJ CONECT.”
“Operation NJ CONECT will bolster our security preparedness efforts by leveraging the strengths of our law enforcement and transit partners in a collaborative effort,” said Governor Murphy. “As the most densely populated state in the nation, it’s critical that we engage in a proactive, cross-sector approach to ensuring the utmost safety of our residents. This exercise will send a message to New Jersey’s commuters that their security and peace of mind remain our top priorities.”
The New Jersey Coordinated Operations Northeast Corridor Train joint exercise serves to promote collaboration within the law enforcement and transportation sectors, improve overall response capabilities and build upon public trust.
“The Northeast Corridor is one of the foremost railways between major metropolitan areas for commuters, travelers and supply chains, making it an attractive target for nefarious actors and a top-tier priority for those of us looking to stop them in their efforts,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran. “While much of our daily operations are conducted outside the public’s view, this exercise will allow us to showcase that work, enhance communication among our law enforcement counterparts, send a clear message to potential threat actors and give ridership greater peace of mind.”
As in years past, the exercise will include increased platform and aviation patrols, explosive detection sweeps by canine units, elevated security on trains and a visible and proactive law enforcement presence along the corridor.
“Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor passing through our state, New Jersey has one of the highest commuter populations in the nation which is why ensuring the safety of our transportation infrastructure is critical,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Operation NJ CONECT is an exercise that promotes preparedness through collaboration with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”
Representatives from the various partners will also be on hand, educating commuters on the signs of suspicious activity and amplifying NJ TRANSIT’s security hotline, 1-888-TIPS-NJT.
“These full-scale exercises are critical to fostering our law enforcement and transit partnerships, because effective collaboration enhances our security initiatives throughout the state,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “By working together, we can send a message that we are using every tool available to keep the transportation systems of New Jersey safe and secure.”
Upon receiving a suspicious activity report, NJ TRANSIT then laterally shares that information with NJOHSP’s Counterterrorism Watch Desk, where federal law enforcement partners are consulted for further review and analysis.
“NJ TRANSIT is proud to join the Office of Homeland Security, Amtrak, the New Jersey State Police in addition to state and local agencies in this important security exercise,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “While we all hope that we never have to use these measures, these exercises pay significant dividends by ensuring we are all prepared and able to work together effectively when we need to respond to an emergency.”
Responders will carry out the exercise on platforms and train cars spanning from Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction Station, Metropark Station in the Iselin section of Woodbridge, to Trenton Station.
“Security and preparedness is a top priority of the New Jersey TRANSIT Police Department,” said New Jersey TRANSIT Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. “We regularly run coordinated security drills, alongside local law enforcement and security officials, at multiple NJ TRANSIT transportation facilities around the state. We are pleased to join this unified message to our residents and customers that we will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect them.”
“Safety is Amtrak’s top priority — whether it is on a train, at a station or on our right of way,” said Amtrak Police Department Chief Sam Dotson. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safety of our customers, employees and infrastructure.”
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