Responding to a request from the state of Maryland, New Jersey will extend the deployment of 150 state troopers and NJ State Police personnel assisting law enforcement in Baltimore.

NJ State Police prepare to patrol streets in Baltimore
NJ State Police prepare to patrol streets in Baltimore (NJ State Police)
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The initial deployment request and subsequent extension were made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement, according to a press release from the office of the Attorney General. The troopers will remain in the Baltimore area until May 5. At that point, officials will determine if another extension is necessary.

"Under this agreement, all costs associated with the deployment of New Jersey State Police personnel will be covered by the state of Maryland," the Attorney General's office said in a press release.

A team of "command-level" NJ state troopers were deployed to Baltimore earlier this week, according to the Attorney General's office.

"They interfaced with state and local authorities and engaged in discussions about a well-defined mission. The assessment team also prepared the logistical support such as staging areas and communications," the press release states. "As a result of the assessment, 150 State Police personnel arrived in Baltimore Tuesday night with the primary mission to enforce the curfew and maintain public safety and security in the area."

Following a press conference in New Brunswick Wednesday, during which he signed legislation strengthening the state's drug prevention efforts, Gov. Chris Christie was confronted by numerous protesters who opposed the state's decision to send troopers to Maryland to assist during the recent riots.

Christie defended the decision, saying the state sent state troopers to Baltimore for the same reason other states sent help to New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy.
“When there’s an emergency in another area in our region and folks reach out for help, we’re going to reach out and give that help,” he told members of the media as protesters continued to chant their opposition.

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