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ATLANTIC
CITY – Attorney General Paula T. Dow
and Acting Director David Rebuck today announced
that the Division of Gaming Enforcement has
entered into an agreement with all 11 casinos
for the installation and use of a new emergency
response infrastructure known as the Mutualink
system, which will enhance the safety and
security of Atlantic City’s Tourism
District.
“As
we implement Governor Christie’s plan
to renew Atlantic City as a premier international
gaming and tourism destination, we are making
public safety a top priority,” said
Attorney General Dow. “Once deployed,
Mutualink will ensure the seamless interoperability
of critical communications systems, so that
when we need to share information in the
heat of an emergency, when lives are at
stake, the lines of communication will be
open.”
“We
are committed to preparing Atlantic City
to respond to both natural disasters and
man-made emergencies, including potential
acts of terrorism or criminal activities,”
said Acting Director Rebuck. “This
system will allow law enforcement, first
responders and the casinos to evaluate public
safety events in real-time and coordinate
a more timely and effective response.”
The
Division of Gaming Enforcement has been
working in conjunction with the New Jersey
Office of Homeland Security Preparedness
and the New Jersey State Police to establish
protocols with the casino industry to activate
an interoperable system in each casino to
allow dispatchers, police, fire and EMS
and other public safety agencies to share
voice, video, text and files across a secure
Internet connection.
This
system will dramatically enhance and change
the way emergency responders can communicate.
Of critical importance, this system will
allow law enforcement to connect to the
closed circuit television systems of each
casino for communication with other government
agencies as well as hospitals and other
public institutions in the event of a terrorist
attack or other public safety event.
The
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security Preparedness,
in concert with the New Jersey State Police,
brought the Mutualink system to the attention
of the Division of Gaming Enforcement when
federal grant money for the hardware became
available through the Office of Homeland
Security and Preparedness after the Mumbai
terrorist attacks.
"Maximizing
safety in Atlantic City requires state and
local law enforcement and emergency management
agencies to work closely with casino security
personnel," said Charles B. McKenna,
Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland
Security and Preparedness. "The establishment
of a Mutualink system will make Atlantic
City safer by providing enhanced communication,
leading to better law enforcement and emergency
management response efforts.”
“This
is an important link to integrate the Tourism
District with Atlantic City’s overall
Safe and Clean initiative.” said Tom
Gilbert, Commander of the Tourism District.
"Mutualink lays down an unprecedented
communications backbone, which promotes
stronger teamwork and collaboration between
public and private partners committed to
the safety of Atlantic City and the Tourism
District. Timely collection and sharing
of information is the cornerstone of proactive
policing strategies. Mutualink is a valuable
addition to the public safety toolbox and
is a great step forward for those who live,
visit and work in Atlantic City."
Captain
James F. Corbley, Chief of the Casino Gaming
Bureau, New Jersey State Police said, “"Mutual
Link is an important step in strengthening
the public private partnership needed to
safeguard Atlantic City's assets."
The
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security Preparedness
will fund the hardware purchase, installation
and licensing of the Mutualink system through
a federal grant administered through the
New Jersey State Police.
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