State of New Jersey
Executive Order #52

Governor James E. McGreevey


WHEREAS, it appears imminent that the United States will become engaged in an armed conflict with the country of Iraq; and

WHEREAS, as a result, the Federal Department of Homeland Security has begun "Operation Liberty Shield," to increase security and readiness in the United States, and have asked the states to cooperate in this effort; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security has raised the national terror threat level to "high alert"; signaling a high risk of a terrorist attack; and

WHEREAS, since September 11th 2001, New Jersey law enforcement, National Guard and emergency management personnel have been engaged in an ongoing cooperative effort to vigilantly protect our State and its citizens from terrorism, with an appropriate emphasis on our State's critical transportation systems and infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the National Guard's assistance is currently desirable to work in a cooperative operation with the New Jersey State Police, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as well as other law enforcement agencies to secure key locations, such as New Jersey's airports, bridges and tunnels, from potential terrorism;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. McGREEVEY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

  1. In accordance with New Jersey Statutes 38A:2-1, et seq., I hereby authorize the Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard to order to active duty all such members of the New Jersey National Guard that, in his judgment, are necessary to protect airports, tunnels and bridges and to provide aid to any other locality where there is a threat or danger to the public health, safety and welfare. He may authorize the employment of any supporting vehicles, equipment, communications or supplies as may be necessary to support the members so ordered.

  2. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

 

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this
19th day of March, in the Year of Our
Lord, Two Thousand and Three, and
of the Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Twenty-Seventh.

/s/ James E. McGreevey

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Michael R. DeCotiis
Chief Counsel to the Governor