Police In NJ On Heightened Alert After Paris Attacks
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey were on heightened alert Saturday after the deadly terror attacks in Paris, but officials reported no credible threat against the state.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police spokesman Joe Pentangelo said there were increased patrols and checks of bags, buses, trucks and trains at agency locations.
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New Jersey State Police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Flynn said the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center in West Trenton monitors world events every hour of every day and is keeping an eye on the current situation. The center is operating as usual.
State Police also said they will increase the number of troopers at the Giants-Patriots game at MetLife Stadium in light of the attacks. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m.
They said they are learning more about the tactics in the deadly bomb and gun attacks and are using that information to improve their plans.
Flynn and Pentangelo said people should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to police or other authorities.
State Police superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes echoed that sentiment in a Facebook post, saying the best defense against an attack is intelligence- sharing at all levels combined with "the eyes and ears of concerned citizens.''
He said people are understandably concerned about the possibility of an attack here.
"People in the United States are understandably concerned about the possibility of similar attacks in our country," Fuentes said. "Let's use those concerns to strengthen our diligence in being aware of our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity."
Gov. Chris Christie also said on Twitter that state police and the Homeland Security Department are taking steps to protect New Jersey.
At least 129 people were killed and 352 injured in gun and bomb attacks Friday night in Paris. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.
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