Talking Homeland Security Before Terrorism Strikes; NJ Officials Meet Camden Business Owners
CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) -- Camden County teamed up with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security to offer a seminar for small businesses on how to better protect themselves from terrorism.
Several dozen people showed up for the three hour session, the third of a series the state is holding to make sure businesses know what help is available to them through what's called the "Hometown Security Initiative."
The bottom line for the meeting? "To raise awareness as it relates to homeland security in law enforcement matters, engaging with the community better both with businesses and with the communities of faith as well," Steven Gitkin, Deputy Director of New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness told KYW Newsradio.
This meeting was scheduled before the bombings almost two weeks ago in Seaside Park and New York City. It included an update on the threat assessment in the state as well as a discussion on the ability of various agencies to respond, quickly, when people see something that just doesn't seem quite right.
Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young hoped those in attendance took home a couple ideas often talked about when it comes to keeping people safe. "There's making sure you're not touching any suspicious packages and just make sure that you report it on time and everything is good."
Many of those attending the meeting declined to discuss it, stating they'd been assigned by their bosses to be there. But among the ideas they took back to the office...the fact that many of the security upgrade services being offered by the state to small businesses come at little or no charge.