NJOHSP’s Secure the Shore Campaign Officially Underway

May 26, 2022 – Press Release

HAMILTON, NJ­ – As part of its annual “Secure the Shore” campaign, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is cautioning the millions of residents and tourists flocking to area beaches and boardwalks to remain vigilant.

“Secure the Shore” focuses on municipalities within Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, leveraging partnerships with local, county, State and federal law enforcement and increasing public awareness of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.

Beyond encouraging the public to report suspicious activities, this seasonal initiative assists coastal communities with reducing the threat risk and vulnerabilities at various outdoor activities and events.

“If current events have taught us anything, it’s that bad actors look for opportunities to strike where mass gatherings are happening,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran. “Community engagement and suspicious activity reporting, alongside a united and equipped law enforcement front, is critical to the continued safety and security of New Jersey.”

In anticipation of the summer surge of beachgoers, NJOHSP has and will continue to assist shore towns with maximizing their security capabilities through a number of measures, including:

• Collaborating with businesses, law enforcement partners and local officials.
• Developing security strategies for public venues with limited security.
• Deploying counterterrorism detectives to special events.
• Conducting routine visits to boardwalks and businesses.
• Investigating all leads in a timely manner.
• Training lifeguards and beach patrols on identifying suspicious activities.
• Administering federal funding for target-hardening equipment.

NJOHSP encourages everyone heading to the Jersey Shore this summer to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or Counterterrorism Watch by calling 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or emailing tips@njohsp.gov.

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The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), a Cabinet-level agency, was created in 2006. The Director serves as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor, and is responsible for leading and coordinating the State’s counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness efforts while building resiliency throughout the State across all levels of government and the private sector. NJOHSP oversees and distributes discretionary State and federal homeland security and emergency preparedness funds on behalf of New Jersey. More information about NJOHSP can be found at www.njhomelandsecurity.gov.