The Emergency Management Section Supervisor holds the rank of Major and also serves as Deputy State Director, Office of Emergency Management. The Section is under the command of the Deputy Superintendent of Homeland Security, who is the Assistant State Director, Office of Emergency Management. The Section organizes, directs, staffs, coordinates and reports the activities of the Communications Bureau, Emergency Preparedness Bureau, and Recovery Bureau. The Supervisor and staff facilitate the flow of information to and from the various Bureaus supervised and serve as a conduit for communication with other Division entities. The Section is also responsible for planning, directing and coordinating emergency operations within the State which are beyond local control. The following three Bureaus make up Emergency Management Section:

The following three Bureaus make up Emergency Management Section:

• Communications Bureau
• Emergency Preparedness Bureau
• Recovery Bureau

• Radio/ Electronics Maintenance Unit (REMU)
• Telecommunications Unit
• Operational Dispatch Unit - North
• Operational Dispatch Unit- Central
• Operational Dispatch Unit - South
• Operational Dispatch Unit - Turnpike/Parkway
• Operational Dispatch Unit - Call Center

Radio/Electronics Maintenance Unit (REMU)

The Radio Electronic Maintenance Unit has twenty- three 800 MHZ tower sites, with their attendant equipment and buildings, as well as, nearly a dozen more low band tower sites. It's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, all radio and related equipment procurement, distribution, maintenance, and control; the maintenance of other public safety equipment and the management of the system's programming, In addition, shall provide, maintain, and control closed circuit television, tape recordings, and other miscellaneous electronic equipment for the Division. It shall also provide training for users of the State Police radio equipment.

Telecommunications Unit

The Unit is responsible for all the Divisions' telecommunications needs. This includes telephone service, pagers, cellular phones, and maintaining the various systems needed to support these services. The Unit also handles the liaison between the Division and the various service vendors so as to insure timely and proper implementation of the needs of the Division.

All of the telephone equipment is owned by the Division and is maintained and administered by the Telecommunications Unit. The Telecommunications Unit coordinates the one thousand pagers used by Division personnel. The Unit is also responsible for funding and maintenance of the pagers provided by the Communications Bureau.

The Unit is responsible for separating the bills, reviewing some, checking for errors in billing and designating the location to which the bill will be sent for verification. In addition to administrating to the Divisions' telecommunications needs, the Unit also provides security to the telephone lines to prevent unauthorized use. This is done by monitoring outgoing calls from Division Headquarters utilizing the SMDR and the use of a barrier code to prevent unauthorized use of the Divisions "800" number. The unit members also attend seminars and training to better insure the integrity of the systems.

Operational Dispatch Unit North

ODU North
250 Minisink Rd.
Totowa, N.J. 07512

ODU North is a centralized Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with 42 trained Public Safety Telecommunicators and seven enlisted supervisors. Some of the critical job functions are as follows:

• Tracking Patrols for the seven Northern N.J. road stations and various specialist units by means of a Computer Assisted Dispatch System and a 800mzh radio system.
• Processing State Police emergency and non emergency phone lines.
• 24 hour monitoring of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
• Processing state cellular 911 phone calls.

All State Police Public Safety Telecommunicators are required to attend a six week training course designed specifically for the needs of the Division. This training meets the requirements as outlined under the state 9-1-1 regulation.

Expressed interest in becoming a Public Safety Telecommunicator is accomplished by mailing or e-mailing a resume to the following locations:

Mail:
New Jersey State Police
Communications Bureau
PO BOX 7068
West Trenton, N. J. 08628
E-MAIL: odb@gw.njsp.org

Operational Dispatch Unit Central

ODU Central
1400 Negron Drive
Hamilton, N.J. 08691

ODU Central is a centralized Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with 42 trained Public Safety Telecommunicators and seven enlisted supervisors. Some of the critical job functions are as follows:

• Tracking Patrols for the seven Central N.J. road stations and various specialist units by means of a Computer Assisted Dispatch System and a 800mzh radio system
• Processing State Police emergency and non emergency phone lines.
• 24 hour monitoring of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
• Processing state cellular 911 phone calls.

All State Police Public Safety Telecommunicators are required to attend a six week training course designed specifically for the needs of the Division. This training meets the requirements as outlined under the state 9-1-1 regulation.

Expressed interest in becoming a Public Safety Telecommunicator is accomplished by mailing or e-mailing a resume to the following locations:

Mail:
New Jersey State Police
Communications Bureau
PO BOX 7068
West Trenton, N. J. 08628
E-MAIL: odb@gw.njsp.org

Operational Dispatch Unit South

ODU South
1045 Rt 54
Williamstown, N.J. 08094

ODU South is a centralized Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with 46 trained Public Safety Telecommunicators and seven enlisted supervisors. Some of the critical job functions are as follows:

• Tracking Patrols for the six Southern N.J. road stations and various specialist units by means of a Computer Assisted Dispatch System and a 800mzh radio system
• Processing State Police emergency and non emergency phone lines.
• 24 hour monitoring of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
• Processing state cellular 911 phone calls.

All State Police Public Safety Telecommunicators are required to attend a six week training course designed specifically for the needs of the Division. This training meets the requirements as outlined under the state 9-1-1 regulation.

Expressed interest in becoming a Public Safety Telecommunicator is accomplished by mailing or e-mailing a resume to the following locations:

Mail:
New Jersey State Police
Communications Bureau
PO BOX 7068
West Trenton, N. J. 08628
E-MAIL: odb@gw.njsp.org

Operational Dispatch Unit Turnpike/Parkway

ODU Turnpike/Parkway
PO BOX 20
Woodbridge, N.J. 07095

ODU Turnpike/Parkway is the Communications Hub staffed with 46 Public Safety Telecommunicators and seven enlisted supervisors Some of the critical job functions are as follows:

• Tracking patrols and specialty units for the three Parkway road stations, and three Turnpike road stations that cover the entire length of the roadways by means of computer assisted dispatch and the 800 MHz radio system.
• Processing State Police emergency and non emergency phone lines.
• 24 hour monitoring of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)

All State Police Public Safety Telecommunicators are required to attend a six week training course designed specifically for the needs of the Division. This training meets the requirements as outlined under the state 9-1-1 regulation. ODU Turnpike/Parkway is currently not considered a Public Safety Answering Point.

Expressed interest in becoming a Public Safety Telecommunicator is accomplished by mailing or e-mailing a resume to the following locations:

Mail:
New Jersey State Police
Communications Bureau
PO BOX 7068
West Trenton, N. J. 08628
E-MAIL: odb@gw.njsp.org

Operational Dispatch Unit Call Center

ODU Call Center
River Road, PO Box 7068
West Trenton, N.J. 08628

ODU Call Center is a centralized public safety answering point (PSAP) with 36 trained public safety telecommunicators and 7 enlisted supervisors. Some of the critical job functions are as follows:

• Processing State Police emergency and non emergency phone lines.
• 24 hour monitoring of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
• Processing State cellular 911 phone calls (Nearly 5000 calls per day)
• Process of the State aggressive driver Hotline calls, School Safety Hotline calls, Terrorist Tip Hotline, Safe Freight Hotline, and the Street Gangs Hotlines, monitor Nuclear generating stations Hotlines

All State Police Public Safety Telecommunicators are required to attend a six week training course designed specifically for the needs of the Division. This training meets the requirements as outlined under the state 9-1-1 regulation.

Expressed interest in becoming a Public Safety Telecommunicator is accomplished by mailing or e-mailing a resume to the following locations:

Mail:
New Jersey State Police
Communications Bureau
PO BOX 7068
West Trenton, N. J. 08628
E-MAIL: odb@gw.njsp.org

• North Regional Unit
• South Regional Unit
• Radiological Emergency Response Planning & Technical Unit
• Hazardous Materials Response Unit
• Exercise Unit
• Urban Search and Rescue
  • New Jersey Task Force One
  • Federal Surplus Property Program

North Regional Unit

The North Region coordinates emergency management activities throughout the northern eleven (11) counties and two hundred ninety eight (298) municipalities. Fifty (50) of these two hundred ninety eight (298) political subdivisions receive funding through the Emergency Management Agency Assistance (EMAA) grant. The jurisdictions that receive EMAA funding have a unique relationship with the Regional personnel who interact with them on a regular basis to assure their compliance with the required work plan. This EMAA Work Plan describes the content of the agreement by which they are funded. Regional personnel meet with and evaluate all EMAA funded jurisdictions for year-end reports, development and review of Emergency Operation Plans (EOPs), exercises, and performance review of semi-annual and final claim forms.

EMS regional personnel represent the Governor and State Director of Emergency Management at all emergency and disaster situations in the State. They monitor these situations and assure proper response and recovery activities. Response to an incident provides interaction between local and state government that expedites and centralizes the State's response. These activities include State, County and Municipal EOC activations, participation in actual operations, and technical assistance during the response and recovery phase. Regional representatives are also responsible for providing status reports of events, through channels, to the Office of the Governor and Attorney General. In the post-emergency phase, they are responsible for the incident's evaluation and critique. It is also the responsibility of the Regional Units to assist with the development, review and compliance of all county and municipal Emergency Operations Plans.

Responsibilities of the regional representatives fall into seventeen (17) different functional categories. They are required to attend County, Municipal and other agency meetings; attend and conduct NJSP and NJOEM training; administer, participate and evaluate local exercises; respond to all major incidents and disasters; provide direct EOP development assistance; and conduct compliance surveys, State Police details, program support and other administrative functions.

South Regional Unit

The South Region coordinates emergency management activities throughout the southern ten (10) counties and two hundred sixty six (266) municipalities. Forty-eight (48) of these two hundred sixty six (266) political subdivisions receive funding through the Emergency Management Agency Assistance (EMAA) grant. The jurisdictions that receive EMAA funding have a unique relationship with the Regional personnel who interact with them on a regular basis to assure their compliance with the required work plan. This EMAA Work Plan describes the content of the agreement by which they are funded. Regional personnel meet with and evaluate all EMAA funded jurisdictions for year-end reports, development and review of Emergency Operation Plans (EOPs), exercises, and performance review of semi-annual and final claim forms.

EMS regional personnel represent the Governor and State Director of Emergency Management at all emergency and disaster situations in the State. They monitor these situations and assure proper response and recovery activities. Response to an incident provides interaction between local and state government that expedites and centralizes the State's response. These activities include State, County and Municipal EOC activations, participation in actual operations, and technical assistance during the response and recovery phase. Regional representatives are also responsible for providing status reports of events, through channels, to the Office of the Governor and Attorney General. In the post-emergency phase, they are responsible for the incident's evaluation and critique. It is also the responsibility of the Regional Units to assist with the development, review and compliance of all county and municipal Emergency Operations Plans.

Responsibilities of the regional representatives fall into seventeen (17) different functional categories. They are required to attend County, Municipal and other agency meetings; attend and conduct NJSP and NJOEM training; administer, participate and evaluate local exercises; respond to all major incidents and disasters; provide direct EOP development assistance; and conduct compliance surveys, State Police details, program support and other administrative functions.

Emergerncy Preparedness Bureau Map (PDF)

Radiological Emergency Response Planning & Technical Unit

The Radiological Emergency Response Planning (RERP&T) Unit develops radiological emergency response plans and procedures for protecting the population in the areas located within ten miles of the nuclear power plants located in New Jersey. They develop and conduct an annual exercise of the Radiological Emergency Response Plan for each area affected by a nuclear power plant located in New Jersey. They also coordinate the interaction of the State, county, municipal and federal governments in preparing for response activities to incidents at a nuclear power plant. They also serve as technical Advisor to the State Director of Emergency Management and the Governor's Office in incidents or exercises involving Radiological materials in transit or at fixed facilities. The Radiological Emergency Response Planning Unit (RERP&T) is responsible for a number of tasks identified in the Radiation Accident Response Act, 26:2D-37. These tasks center upon the development, maintenance, and exercise of the State's Radiological Emergency Response Plan. This is also a requirement of the federal government according to 44 CFR 350, Review and approval of Radiological Emergency Response Plans. The Unit develops, coordinates, conducts, and evaluates an annual exercise of the Plans for the Salem/Hope Creek Plant and the Oyster Creek Plant. The exercises test each major component of the Plans and serve to measure the adequacy of those plans and the skills of the responders. Exercises are required annually under the Radiation Accident Response Act. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires the State to conduct exercises biennially.

The Unit reviews and revises the RERP Plans based upon exercise evaluations, revised federal guidance, and changing demographics. The Unit develops, maintains, and exercises Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) which provide guidance on specific tasks identified in the Plans. It develops, provides, and evaluates training to emergency responders on the specific tasks and SOP's identified in the Plans. The Unit is responsible for that element of the Radiation Accident Response Act which allows for the purchase of equipment necessary for State, county, and municipal governments to implement the missions assigned to them in the Plans.

The Unit is responsible to support of the State Office of Emergency Management's RERP function by calibration, certification, retrofit, repair, stockpiling and inventory control of radiation protection equipment. Staff respond on a 24 hour basis to all radiological incidents or potential incidents that occur in or threaten New Jersey. The Unit maintains a Nuclear Regulatory Licensed radiological protection program for all licensable radioactive material in the custody of the State Office of Emergency Management. It conducts multi-level radiological training for State, County, Municipal and Private Sector personnel and supervises and monitors all radiological exposures to State Police personnel.

Hazardous Materials Response Unit - (Click to go to new HMRU page)

HMRU has duel areas of responsibilities within its mission. HMRU provides operational response and planning support for force protection for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents to include: CBRNE agent surveillance and detection, identification of CBRNE material, evidence collection, sampling and, decontamination, environmental monitoring, scene management, and resource acquisition and management.

HMRU also provides CBRNE / HazMat training to include: CBRNE / HazMat First Responder programs, CBRNE / HazMat Technician programs, federally funded training programs, and custom designed responder programs for Hospitals, Medical facilities, Local and County OEMS, and Law enforcement agencies.

In 1987 the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Planning Unit was designated through a federal grant to develop and establish a training program to address the OSHA regulations regarding training and response for New Jersey’s first responder community. In early 1988, the HMERP unit designated a technical training committee to formulate the training plan and develop the necessary and required components for presentation to the various first responder agencies. This committee was compromised of all emergency response disciplines, NJSP, local PD’s, Fire, EMS, HazMat Teams and state and county government agencies. Through these endeavors, the HazMat Training program was the leading response training program throughout the nation. HMERP Unit was responsible for more responders being trained than other similar programs in the US. In 1999 the Unit was re-designated to the Domestic Preparedness / Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Planning Unit. The primary mission was still training and planning assistance to response agencies and now took on emerging Domestic Preparedness duties.

In February 2004, the NJSP in response to the World Trade Center attack, anthrax responses, and the other emerging threats, created the Homeland Security Branch and Special Operations Section. DPHMERP was re-designated again to the Hazardous Materials Response Unit (HMRU) and along with the training, planning and assistance duties, was tasked with Operational capabilities.

NJSP HMRU Training Programs: The training programs provided by the NJSP HMRU address the requirements for individuals who will be responding to hazardous materials incidents. The NJSP HMRU has provided a tiered training curriculum that coincides with those established under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR Part 1910.120 (including non-mandatory Appendix E), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 471 standard, the revised NFPA 472 standard, and the U.S. Department of Transportation National Curriculum.

The NJSP-HMRU has also incorporated National Fire fighter standards developed under the National Fire Protection Association. The New Jersey Right To Know training have been added in order to reduce training repetition All hazmat courses are updated to include modules on terrorism/WMD/CBRNE response.

Response Capabilities & Primary Missions of the HMRU: Field analytical and response assessment capabilities HMRU has several pieces of technology to analyze and evaluate unknown materials in the field and re-transmit data collected to others stations for reach-back capability and further investigatory and confirmatory determination. HMRU has the ability to sustain operations for a protracted period as required to provide support and assistance to NJSP assets and local agencies.

HMRU has the ability to begin fully operational support with the addition of Truck 152. SUV vehicles are utilized for rapid response and assessment. Vehicles are equipped with several pieces of both electronic and field survey detection and sampling mediums, as well as personal protective equipment and simple personal decontamination.

Exercise Unit

The Exercise Unit was established by the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force and is comprised of representatives from the State Police Emergency Management Section, the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the Division of Fire Safety. Its first priority is the development and delivery of Domestic Preparedness Exercises for all levels of government and the private sector, although the Unit still maintains the responsibility for sponsoring and/or supporting “all- hazards” exercises for government and private business and industry throughout the state. The second priority of the Unit is the coordination and production of after-action evaluation reports and improvement action plans following the conduct of exercises, particularly those funded through the state’s federal homeland security grant. As part of this charge, the Unit also utilizes EMPG funding from FE MA, when available to provide financial assistance to opportunistic local jurisdictions and agencies/disciplines seeking to make corrective/improvement modifications to their systems or programs following exercises. A third priority is the management of exercise data using federally sponsored databases. The unit also maintains the administrative obligation for maintaining program currency with federal and/or state requirements for incident management and exercise methodology. The Unit also collaborates with the Field Training Unit in delivering Exercise Design and Evaluation Courses for the expanding emergency management community.

Urban Search and Rescue

The unit coordinates and completes the administrative requirements for New Jersey Task Force One (NJ-TF1), including personnel and training database management. They are able to coordinate the efforts to keep NJ-TF1 at a state of readiness commensurate to the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Response System. They also develop, deliver, and/or coordinate Urban Search & Rescue related training i.e. Structural Collapse Operations & Technician, Trench Collapse Operations, Confines Space Operations, Rope Rescue (Basic & Advanced), and Swift water Rescue Technician. They are also able to run training programs to ensure that they meet and do not exceed the requirements that are set forth by the FEMA US&R System.

New Jersey Task Force One

New Jersey Task Force One (NJ-TF1) provides advanced search and rescue capabilities to victims trapped or entombed in structurally collapsed buildings. Specially trained in advanced level search and rescue capabilities, NJ-TF1 members provide efficient and effective rescue technologies in a planned and measured response system that mirrors Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Fire Protection Association standards and guidelines. The members of NJ-TF1 conduct all search and rescue operations in a professional, ethical, and understanding manner to protect the dignity of any victims and the local response communities that it serves. NJ Task Force One members maintain their skills and abilities in technical rescue training with the goal of total preparation for any incidents that may occur now or in the future requiring deployments to natural or manmade disaster, hurricanes, floods, conflagrations, explosions, earthquakes, or weapons of mass destruction incidents that are beyond the capability of local emergency services.

Federal Surplus Property Program

The Unit has been designated the State Agency for Surplus Property by State Law. The Agency is responsible for the acquisition and distribution within the State, of all donations of surplus property to public agencies and eligible nonprofit tax-exempt activities including health and educational activities and providers of assistance to homeless individuals.

The Unit:

• Screens Federal sites across the nation for the availability and acquisition of Federal Surplus Property, under the guidelines as set forth by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and in response to the adoption of 41CFR-101-44, Federal Management Regulations as amended or supplemented, creating a fair and equitable distribution.
• Operates a Customer Direct Pick Up system for the purpose of procuring desired property requested by eligible agencies. The Unit arranges and coordinates location, allocation and time schedules for the requesting agency to secure and pick up equipment and materials directly at Federal holding sites.
• Maintains membership in the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property. Membership includes the participation in the Overseas Program which is a consortium of State Agencies for Surplus Property who have banded together for the specific purpose of viewing, procuring, relocating, and shipping property located outside the United States that is available from the Federal Government for donation in the United States and its territories.
• Upon Presidential declaration of an emergency or a major disaster locates, procures, transports, and distributes surplus equipment and supplies in accordance with the directions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-288) and Executive Order 12148, as amended.
• Assesses handling charges as may be reasonable and necessary to defray costs incurred by the State in the administration of this program. Executes certifications and enters into cooperative agreements, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, as authorized or required by said Act.
• Designated by the Governor as the Single Point of Contact for the transfer of excess or surplus Department of Defense property that has been deemed suitable for use by State, County, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies seeking non-operational logistical support to assist in counter drug and counter terrorism activities pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997, Section 1033 (Public Law 101-189).

• Public Assistance Unit
• Preparedness Unit
• Mitigation Unit
• Field Training Unit
• Support Services Unit

Public Assistance Unit

The Public Assistance Unit is responsible for managing the Public Assistance Grant Program before, during, and after Presidentially declared disasters or emergencies. During a declared disaster, the State of New Jersey, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides supplemental aid to communities to help them recover from the effects of a disaster as quickly as possible.

The Public Assistance Unit serves as the principal point of contact for the State. As such, it is responsible for conducting preliminary damage assessments to determine the impact and magnitude of damage and the resulting unmet needs of individuals, businesses, the public sector, and the community as a whole. In the aftermath of a disaster, unit personnel are assigned to FEMA/ State Preliminary Damage Assessment Teams, and coordinate the county and municipal damage assessment efforts as well. The results of damage assessment surveys are assembled by the Public Assistance Unit and are presented in a written report for the Governor's consideration.

If federal intervention is requested and approved, the Public Assistance Unit provides information about various federal disaster reimbursement opportunities to officials of all eligible state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as designated private, nonprofit organizations. The Public Assistance Unit is responsible for coordinating Applicants' Briefings and Kickoff Meetings to discuss the parameters of declarations, scope of work activities, eligible categories, and documentation required to receive state and federal assistance. The Unit also provides technical expertise in the preparation and submission of federal grant/loan applications in accordance with the Robert T Stafford Act. The Stafford Act requires that the delivery of eligible assistance be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible, consistent with federal laws and regulations. The Unit maintains appropriate files and develops related procedures that comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and OMB circulars governing standard grant management practices. The Public Assistance staff is also responsible for assisting the Field Training Unit in the coordination and delivery of training programs and seminars related to the disaster reimbursement process.

Preparedness Unit

Preparedness as part of the disaster management cycle is the foundation for reducing losses, as well as easing response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The traditional role of Preparedness has been in devising hazard-specific and multi-hazard plans, and in public outreach and education. As our disasters become more complex and our management of emergencies tends towards multi-hazard integrative efforts, Preparedness can serve as an outstanding "first line of defense" for combating hazard losses and expenditures.

Currently, the Preparedness Unit coordinates a multitude of planning efforts, including maintenance of the State Emergency Operations Plan and the State Emergency Procedures Directory. It also maintains checklists and standardized texts as technical guidance to local government on development of emergency plans and procedures. Hazard-specific plans include Winter Storm, Hurricane, Reverse-Lane Evacuation Plans, and the State Drought Emergency Plan. Important strides have been made in improving our Mental Health, Special Needs, and School Planning initiatives, as well as establishing a growing public outreach program for natural hazards and evacuation. The Unit also maintains liaison and coordination of emergency activities with state departments and various allied support agencies, and is responsible for the readiness of the State Emergency Operations Center. The Unit is an integral player in the implementation of "ETeam" technology for use in the State EOC. Another critical role is the timely notification of the emergency management community of potentially dangerous weather conditions. The Unit administers the NWS "StormReady" Communities program. The Unit also coordinates the State's tidal and inland flood warning programs and systems, and participates in the New York City Evacuation, Trans-Hudson, and Port Authority emergency planning groups.

Mitigation Unit

The Mitigation Unit has the mission of enhancing state, county, and municipal risk reduction through the development and implementation of mitigation strategies. Hazard mitigation, by definition, is any sustained action that prevents or reduces the loss of property or human life from recurring hazards. The Mitigation Unit accomplishes this task by implementing and administering several grant based programs in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The primary programs administered are Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Pre-Disaster Mitigation & Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive (PDM & PDM-C), and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Counties and municipalities are made aware of these programs through letters announcing upcoming grants for which eligible communities in their jurisdiction may apply. Additional workshops are held to further explain available programs, and municipalities are encouraged to apply for grant funds. Upon receiving completed applications, NJOEM will then narrow down the list of prospective applicants based on existing plans and potential project needs.

Follow-up is conducted through extensive use of e-mail communications and phone contact. The State Hazard Mitigation Team will convene to review all applications for funding. Approved project applications and planning grant information are forwarded to FEMA for review and approval.

Upon notification of approval from FEMA, members of the Mitigation Unit notify appropriate municipalities of the award. NJOEM personnel conduct workshops and participate in public meetings with the goal of successfully completing the grant process. Additional workshops are held around the State with presentations given to explain the various programs and their benefits to potential participants.

Program partnerships with resource agencies such as The League of Municipalities, professional, civic, and trade-based organizations are utilized to disseminate information as well as garner public input and inquires. During a post-disaster period, Mitigation Unit personnel will work closely with all involved communities to assist with the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the same manner as is done with Pre-Disaster programs.

Field Training Unit

The Field Training Unit is responsible for conducting emergency management training courses for state, county, municipal, and private sector individuals who have emergency management responsibilities or work in related fields. These training programs are designed to assist the public and private sectors in their ability to mitigate, plan for, respond to, and recover from the effects of natural and technological events. All training provided is consistent with training initiatives on the federal level.

The Unit offers a variety of interrelated courses designed specifically to improve the professional, managerial, and technical skills of people involved in the field of emergency management. These state-of-the-art training programs are designed to achieve a comprehensive and integrated emergency management system which addresses all hazards at the local, county and state levels.

Nearly 35 different courses are presented in the adult learning format by teams of experienced, dynamic instructors and subject matter experts. The contributions of the instructors, combined with the interaction of the student body, develop each student's emergency management skills and help them excel in service to their communities.

The Field Training Unit is also actively involved in conducting emergency management-related presentations at conferences, seminars and workshops. The FTU reaches nearly 4,000 students per year in various instructional settings.

Through the coordination of the Field Training Unit, the NJOEM has become a participant in the American Council on Education College Credit (ACE) Recommendation Program. To date, approximately one-third of the courses offered by the NJOEM have been recommended for college credit through ACE.

The Field Training Unit is also responsible for development of the State Community Relations Plan. The CR Plan is implemented following an large-scale emergency or disaster. Working in conjunction with FEMA, NJOEM Community Relations officers work door-to-door in areas impacted by a disaster to collect and disseminate information to and from affected communities; locate individuals who may need special assistance or encouragement to initiate the disaster assistance application process; and identify political, social, religious, ethnic, business, and other interest group leadership for the purpose of developing a team effort in the recovery process,

Support Services Unit

The Support Services Unit coordinates the development of all Citizen Corps Programs (Community Emergency Response Teams, Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, Fire Corps, and Medical Reserve Corps) throughout the State of New Jersey with a special emphasis on the urban areas of the state.

Coordinating interactions with the New Jersey VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters), the Support Services Unit strengthens ties with the New Jersey business community and maintains a liaison with both the National and State emergency management communities.

The Unit's training functions include EMAC (Emergency Management Assistance Compact) system training and A-Team certification to all branches of state, county, and municipal emergency management coordinators.

In terms of preparedness, the Support Services Unit has built and maintains a comprehensive Resource Directory Database of all available emergency response assets in New Jersey.