Special Operations

Highlands Police Department Homeland Security

I would like to welcome you to the Highlands Police Department Homeland Security site. The continually evolving world issues of Terrorism have required that citizens of the United States and our local communities change their thinking regarding issues of personal safety and preparedness.

Homeland Security preparation and Natural Disaster preparation are very similar in that both require an advance action plan. You will find two excellent sites web sites below one administered by the State of New Jersey State and the other the United States Government both offer excellent advice for our community.

We may no longer believe that we are too isolated that we will not become a victim of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. There are several unique features contained within our community that have the potential for terrorist activity. Highlands is the highest point along the Eastern seacoast and has two highly visible landmarks; Twin Lights Lighthouse and Eastpoint condominiums. All major airlines fly directly overhead in the New York / New Jersey air traffic corridor. The ferry system transports the top executives of the major corporations, which are based in New York City. The World Trade Center was targeted as it was highly visible and represented the American corporate system. The US Naval Station Earle, an ammunition depot, is within six miles from our waterfront and is responsible for the movement of a majority of the explosives and fuel for our troops overseas.

The Highlands community is well aware of the problems of flooding and potential damage from high winds. The forecasters state that this year 2006 will be problematic during the hurricane season.

The close proximity to New York City and its large media translates into instant worldwide coverage should a major incident occur on the New Jersey Shore.

Homeland Security has two main components: 1) preparedness in the event of an attack or natural disaster such as a hurricane and flooding 2) every citizen can and must assist in reporting suspicious activity that could be criminal or terrorist related.

Preparedness is analogous to having smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home. You may never need them however they should be available in your home should you be faced with an emergency.

Preparedness in the event of an attack or natural disaster includes knowing where you can shelter or evacuate, having food and water for your family and available transportation in the event of an emergency. 

The following links provide substantial details on preparedness in the event of an emergency:

www.state.nj.us/nj homeland security/ (a NJ State Site left side click prepare)
www.Ready.gov (US Government Site with similar information and a good kids site)

I will borrow a phrase from the environmental groups Think Globally Act Locally. Homeland Security is similar in this concept.

Henry B. Clagett

Captain

The Highlands Police Department encourages all reports of any suspicious activity at any time of the day.