PERTH AMBOY – The City of Perth Amboy is hosting a New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) Course on October 16-18, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  There will be increased police presence, including emergency response vessels in and around the waterways of Perth Amboy (Arthur Kill, Raritan Bay and Raritan River).  This is a training exercise only and no cause for concern.

Several members from the Perth Amboy Police Department and Fire Department will be participating in the piloted three-day course from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called Maritime Rad/Nuclear Detection Operations Course (PER 350), along with various local, county and state agencies.

The PRND Maritime Operations Course establishes a standardized operational understanding of small vessel maritime Preventive Radiological and Nuclear Detection (PRND) operations, providing the skills necessary to execute missions safely and effectively. Participants working as a boat crew demonstrate proficiency in primary and secondary screening, safety and tactical positioning, chokepoints, and area sweeps in the maritime environment. Drills are based on specific competencies, behaviors and tasks utilizing typed personnel, equipment and teams.

The course focused on NJOGSP’s continued effort to strengthen the infrastructure along the region’s waterways and ports and provides a unique maritime collaboration training opportunity. This marks the first time the course is offered in Perth Amboy and the second time in New Jersey.

About the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

NJOHSP is 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.