New Jersey, New York review anti-terror procedures

NEW YORK — Gov. Chris Christie says a review of anti-terror procedures in New Jersey and New York is taking place because of growing overseas threats.

Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo led a security preparedness meeting Monday with public safety leaders from both states and federal officials. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also attended.

Increased activity by the Islamic State militant organization has raised concerns, but no specific threat was identified, though Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who also attended, said Americans "face an evolving potential threat.''

The states' respective homeland security advisers and state police superintendents were directed to ensure that coordinated protocols are in place among law enforcement agencies, Christie said, "to make sure the appropriate amount of intensity is being brought to the task of protecting our region.''

The governors will convene a meeting to review initial recommendations in 10 days. In 30 days, the group will again report directly back to both governors with further findings and recommendations.

Christie said the goal is to strengthen coordination between agencies charged with securing high-risk entry points to financial districts, airports, ports, rail and cyber points.

"We will be vigilant, proactive, and thorough in making sure we have effective protocols to seamlessly cooperate," he said.

"The terrorist network itself is larger, more complicated and more sophisticated than it's ever been,'' Cuomo said.

Christie last week at his birthday celebration and Republican fundraising event last Wednesday joined 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney in taking jabs at President Obama on foreign policy. Christie laughed when Romney cracked, "It's extraordinary that we don't have a president who knows what to do." The exchange took place hours before Obama announced plans to fight the Islamic State group.

Christie said he and Cuomo "have had the opportunity to talk a number of times over the last few days about the seriousness and the intensity of the threat that now faces us, especially in light of the path that President Obama has enunciated in his speech to the nation last week.''