Homeland Security Director: New Jersey Residents Are 'Absolutely' Safe In Wake Of Paris Terror
HAMILTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, and a threat by ISIS militants to strike Washington, many in Tri-State Area suburbs have been wondering how safe they are.
CBS2's Christine Sloan spoke Monday with Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, to see what the Garden State is doing to keep residents safe.
Big stadiums such as MetLife Stadium, of course, have tightened security. But what about soft targets such as restaurants, theaters and shopping centers?
Two days after the Paris attacks, cellphone video showed New Jersey shoppers oblivious as a mall announced it was investigating a possible crime.
"I think we are all lax because we are used to the freedom that we have," said Linda Wiesner of Allentown, New Jersey.
"We cannot stop our lives. We must be positive that we are being protected," said Wendy Davner of Allentown.
Rodriguez said there was "no specific credible threat to New Jersey or to the region."
And as to the question of whether New Jersey residents are safe, Rodriguez said "absolutely."
"I don't think we're lax in New Jersey," Rodriguez said. "Again, I think we're very forward-leaning from a security posture."
Rodriguez said that posture includes working with the FBI, New York, and local authorities. In Rodriguez's office, counterterrorism analysts also keep a constant eye on social media, where ISIS spreads its radical message.
There is even a soft target bureau at the New Jersey Homeland Security office, working with restaurants and theaters.
"We did reach out those owners and operators of those institutions as well to make sure that they were also increasing security around their establishments," Rodriguez said.
But he emphasized that residents were the first line of defense.
"So we encourage people, if they see something, say something," Rodriguez said.
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security has a SAFE-NJ mobile app to report suspicious activity. That could include purchases of fertilizer at stores, or noticing someone videotaping or surveilling an area.
New Jersey's Homeland Security also held a public webinar with residents to tell them what is going on. They will also meet with Muslim leaders in New Jersey this week.
